Beyerdynamic, one of the oldest and most respected headphone brands, is celebrating its 100th anniversary by refreshing one of its classic models: the closed-back DT 770 Pro. This special edition, called the DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition, is a ‘time-limited’ release and is among the best headphones I’ve ever used.
Retailing for $349 in Australia, this anniversary edition features Beyer’s new STELLAR.45 drivers, a lightweight metal frame, super comfortable ear cushions, and a detachable 3-pin mini XLR connector. Designed for professional studio use, the DT 770 Pro X LE is perfect for musicians and producers who demand top-notch audio quality. Gamers, too, will appreciate its excellent audio clarity, staging, and imaging.
As a proud owner of the DT 900 Pro X, which also uses the STELLAR.45 drivers but in an open-back design, I wasn’t surprised by the exceptional sound quality of the DT 770 Pro X LE. While I personally prefer the DT 900 Pro X, it is heavier and costs $100 more. For most users, the DT 770 Pro X LE offers a very similar audio experience at a more accessible price.
Design and build
Anyone familiar with Beyerdynamic headphones will immediately recognize the DT 770 Pro X LE. The black metal frame, large circular ear cushions, and padded headband are unmistakable. Despite being a special edition, the design isn’t flashy, which might appeal to those who use them daily. The most noticeable features are the metallic “DT 770 Pro X” emblazoned on each earcup and the limited edition logo on the join between the headband and ear cups.
The materials are top-notch. The steel spring headband is wrapped in a soft, leather-like material that is replaceable via metal button clasps. It offers excellent comfort and good size adjustment. The clamping force is a bit tight out of the box but loosens up over a couple of days. The ear cushions are large and very cushy (pun intended). They have a soft material that sits gently against the skin, preventing irritation, while the massive circular pads completely envelop your ears.
These cushions are easily replaceable, which is great for longevity. Combined with a fairly tight clamping force, the headphones provide a great sound seal. Weighing just 305g without the cable, the DT 770 Pro X LE is supremely comfortable for all-day wear. For reference, they feel lighter and more comfortable than my 345g DT 900 Pro X.
The DT 770 Pro X LE is a wired headphone, so there are no controls on the body. It features a 3-pin Mini XLR connector for the cable. In the box, you get a 3m long straight cable terminating in a 3.5mm plug, along with a 1/4” adapter. The cable is rubber-coated and doesn’t feel as premium as the headphones deserve—I would have expected braided and coiled.
That said, it’s plenty long for any setup and has no cable noise feeding into the headset, a huge problem I had with the excellent Corsair Virtuoso Pro’s. You can also swap it out for a custom cable if you want. While I can’t speak to the long-term durability of the DT 770 Pro X LE, judging by my two-year-old DT 900 Pro X, I expect these to last a very long time indeed.
Sound and gaming
As we’ve already stated, the DT 770 Pro X LE has been updated with Beyerdynamic’s excellent STELLAR.45 dynamic drivers. With a nominal impedance of 48 ohms, they don’t require much power to drive, making them perfect for use with phones or console controllers while still delivering loud, high-quality audio. The drivers have a frequency response of 5 – 40,000 Hz, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the audio spectrum.
Out of the box, the DT 770 Pro X LE features a V-shaped sound signature, characterized by strong bass and highs with a subdued midrange. Simply put, they sound fantastic, providing a head-bobbing experience with the beats of Notorious BIG while delivering crystal-clear vocals. Listening to music is a pleasure thanks to the rich sub-bass and sharp detailing that lets you clearly hear every instrument. The impressive layering allows you to separate different instruments, making tracks like “An Eye for an Eye” from The Last of Us Part II soundtrack truly shine with their impact and kick.
These audio traits translate exceptionally well into gaming. The DT 770 Pro X LE excels in conveying the depth and breadth of game worlds, providing detailed and clear directionality that lets you pinpoint sounds accurately. This is particularly useful in FPS games, where the rumbling gunfire can easily drown out enemy footsteps. With these headphones, you get laser-focused audio cues, enhancing your situational awareness.
The benefits extend beyond FPS games. In single-player narratives, the DT 770 Pro X LE delivers phenomenal sound. In Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, the voices of the Furies feel as if they are whispering directly into your ears, creating an immersive experience. Still Wakes the Deep captures the eerie emptiness of the oil rig and the tormented crew mates, amplifying the game’s tension and atmosphere.
Since the DT 770 Pro X LE is easy to drive, plugging it into your PlayStation 5 or Xbox controller opens up a new level of audio clarity. Even without being designed specifically for spatial audio, they perform admirably with PlayStation Tempest 3D Audio. Atmospheric games like The Last of Us Part II sound incredibly immersive, with a sense of scale and openness that you wouldn’t expect from closed-back headphones.
Verdict
The DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition is a fantastic celebration of 100 years of Beyerdynamic, and I have seriously enjoyed my time reviewing them. It’s not often that I pick a wired headphone over the convenience of a wireless headset, but I’ve consistently found myself returning to the DT 770 Pro X LE throughout the day, even while reviewing other headsets. That should say something.
I love a headphone that just sounds so clean, detailed, and yet still superbly bassy when needed — all without fiddling with EQ settings (though you can still do that if you please). The DT 770 Pro X LE is an excellent addition to the Beyerdynamic family. It’s a shame that it is a limited run, so if you aren’t quick, they might stop making them. Nevertheless, there’s always the DT 700 Pro X, which is very close in design and spec but will cost you $449.
Personally, I would still pick the DT 900 Pro X open-back if the price were equal, as I feel the sound is just a tad better and more natural than the DT 770 Pro X LE. But if closed-back is what you want, then this is definitely one of the best mainstream headphones for gaming and music listening.
Beyerdynamic Australia kindly loaned the DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
