Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Review

In-depth review of Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X & DT 900 Pro X headphones: build & sound.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X & DT 900 Pro X Review

In the world of audio equipment, few names carry as much weight as Beyerdynamic. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, Beyerdynamic has consistently delivered headphones that cater to both professional and audiophile markets. Today, we’re diving deep into the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, two models that promise to uphold this legacy. Joining the review are Sennheiser HD 400 Pro and HD 650 headphones for a comprehensive comparison. What follows is an extensive examination of these headphones, exploring every facet from build quality to sound performance, and ending with some frequently asked questions to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X are essentially siblings, sharing many design and construction elements. Both models boast the newly developed 45mm ‘Stellar.45’ driver. The meticulous attention to detail in their construction is immediately apparent. Beyerdynamic has opted for metals over plastics in most of the structural components, which not only gives the headphones a robust and premium feel but also enhances their durability. The plastic components that are used have a silky black finish that feels pleasant to the touch and looks elegant.

Also Read:- Logitech G Pro X Review: Pro Gaming Headset

Unlike many competitors in their price range, the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X are manufactured in Europe, a testament to Beyerdynamic’s commitment to quality control. The packaging itself is entirely recyclable, reflecting a conscious effort towards sustainability. Included accessories are of high quality and provide practical versatility, featuring 1.8m and 3m cable options, a drawstring travel bag, and a 6.3mm to 3.5mm jack adaptor. The cables connect to the left earcups via a locking mini-XLR-style plug, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

Comfort and Weight

One of the potential drawbacks of the robust construction is the added weight. The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X weigh 105g and 110g more than the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro, respectively. In the realm of headphones, this difference is significant. However, headphone comfort depends on more than just weight. The design includes generous earcup diameter and soft velour padding, which contribute to a cozy and snug fit without excessive clamping force. For users who wear glasses, the design minimizes pressure on the glasses’ arms, enhancing comfort during extended use.

Also Read:- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Consoles

Technical Specifications

Both the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X are wired, passive headphones featuring the same driver, resulting in identical technical specifications for impedance, sensitivity, and frequency response. The ‘Stellar.45’ driver uses a three-layer sandwich-construction diaphragm with a damping layer, driven by a neodymium-iron-boron magnet and a copper-clad aluminum voice coil. The nominal impedance of 48Ω suggests good sensitivity, making these headphones suitable for use with DAW interfaces where they will likely be driven from a headphone amp.

However, caution is advised when pairing these headphones with older smartphones or laptops with limited current delivery or high output impedance. The impedance varies significantly across the audio band, a characteristic shared with speaker drivers. This nominal impedance typically represents the minimum value, as shown in measurements using audio test gear like the Dayton Audio DATS V3.

Measuring Performance

To illustrate the impedance curves of the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X alongside the Sennheiser models, Diagram 1 shows the measurements. The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X have measured minimum impedance values of 50Ω, closely aligning with the specified 48Ω. The Sennheiser models exhibit significantly higher impedances, especially the HD 650, which is less suitable for driving with smartphones.

Further, Diagram 2 presents FuzzMeasure headphone frequency response measurements using a Neumann KU100 dummy head. The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X display similar response curves, with the DT 700 Pro X showing slightly more variations due to its closed-back design. This design likely causes some energy radiated from the back of the driver to reflect back, introducing anomalies in the frequency response.

Also Read:- Logitech G Pro X2: Ultimate Gaming Evolution

The frequency response of the Sennheiser models, particularly the HD 400 Pro, is notably linear through the midrange, whereas the HD 650 shows a falling high-frequency response, contributing to its reputation for a warm, natural balance.

Waterfall Plots Analysis

Comparing open-back and closed-back versions of essentially the same headphone design is rare, making this review particularly insightful. Waterfall plots derived from the KU100 dummy head measurements illustrate how the output of the headphones decays from a steady state. Diagram 3 (DT 900 Pro X) and Diagram 4 (DT 700 Pro X) show this decay across the 20Hz to 20kHz audio band.

The DT 900 Pro X exhibits a rapid decay across most of the band, with some persistence around the driver’s fundamental resonance. The DT 700 Pro X shows similar behavior above 1kHz but has an additional slower decay region from 100Hz to 500Hz, likely due to the closed-back architecture.

Listening Experience

Comfort and measurements are one thing, but the real test is the listening experience. Despite their heavier weight compared to the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro, both Beyerdynamic models proved comfortable for extended use. The build quality and design contribute to a pleasant wearing experience without excessive head clamping.

In terms of sound quality, both models excel. The DT 900 Pro X, with its open-back design, offers a naturally balanced, open sound that’s free of quirks and colorations—ideal for serious audio production. It is more sensitive than the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro and has a slightly warmer balance. The differences are minor, and both headphones deliver excellent performance, making it hard to choose a preference between them.

Also Read:- Elite Gaming: Arctis Nova Pro

Switching to the closed-back DT 700 Pro X reveals a similarly high level of performance, albeit with some distinctions. The closed-back design introduces a slight low midrange bloom, making subjective judgment of tonal character slightly more challenging. However, the acoustic isolation and lack of leakage offered by the DT 700 Pro X are advantages that the open-back DT 900 Pro X cannot match.

Despite initial concerns about the weight, the Beyerdynamic models’ sturdy construction and exceptional sound quality quickly dispelled any doubts. Whether for mixing, mastering, or tracking, the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X are highly capable headphones that can stand up to the competition.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Outstanding subjective performance from both models.
• High sensitivity.
• Sturdy, professional feel to construction.
• Major components replaceable.

Cons:

• A bit weighty (but it really didn’t bother me).

Summary

With numerous capable mixing and tracking headphone options available, the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X distinguish themselves through their exceptional build quality, sound performance, and professional-grade design. They are solid choices for anyone in need of high-quality headphones for audio production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the key differences between the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X?

• The primary difference lies in their design: the DT 900 Pro X is an open-back model, while the DT 700 Pro X is closed-back. This affects their sound characteristics and suitability for different environments. The open-back DT 900 Pro X offers a more natural and expansive sound, while the closed-back DT 700 Pro X provides better isolation and prevents sound leakage.

Q2: Are these headphones suitable for casual listening?

• While both models are designed with professional use in mind, their high-quality sound makes them suitable for casual listening as well. The DT 900 Pro X, in particular, with its open-back design, is excellent for home use where isolation isn’t a primary concern.

Q3: Can I use the DT 900 Pro X or DT 700 Pro X with my smartphone?

• These headphones have a nominal impedance of 48Ω, which is relatively low and suggests good sensitivity. However, older smartphones or those with limited current delivery and high output impedance might struggle to drive these headphones effectively. For the best experience, a dedicated headphone amplifier or a high-quality DAW interface is recommended.

Q4: How do these headphones compare to the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro and HD 650?

• The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X offer comparable, if not superior, performance to the Sennheiser models. The DT 900 Pro X, in particular, provides a warm and natural sound similar to the HD 650 but with higher sensitivity. The closed-back DT 700 Pro X offers better isolation compared to both Sennheiser models.

Q5: Are the components of these headphones replaceable?

• Yes, Beyerdynamic has designed these headphones with replaceable components. This feature extends the lifespan of the headphones, allowing users to replace parts as needed rather than the entire unit.

Also Read:- Corsair HS55: Budget Audio Ace

Q6: How do the weight and build quality impact comfort during extended use?

• Despite being heavier than some competitors, the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X are designed for comfort. The generous earcup diameter, soft velour padding, and balanced clamping force ensure a comfortable fit even during long listening sessions. Users who wear glasses will appreciate the minimal pressure on the glasses’ arms.

Q7: What accessories are included with these headphones?

• The DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X come with 1.8m and 3m cable options, a drawstring travel bag, and a 6.3mm to 3.5mm jack adaptor. The cables connect securely to the left earcup using a locking mini-XLR-style plug.

Q8: Are these headphones suitable for professional audio production?

• Absolutely. Both the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X deliver the kind of balanced, accurate sound that is essential for professional audio production tasks such as mixing and mastering. Their high sensitivity and detailed sound reproduction make them valuable tools in any audio professional’s arsenal.

In conclusion, the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X are impressive entries in the realm of professional headphones. Their exceptional build quality, replaceable components, and outstanding sound performance make them well worth considering for both professional and casual users. Whether you’re in a studio or at home, these headphones promise a rich and reliable listening experience.