Short answer: the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. It ranks #63 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $154.99; the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ranks #89, rated 3.8/5, and costs $158, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. Watch for: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp.
Why pick the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. Watch for: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble.
Buy the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $154.99 | $158.00 |
| Ranked | #63 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #89 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.31 dB standard deviation | 2.01 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 80 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL | 99 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Weight | - | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
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How Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro compares with other leading options:
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- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- AKG K612 Pro vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
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
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: $154.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. The closed back isolates well for tracking or noisy rooms. At 80 ohms and 96 dB SPL it works with most interfaces and decent amps.
Cons: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp. The deviation of 2.3 dB is the least smooth of the group. The 80 ohm impedance is demanding for a phone alone.
Full Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.1 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 | -3.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,430 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.97 |
| Peak | 3,684 Hz | +6.8 dB | 2.88 |
| Peak | 213 Hz | +3.5 dB | 2.46 |
| Peak | 139 Hz | -3.9 dB | 4.92 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -5.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 93 Hz | +3.5 dB | 3.00 |
| Peak | 9,561 Hz | +2.3 dB | 1.86 |
| Peak | 45 Hz | -1.3 dB | 1.74 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | -2.1 dB | 5.83 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: $158.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: This closed back has a very smooth response, with a deviation of 2.0 dB and the largest peak only 1.2 dB near 4.3 kHz, so it avoids harshness. Sub-bass is on target and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 3 dB above, which gives clean, punchy bass, and the preference score is 78. At 38 ohms and 99 dB/mW it is easy to drive from a phone, it weighs 285 g and it isolates from noise.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble. The warm, bass lifted balance is not neutral enough for critical listening. It is a closed back, so bass has less airiness than the open backs in this class.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.01 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.1 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 | +0.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 156 Hz | -5.2 dB | 0.73 |
| Peak | 326 Hz | +5.3 dB | 1.59 |
| Peak | 7,077 Hz | +2.8 dB | 2.22 |
| Peak | 3,483 Hz | +2.1 dB | 5.82 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 45 Hz | -1.1 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 66 Hz | +1.4 dB | 3.59 |
| Peak | 787 Hz | -0.5 dB | 1.79 |
| Peak | 1,640 Hz | +0.9 dB | 3.41 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons