The Beyerdynamic DT 770 is a closed-back headphone designed for those who want great sound isolation, punchy bass, and smooth mids in a comfortable package. My review is based on the 80Ω Pro/Studio model. Perfect for studio work, gaming, or casual listening, it offers a lot of versatility for the price. At $230 CAD regular, $190 on sale, and $120-140 used, the DT 770 delivers an impressive value proposition.
The 770 is commonly available in 32, 80, and 250Ω versions—more ohms equals harder to drive. It also comes in various trims: standard, pro, studio, and premium. The pro and studio are identical, just different branding and have a higher clamping force than normal. The hard-to-find premium edition has an upgraded headband and 23, 250, and 600Ω versions. Finally there's the DT 770 M with extreme noise isolation for percussionists but a reduced soundstage.
The DT 770 80Ω is reasonably easy to drive from many devices. It needs 25 mW of power and 1.4V to reach a recommended 110 dB, or 8 mW and 0.8V will get it to a good enough 105 dB of volume. If you do need more power for them than your source has, Apple's North American USB-C audio adapter provides 12.5 mW at 80Ω and 1V of power for $10, which is good enough. Just be warned that the European version only provides 0.5V.
In the box, you’ll find the headphones, a fixed 10 foot, 3.5mm cable with an attached 6.3mm adapter, and a pouch. Most come with the classic silver ear pads, but there are many all-black limited editions out there as well.
"The headphones are designed for critical music and sound monitoring, providing a perfectly neutral listening environment with exceptional isolation and top-notch impulse response. High frequencies are translated into an analytical and differentiated sound. Ultra-low bass sounds are defined and reproduced crisply."
While they’re great for critical listening, the treble can be harsh and fatiguing without EQ, and the bass, while punchy, is a little weak on sub-bass extension.
"The soft velour ear pads also offer breathability for a high level of comfort and long-lasting durability."
True.
"At 375 grams, including the cable, the headphones are surprisingly light and yet sturdy - so nothing stands in the way of Iong studio sessions."
They are lightweight and sturdy, but the pro/studio variant’s extra clamp force might be uncomfortable for some during extended use and require breaking in.
"The DT 770 PRO headphones are and always have been handcrafted in Germany. We are particularly proud of the durability of our products, because all the components used are replaceable if necessary."
The build quality is solid with proven durability. While the fixed cable is unfortunate, there are guides to modifying the cable if you're feeling adventurous. Beyerdynamic is still selling many replacement parts directly.
Out now, the DT 770 Pro X uses Beyer's new 45mm drivers for enhanced clarity and treble.
Between the three siblings: the DT 770, 880, and 990; without a doubt my favourite is the DT 770.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 is a comfortable and fun headphone with a lot to like. The velour pads are soft and breathable, but as someone who prefers leather pads, I found the comfort improved significantly after swapping them out. As a pro/studio headphone the clamping force is a bit stronger than most people will be used to. If you do find them too tight, stretching them over some books for a short time helps. Overall, the build quality is excellent, as expected from Beyerdynamic; though, I have heard the leather on their new Pro X models have peeling issues.
Sonically, the DT 770 delivers punchy and satisfying bass, especially with EQ to boost the sub-bass and a little more rumble to explosions. The bass has some muddiness but still hits hard, making it a great choice for bass-heavy tracks and gaming. The mids are full, smooth, and natural, giving vocals and instruments a pleasing presence. The treble, while detailed, leans harsh on some tracks, though it responds decently to EQ adjustments. This does have Beyerdynamic's signature brightness which many find fatiguing and, those sensitive to treble, find painful. On the 770 I don't find it nearly as off-putting on as I do on the 990 most likely because of how much more present the bass is—I think it balances out pretty well.
The soundstage is surprisingly spacious for a closed-back headphone, with decent verticality and excellent imaging. This makes the DT 770 a great closed-back option for gaming, where positional audio cues like footsteps and directional sounds are important. Whether you’re listening to music, gaming, or working in the studio, the DT 770 is an all-around solid performer and I have personally had quite a few work their way in and out of my collection from trades.
The DT 770 is an easy recommendation for gamers, casual listeners, and studio users alike. With great bass, smooth mids, and solid imaging, it’s a versatile and fun headphone. At its usual sale and used prices it was one of the best bang-for-the-buck options out there.