Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE Review: Strong Bass and Low Price, but With Trade-Offs, TechRadar Says
TechRadar says Beyerdynamic's new DT 30 IE wired earphones deliver punchy bass and a comfortable fit at a modest price, though treble clarity and build quality are less impressive.
The DT 30 IE carry a price tag of $149.99 / £99 / AU$199. They use 11mm dynamic drivers, claim a "neutral and balanced" tuning, offer passive noise cancellation of up to -39dB, and sport an IP54 dust-and-water-resistance rating. The wired earpieces are small and light, the cable is detachable, and a range of ear tips lets users find a secure seal.
After two weeks of testing, the reviewer described overall sound as "good rather than excellent." Bass output was the most striking element, described as meaty, dynamic and punchy, without covering vocals or treble percussion. Midrange vocals occasionally lacked texture and detail, while treble was clear but not as articulate as on rival models. The Sennheiser IE 200 offered better top-end clarity and a more natural rendition of lead vocals, according to the review.
The fit was a notable plus. With the right tips, the earpieces were "supremely comfortable and secure," and isolated effectively against office noise. The cable caused little noise. However, the translucent plastic casing felt "overly plasticky," and rivals such as the Meze Audio Alba look more luxurious. The DT 30 IE also only have a 3.5mm connector, with no interchangeable plugs or inline remote.
The reviewer's verdict is that the DT 30 IE are "worth their relatively modest price" and are a strong option for gigging musicians and casual listeners. They are praised for their impactful bass response, low price and comfortable fit; their flaws are less articulate treble, mixed build quality and the fixed single-ended connection.