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REVIEW: Beyer Dynamic DT-931 Headphones

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Model: DT-931
Category: Headphones
Suggested Retail Price: $319
Description: TOTL Around-The-Ear Open Headphones
Manufacturer URL: Beyer Dynamic
Model Picture: View

Review by Todd Krieger on December 15, 2001 at 12:22:02
IP Address: 208.176.168.144
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for the DT-931


These large headphones from Beyerdynamic may be the closest to a "Stax Earspeaker" sound from a plug-in dynamic set. Given good upstream source and electronics, which is requisite, the DT-931 headphones will get out of the way of the music, producing sweet, balanced sonics, with no discernable quirks throughout the frequency range. These 'phones will bring out differences in recording quality- Be it overpowering bass from a Fourplay chart or delicate bells from a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tune. The two things these headphones stand out with are timbral accuracy and linearity. (The latter item could be a mixed blessing because you could be feeding your ears more decibels than you may realize, and possibly cause hearing damage without even knowing it.) The inner detail is on par with the Grado HP-1, which has been my benchmark in that parameter. But the tonal balance is incredibly neutral. With good upstream equipment, these headphones can be listened to for hours without any urge to turn the system off.

Weaknesses. Maybe the resolution of these headphones are to a fault. Many have complained about them being bright-sounding, and I do confirm this with lesser electronics. In fact, I would call these headphones "ruthless" to the source quality- With good electronics, one can listen for hours, but with bad electronics, one cannot listen for five minutes. (Although some sources produced unexpectedly-glorious sound- such as my IBM thinkpad 770x.) Even though the DT-931 can be driven by just about anything, and has plugs for both mini and standard jacks, the bulky size (even though they're light) will limit use to mostly home environments. Although an "open" phone, it will not pass thorough outside sounds as much as "on-the-ear" types. And the plastic construction, although probably rugged, could make those wanting a workhorse "pro" model shy away from the DT-931. Although personally, it is not an issue at all.

I had two samples of these headphones- The first sample had unbalanced output between the channels, which can only be cured with a system with a "balance" control. I had to exchange the unit. The second sample has close to equal output between earpieces.

If you have the source and electronics, and want the best in "private" listening, the Beyerdynamic DT-931 headphones may be the best product outside of electrostats.

Full Compass sells the DT-931 for under $250, the best price I've found.


Product Weakness: Not forgiving- will bring out nasties of lesser upstream sources and electronics. Some may be turned off by the all-plastic construction. Channel balance not consistent amongst samples. Size will restrict out-of-home use.
Product Strengths: Maybe the closest thing to an "electrostatic" sound from dynamic headphones. Very comfortable to wear. Load very friendly to amps with limited drive capability.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Sansui G-901DB Receiver (Headphone Amp)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Sansui G-901DB Receiver
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modified Audio Refinement CD/Complete for transport/modified ART DI/O DAC
Speakers: JMR Twin Mk. II, Von Schweikert VR-4.5 Mod 5
Cables/Interconnects: Belden 88281
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Everything
Room Size (LxWxH): N/A x N/A x N/A
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Brickwall, TrippLite, VansEvers
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Radio Shack 3400, IBM Thinkpad 770x, many other sources




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Topic - REVIEW: Beyer Dynamic DT-931 Headphones - Todd Krieger 12:22:02 12/15/01 ( 2)