I am ready for an upgrade in studio headphones. I’ve been using Audio-Technica ATH-M50s [Tape Op #63] for many years, and they have been a trusty companion. But I’m looking for wider imaging, extended frequency response, and an easily replaceable headband. After some research, I found that the beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X closed-back studio headphones check all these boxes.
I thought it would be a good idea to start by A/B’ing the DT 700 Pro Xs with my ATH-M50s using my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 interface. It was easy to A/B, as the Scarlett has two headphone jacks. The first thing I listened to was the title track from Allan Holdsworth’s Road Games (fun fact: produced by Ted Templeman) off an AIFF file pulled from the CD. The DT 700 Pro Xs are an upgrade for sure with their frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz. The transients and the bass have a nice presence, but definitely not in a hyped way. I can hear the attack of the ride cymbal clearly but pleasantly, and the STELLAR.45 drivers deliver the lows with clarity without sounding boosted.