Is the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro worth the upgrade from the Audio-Technica R70xa?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro actually scores 15.5 points below the Audio-Technica R70xa, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (8.5 to 9.0). You do give up ground on sound (8.9 to 7.8). On paper: weight 199 g to 194 g and usb-c. Worth checking: driver size goes 45 mm to 42 mm. It is at least $249 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.97.8
- Value8.59.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | R70xa | DT 270 Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 199 g | 194 g | |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 42 mm | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Driver | 45 mm dynamic | 42 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 40 kHz | 5 Hz - 24 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "R70xa to DT 270 Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.