First of all, this isn't that kind of reviews the author writes usually. Beyerdynamic DT 302 (also known as DT302 or DT-302) are high quality open style dynamic stereo headphones which have been introduced somewhere in the middle of 1970's. They competed very good against other high end headphones such as Sennheiser HD 414 back in the time. Actually, those HD 414 were the 1st open style headphones patented in 1967 and released in 1968. In a matter of fact, they met a fantastic success on the market. DT 302 appeared in 1974 on the market and couldn't get as much fame as HD 414 though. Nevertheless, they were well worth the money asked for. The original 2000 ohm Sennheiser HD 414 were replaced in production by a 600 ohm model of the same name in 1983 and by a 52 ohm 50th Anniversary Edition in 1995. Beyerdynamic DT 302 didn't survive for so long in production and were phased out somewhere in 1980's in favour of more advanced models. Frankly speaking, there is nothing new to say about these headphones. The whole idea of this review is to gather information on this nice audio gear and deliver it on the Net. So, here we start.
 

Beyerdynamic DT 302 Headphones in Box

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Beyerdynamic DT 302 are 600 ohm open style dynamic headphones with 30mm drivers. Note what's written on the top of the box — Beyer Dynamic. Hören in seiner schönsten Form. — which is German for "Listening at its best." You see, Beyerdynamic was spelled Beyer Dynamic back in those days. The box also says in English "a quality product made in W.-Germany" — that was West Germany. No manual included, and you're not supposed to need any. This version of DT302 comes with a 6.3mm (1/4") TRS jack, though there are versions with other kinds of connectors such as 5-pin DIN. Frequency response reported is pretty much standard, 20Hz to 20kHz. The headband is made of black plastic entirely. The whole construction is very light in weight. The cord's length is about 2.5 metres.
 

Beyerdynamic DT 301 Headphones in Boxes

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Beyerdynamic DT 301 is a single ear dynamic headphone. The internals are exactly the same to DT 302, though the boxes pictured above and official advertisements report frequency response of 30Hz to 18kHz for some reason. The rated power is about 7mW at 2.1V applied. All three DT 301 on the photo above come with 3.5mm (1/8") TS mini-jacks which are mono capable, though there are variations produced with DIN connectors as well. A 50 ohm version of DT 301 was also manufactured.
 
Frequency response of Beyerdynamic DT 302 and DT 301 hasn't been evaluated due to lack of appropriate equipment. In general, the author considers bass performance to be somewhat weak, though middle frequencies are excellent and treble is very good. These headphones are definitely not the best find for bass intensive music genres such as rock and metal. On the other hand, classic music sounds really good with them. Although a particular experience may vary, you probably won't regret listening to your old favourite vinyl recordings with these high quality Beyerdynamic products.
 
Here is a scanned copy of the official booklet on these headphones released in 1974 for the United States.
 

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In 1937 we were the first with a headphone that has not only become a legend, but is still considered to be the finest dynamic headphone in the world. We have even kept the original designation to this day - the Beyer headphone DT 48.   Chosen to judge others by, the DT 48 is a DIN standard 45620 and has revolutionized the recording and film industry.   In 1953 record store customers first enjoyed our telephone type DT 49 headsets and so the music bar was born.   In 1955 we created the first miniature dynamic earphone and with it typists could transcribe dictation more easily.   In 1969 we pioneered the technique of modular headphone construction with our models DT 100 and DT 480. These headphones, with their total field serviceability, have been of immeasurable assistance to education and the broadcasting and recording industries.   In 1973 we brought to you the first European quadraphonic headphone - the BEYERDYNAMIC DT 204.   In a few words, we hope that we have shown you that we understand something about headphones. "Open High-Velocity" headphones are nothing new to us, only something different.   Headphones from BEYERDYNAMIC belong to the ranks of the world's best and now with the advent of the "Open High-Velocity" DT 302, we can offer you the optimum headphone for every conceivable application.   The result of BEYERDYNAMIC "Open High-Velocity" transducer research is two fold - the stereo headphone DT 302 and the single earphone DT 301. With wide frequency response from 20 - 20 000 Hz (in fact beyond the range of audibility, but all important for the reproduction of the harmonics which make up the complete musical character of the piece) plus the ability to withstand, without distortion, high levels, and a weight that you can simply forget, our DT 302 and 301 phones are the best lightweight headphones made.   "Open High-Velocity" headphones from BEYERDYNAMIC fit every head and match every system. Convince yourself - try them at your audio dealer. Ask for the headphones from BEYERDYNAMIC, the people with over 37 years experience in pioneering, developing and manufacturing the finest headphones.

 

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DT 302   A light (in fact the lightest) stereo headphone available, working on the "Open High-Velocity" principle.   The DT 302 can be worn for many hours without fatigue because it presses on the ears only with a quarter of the pressure of conventional headphones. The result of which is that the wearer is completely unaware of the presence of the DT 302 and concentrates only on the music which he hears in a most natural way.   Its unbreakable headband with ultra-soft foam cushions adjusts to suit any wearer.   The balanced, startlingly realistic sound reproduction of the DT 302 is the new formula for full musical enjoyment.     TECHNICAL DATA:   Frequency response: 20 - 20 000 Hz Impedance: 600 ohms Voltage requirement: 2.1 volts into 600 ohms Weight without cable: 2.33 ounces   DT 302.7 - with standard stereo jack plug   Also available:   DT 302.4 - with standard loudspeaker DIN plugs with built-in socket   DT 302.10 - with 5-pin DIN standard headphone plug.

 

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DT 301   The lightweight, single "Open High-Velocity" headphone for everyone who still needs to keep one ear free! Simple to put on, the DT 301 is a comfortable and hygienic solution for all users of car radios and 8 tracks, portable radios, cassette recorders and portable televisions. Enjoy the full reproduction capability of your set without losing touch with or disturbing those around you.     TECHNICAL DATA:   Frequency response: 30 - 18 000 Hz Impedance: 600 ohms Voltage requirement: 2.1 volts into 600 ohms Weight without cable: 0.74 ounces   DT 301.16 - with miniature jack plug (3.5 mm diametre)   Also available:   DT 301.11 - with standard loudspeaker DIN plug with built-in socket   DT 301.15 - with standard headphone DIN plug.