The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro is a headphone that's been around for a very long time, and it's likely one that needs no introduction. In case you need a refresher on the basics of this classic set, though, the DT770 Pro is a closed-back, dynamic driver headphone that'll set you back around $150 if you're interested in buying one today.
My experience with the Beyer DT770 Pro is that it’s hardly “built like a tank” seeing as the left ear cup keeps coming apart from the headband. Perhaps it’s a fault in this particular unit but since it’s still in the Amazon 30 day return window off it goes to the UPS store tomorrow for a refund.
I’ve used these a lot in the studio, mainly for tracking, but when mixing, I notice the Beyer 990s (especially open back) are a super popular choice for engineers. Any thoughts on those/the big differences between the 770s and 990s? I’ve always appreciated Beyerdynamic as a brand in the Pro Audio space. I never see them at audio shows though!
I love the Beyer 880 600ohm with my Folkvangr. Bought it because I wanted to try a beast mode resistance phone given the FV’s characteristics. Totally deliver. Don’t love 'em with my Mjolnir 2. Jotunheim, SMSL M500, Piety, or other amps. MJ2 is ok, but not great. So with right pairing I think they’re fantastic. Realize that 880 isn’t 770. But in the right situation, I like 770’s way way more than I thought I was going to like any Beyers given what I’d heard about them.
Perhaps I’m in the wrong forum to ask but…how’d they run straight-up, no DAC/Amp? I.E. How was the ‘control variable performance’ if we want to make it sound scientific. I have tried the 770s and 990s through a stack and boy they sing, but often when mixing or tracking, one doesn’t always have a nice stack at their disposal, especially portable, where headphones are most useful to engineers.
Sorry, so how do you mean? When they were plugged into an iPhone dongle? Doubt you’d be mixing using that either… so what’s the actual use case? (sorry, not an engiineer, so this is foreign to me).
As a rule of thumb, any set of 80 ohm headphones will play “pretty well” on a phone, tablet, PC, or studio equipment. They are not electrically demanding, and 80 ohm devices historically lacked the potential of 300 or 600 ohm headphones (dynamic drivers).
It’s not possible to run abstractly “straight up,” as every digital source has a DAC and an amp. The “straight up” ones are merely embedded and not named. To my ears embedded/basic sources tend to be flatter, harsher, less extended, and subject to artifacts. Almost any amp I’ve used with 80 ohm headphones will play plenty loud enough. If your mixing or tracking off a common AKM or ESS DAC then it’ll likely sound pretty decent and comparable to many audiophile stacks.
Very durable, strong headphones. First time I saw them was in the library, many moons ago, where people/visitors were playing and selecting the CD’s to borrow. Bought 32 Ohm version for portable player, almost a decade ago, and sometimes I still use them at home. Also have the 80 Ohm version, those do sound somewhat different. I might have also had a 250 Ohm version in the past, can not remember anymore.
I mensioned 32 Ohm for portable devices, and while they play well I would not be taking them outside the house (except to the beach house, of course). Even with the leather like pads on them they do take the street noice in very easily. Quite fine for home, studio or even on the train. Not for the street.