Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII Review

When it comes to professional studio headphones, Beyerdynamic has consistently set the standard for sound quality and design. The DT 1770 PRO MKII is the latest evolution in their lineup, with the DT 1990 Pro MKII along with it. Packed with cutting-edge Tesla.45 dynamic drivers and a suite of premium accessories, the MKII is designed to redefine your listening experience. But how does it stack up in terms of soundstage, comfort, and overall value? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the DT 1770 PRO MKII a compelling choice for studio professionals and discerning listeners.

What You Get

• DT 1170 PRO MKII Headphones
• Velour ear pads
• Leatherette ear pads
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4″) lockable stereo jack plug
• 3-pin XLR plug to 3.5mm 3m straight cable
• 3-pin XLR plug to 3.5mm 5m coiled cable
• High-quality hard case
• Beyerdynamic Warranty

Look & Feel

In terms of general looks, not much has changed between the original DT 1770 and the new MKII. There are more subtle differences in its earcup logo design that make the headphones slightly sleeker. It’s a very minimal update, but it keeps the 1770 feeling modern. Then there’s the fit, which also shares some similarities with the original. They both have the same pinch to them, which some people might not be a fan of, but it doesn’t bother me. I think it secures the cups tightly, and the padding is comfortable enough to give you a snug fit.

Design

Like a lot of Beyerdynamic’s newer headphones, the DT 1770 MKII uses their latest Tesla.45 dynamic drivers. The key to this driver is its ability to stabilize signal clarity at high volumes, effectively dropping the impedance significantly compared to the original model. It drops from 250 Ohms to 30 Ohms, making the 1770 MKII easier to drive from most standard headphone outputs. Even switching the cable to the USB-C or lightning option will allow for efficient loudness.

Soundstage

A good closed-back headphone in this price range should aim for a clean separation of channels, which the 1770 does no problem doing. Their studio headphones offer accurate spatial imaging and width that feel concrete to the intended mix. With the MKII, the soundstage expands on everything, providing more height and circumaural dimension. Even though it’s closed-back, the MKII’s headspace appears more like a sphere. It can be filled out with more scale, displaying a soundstage with more depth than the original. Sound elements jump out in front of you, and the layering can put proper distance between other instruments.  You get a better idea of the angle of instruments through the imaging, giving the MKII a more live, in-studio feel. It’s a closed-back headphone where almost none sounds like it’s coming from inside your head, and that’s a big feat.

Low End

There’s more heft to the bass frequencies this time around compared to the original DT 1770, but it doesn’t feature more impact. The lows keep to a strictly dynamic response, offering good clarity and detail while also being neutral in timbre. You’ll find individual bass instruments like bass guitar and strings give you the most vibration, but it’s a very delicate response. The foundations of the bass are always on display, giving the MKII a ton of depth here, but don’t expect any added texture or sweeteners. It’s a grounded bass with tons to offer in terms of raw power, but it is still very selective in terms of direct punch.

Mids

The midrange is clean as a whistle, and exactly where you want it to be for a pair of studio headphones. Individual notes have a distinct hit, as transients are reproduced with great finesse. Everything is set on an even playing field, flatly displaying frequencies with incredible polish. Its tone is very refined, resulting in instruments that have a tone of liveliness and realism to them. Vocals are crisp and stand out right in front of you, occupying a large surface area that the MKII handles with grace.

Highs

If you’re worried about Beyerdynamic’s hot streak in the treble, I don’t think you need to worry that much with the 1770 MKII. There’s a clear glisten to it, but I find it more reserved this time around as nothing ever feels peaky. While there are definitely bright areas, it’s used to show off glittery details and clear treble. The height of the MKII is expanded a lot here, all while maintaining a tight grip on how much the sound signature can handle.

Summary

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO MKII headphones strike a fine balance between precision and versatility, making them an ideal choice for studio professionals and audiophiles. With significant improvements in soundstage, dynamic range, the MKII refines an already exceptional design. Whether you’re captivated by the crystal-clear mids, the immersive soundstage, or the refined bass, the DT 1770 PRO MKII delivers a listening experience that’s both analytical and enjoyable. If you’re seeking headphones that excel in both performance and build quality, the DT 1770 PRO MKII is undoubtedly worth the investment.

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII is available at Audio46.