Beyerdynamic DT 860

Frequency Response (4.38)

Here we see the beauty on the inside of the Beyerdynamic DT 860s. No, it’s not just a line these headphones tell themselves when they don’t snare their dream date: they actually deliver where it counts. For the vast majority of frequencies tested, they managed to maintain a response that was very flat, and didn’t underemphasize or overemphasize anything too much, minus some higher harmonics. Oddly enough though (and really, this is the only blemish we thought worthy of mention), the Beyerdynamic DT 860s do have a giant swing throughout the range that sibilants (s, sh sounds, the upper end of cymbal shimmer) live in, so you may hear some really bizarre shifts in volume only in those very specific frequencies. However, chances are good that you will never ever hear that shift.

Comparisons

See how the Beyerdynamic DT 860 compares:

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Compare

Monster Beats Pro Compare

Sennheiser PXC 250-II Compare

Etymotic Research mc5 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Distortion (9.35)

The Beyerdynamic DT 860s aren’t distortion-free, but they don’t seem to have any issues here.

Comparisons

See how the Beyerdynamic DT 860 compares:

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Compare

Monster Beats Pro Compare

Sennheiser PXC 250-II Compare

Etymotic Research mc5 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Tracking (9.52)

The Beyerdynamic DT 860s aren’t perfect in their tracking response, but that doesn’t mean that they disappoint here. On the contrary: they maintain an even channel preference, and don’t really swing more than 2dB on either side except for one very short range of frequencies. You won’t hear this.

Comparisons

See how the Beyerdynamic DT 860 compares:

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Compare

Monster Beats Pro Compare

Sennheiser PXC 250-II Compare

Etymotic Research mc5 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.