First of all, this isn't that kind of review the author writes usually. The Beyerdynamic DT 302, also known as DT302 or DT-302, are high quality open style dynamic stereo headphones which have been available on the market since the middle of 1970's. They competed very well against other high end headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 414. By the way, those HD 414 were the world's 1st open style dynamic headphones patented in 1967 and released in 1968. In a matter of fact, they met a fantastic success on the market. The DT 302 were introduced in 1974. Although well worth the money asked for, their success on the market was rather limited. The original 2000 ohm Sennheiser HD 414 were replaced in production by the 600 ohm model of the same name in 1983 and by the 52 ohm 50th Anniversary Edition in 1995. There were over 10 million units sold making this model one of the most popular headphones of all time. The Beyerdynamic DT 302 didn't survive for so long in production and were phased out somewhere in the 1980's in favour of more advanced models. Anyway, the DT 302 are the 1st open style headphones by Beyerdynamic and deserve their place in history. 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 keep it in one place. So, here we start.
 

Beyerdynamic DT 302 Headphones in Box

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The 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 DT 302 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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The Beyerdynamic DT 301 is a single ear dynamic headphone. The internals are exactly the same to the 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 units on the photo above come with 3.5mm (1/8") TS mini-jacks which are mono capable, though there are modifications with DIN connectors as well. The 50 ohm version of DT 301 was also manufactured.
 
Frequency response of the 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.

 
Finally, here is a U.S. retail price list on Beyerdynamic headphones as of the 1st of December, 1976. You can see the DT 302 carried a price tag of 24.95 USD and the the DT 301 was priced at 16.95 USD. Although may not seem expensive especially compared to the legendary DT 48, that's still about 110 USD and 75 USD respectively by purchasing power in year 2019. The price list was issued by Meteor Light and Sound Company, a division of UK based Hammond Industries Inc.
 

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Model	Price	Description
DT301	$16.95	Open high velocity single listening ear piece
DT303	$37.50	Special version of DT302 designed for television monitoring fitted with in line volume control (mono)
DT304	$40.00	Special version of DT302 ultra light open high velocity headphone with in line volume control (stereo)
DT96	$54.95	A lightweight, professional headphone. Impedances: 500 & 400 ohms
DT100	$69.95	Brilliant sound, probably Europe's best selling headphone comes complete with coiled cable. Impedances: 8, 100, 400 & 2000 ohms
DT100RR	$80.00	DT100 with individual volume controls in both ear pieces, 400 ohms
DT102	$49.95	DT100 leaving one ear open for monitoring ambient noise
DT202	$79.95	Circumaural, dynamic headphone comes with coiled cable
DT220	$59.95	The closed stereophone alternative to the DT440
DT302	$24.95	Ultra light open high velocity headphone
DT440	$59.95	Open high velocity headphone in silver and black
DT480	$99.95	The technology of sound recording today has progressed to such a point that a thunderous fortissimo is approximately 300 times louder than the softest passage. Only a headphone of the caliber of the DT480 can reproduce this immense range w/o distortion. Comes complete w/ coiled cable & presentation carrying case B10. Impedances: 8, 25, 400 & 200 ohms
DT900	$39.95	The headphone you only hear and don't feel. Specially designed to suit impedances from 5 to 2000 ohms
DT48	$140.00	The distinguished headphone for the scientist and critical listener. Comes complete with padded headband and ear cushios & presentation case. Available in 20 ohm mono; 8 & 200 ohm stereo tip ring & sleeve
DT48A	$150.00	DT48 with 5 ohm per system right & left side marked with red and blue. Complete with calibration curve
DT48K	$145.00	DT48 with coiled cable
DT49	$40.00	A dynamic telephone type handset for record bars, discotheques, etc.
DT98A/B	$80.00	Dynamic headphone/noise cancelling cardioid microphone combination
DT99A/B	$80.00	DT98A/B with noise cancelling bidirectional microphone
DT100V	$125.00	High fidelity headphone with built-in induction receiver. Can also be used cable bound for ordinary listening
DT100V.3	$128.50	DT100V with high degree of ambient noise isolation (fluid filled ear cushions)
DT108	$63.50	Headphone/microphone combination which leaves one ear open for monitoring ambient noise
DT109	$95.00	Dynamic headphone/microphone combination, modular built for heavy duty use. Impedances: 400 & 2000 ohms
DT109V	$155.00	Headphone/microphone combination with built-in induction loop receive for language laboratories. Features on/off switch & separate volume controls for headphone and microphone
DT204	$120.00	Lightweight, comfortable four channel headphone with independent volume controls for each of the front channels. Quadriphonic/stereo side switch. 4 x 2000 ohm quadriphonic, 2 x 100 ohm stereo
DT302/1	$33.50	Stereophone with spring return system for demonstration of records in stores, etc.
DT505	$14.00	A miniature single earphone with very superior sound quality
DT509M	$30.00	Mono miniature "under chin" twin earphone. Impedances: 5, 50, 200 & 800 ohms
DT509S	$33.00	Stereo miniature "under chin" twin earphone. Impedances: 10, 100 & 400 ohms