CLASSICALLY GOOD SOUND
If you’re looking for a full-size headphone to listen to classical music right out of your portable player, then there is no better choice than the Beyerdynamic DT660. Not only is the sound perfectly suited for classical music, but the isolation provided by the closed back ear cups is perfect for office use.
THE FIT & FINISH
These, like other Beyerdynamic full-size headphones are extremely comfortable. The ear cups encapsulate the ear in soft black velour. I am able to sleep in these – and sure enough, I have! It’s easy to lie down with because of the one-sided cable. But perhaps the most impressive feat of this headphone’s design is the superb amount of isolation offered by the closed back design. While these do not have an active noise cancellation feature, they attenuate outside noise very well – the best I have heard for a headphone without an active noise canceling feature.
WHAT ABOUT THE SOUND?
These headphones are a classical lover’s dream. Out of a portable player I find they offer a more realistic portrayal of orchestral, chamber and piano works than any other headphone I have encountered. The bass is not overwhelming here. Many headphones emphasize bass for the visceral effect it has. With many genres this coloration is a fantastic enhancement, but with classical music, this coloration can often detract from the listening experience. The DT660 are extremely EXTREMELY flat/neutral – to the point where some listeners may find that it lacks a bit of a “wow-factor”. The mid-range feels flat and the treble while nicely extended has some slight roll-off in the higher end of the region, presumably to reduce fatigue. Those who pair the DT660 with electric instrumentation (pop/rock) and/or heavy percussion (hip-hop/reggae) will probably perceive them as excessively bright and or lacking in weight and depth. But for classical music these headphones are a great success.
IN THE STUDIO
When recording orchestral musicians onto a prerecorded track, I often reach for these. The closed-back design prevents much sound from reaching the microphone. The headphones are tuned in a way which spotlights most acoustic instruments and therefore I don’t typically EQ the cue-mix.
LAST WORD
Very rarely do I feel that headphone was tailored with a specific-type listener in mind. If you find that your iPod has been unable to satisfy your desire for realistic classical presentation, then the DT660 are the headphones you are looking for. They are tuned with the ear that prefers air over oomph.
FULL SIZE FOR PORTABLE USE RATING CHART
| Sound Quality |
9.5 (tuned for neutrality - best with classical music) |
| Comfort |
9 |
| Design & Features |
8.5 |
| Isolation |
7 |
| Value |
10 |