Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. It ranks #102 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $239. The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition ranks #121, rated 3.6/5, at $229.99, $9.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x: Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the upper mids sit within about 0.3 dB of the Harman target, so the core of the sound is well balanced. The catch: Treble is rolled off, about 2.7 dB under target from 6 to 10 kHz and 3 dB under above that, with a deep 10.9 dB dip near 10.6 kHz that dulls cymbal shimmer and air.
The case for the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition: Oratory1990’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72, and sub-bass is lifted about 4 dB with a boost of 5 dB at 30 Hz, so electronic and hip hop tracks hit with real rumble. The tradeoff: An 8.5 dB peak near 6.4 kHz and treble about 4 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz can make sibilance and cymbals sound sharp, while a 5 dB dip near 3 kHz pulls vocals back.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $9.01 with the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M60x | Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.00 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #102 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #121 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.73 dB standard deviation | 3.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.05 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.3 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+5.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 48 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 98 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) | 0.7 lbs (305 g) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Audio-Technica ATH-M60x:
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- Audio-Technica ATH-M60x vs Sennheiser HD 599
- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition vs Sennheiser HD 599
- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition vs Fairphone Fairbuds XL
- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition vs Sony MDR-CD900ST
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Audio-Technica ATH-M60x: $239.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the upper mids sit within about 0.3 dB of the Harman target, so the core of the sound is well balanced. At 38 ohms, 102 dB/mW and 220 g it is easy to drive from a phone and light to wear. The closed back keeps outside noise down for monitoring and commuting.
Cons: Treble is rolled off, about 2.7 dB under target from 6 to 10 kHz and 3 dB under above that, with a deep 10.9 dB dip near 10.6 kHz that dulls cymbal shimmer and air. Sub-bass is about 3.8 dB light and the low mids about 2.3 dB light, which thins the lowest notes and vocal warmth. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x holds a higher rating for far less money.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-M60x review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.73 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.3 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 76 Hz | -5.5 dB | 0.37 |
| Peak | 413 Hz | +7.7 dB | 2.02 |
| Peak | 1,291 Hz | -3.3 dB | 1.36 |
| Peak | 3,293 Hz | +3.5 dB | 4.84 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +1.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,147 Hz | -2.8 dB | 5.09 |
| Peak | 2,517 Hz | +0.8 dB | 3.32 |
| Peak | 4,312 Hz | -1.6 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 234 Hz | -0.6 dB | 4.42 |
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Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition: $229.99 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Oratory1990’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72, and sub-bass is lifted about 4 dB with a boost of 5 dB at 30 Hz, so electronic and hip hop tracks hit with real rumble. The closed back isolates well for recording or noisy rooms. At 48 ohms and 98 dB/mW it plays loudly enough from most phones and interfaces, and it weighs 305 g.
Cons: An 8.5 dB peak near 6.4 kHz and treble about 4 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz can make sibilance and cymbals sound sharp, while a 5 dB dip near 3 kHz pulls vocals back. The 3.3 dB standard deviation marks it as a less even response, and the AKG K240 MKII is rated higher for less money.
Full Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X Limited Edition review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 48 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB SPL/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+5.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.05 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (305 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.0 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -3.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,299 Hz | -7.5 dB | 1.45 |
| Peak | 255 Hz | +6.8 dB | 1.74 |
| Peak | 145 Hz | -5.9 dB | 2.39 |
| Peak | 3,454 Hz | +6.3 dB | 2.55 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 83 Hz | +3.2 dB | 2.91 |
| Peak | 2,268 Hz | -2.1 dB | 4.62 |
| Peak | 46 Hz | -1.0 dB | 1.61 |
| Peak | 112 Hz | -1.9 dB | 3.99 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons