Beyerdynamic is a brand known for its line of professional audio equipment. Studio staples like the DT770 have been a part of professional production since the mid-1980s and the Beyerdynamic brand goes back even further. This time, they launch a new truly wireless earphone with a completely open design. This makes it a perfect tool for exercising or making calls on the go, but it will be a departure from what you're normally used to doing. The jump from reference-style gear to consumer electronic headphones can be big. Let's find out how well Beyerdynamic can make the switch in the Verio 200 review.
Look and feel – Verio 200
The Verio 200 from Beyerdynamic takes a simple yet convenient approach to its styling. It is remarkably light and easy to fit in my ears without any discomfort. Minimal coloration means they will hardly be noticeable in a public setting. The Verio 200 comes in 3 options, black, white and sporty (orange and black). Despite my initial confusion, the Sport version shares the same design features as the other versions. The only noticeable difference is the brighter orange color, which can be useful outdoors during dusk. Aside from this specific color, the style is understated but elegant.
As far as the fit of these headphones goes, it took me a little while to get them to fit my ears properly. There is a “memory wire” around the headband that adapts to the shape of your ears. This allows you to place the speaker right in front of your ear canal. They sat perfectly around my ears, but I would have liked to see another adjustment mechanism that changed the angle of the housing. This is a characteristic of JBL stereo sensor, and I have noticed that they adapt to any type of ear shape. Although improvements could be made, its lightness and portability are things to look forward to.
Design – Version 200
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 has impressive technical specifications that position it as a strong contender when you consider that they are cheaper than options from Sennheiser and Sony. Equipped with Bluetooth® 5.3, these headphones support the latest audio codecs, including Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless, and AAC. This codec support ensures high-quality audio transmission, a must when using lossless transmitters. Add the IP54 water resistance certification to the list and they become a fantastic training tool.
Battery life is important for wireless headphones and the Verio 200 does not disappoint. With 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, most users can enjoy them all day on a single charge. The case provides an additional 27 hours, bringing the total battery life to an impressive 35 hours. While these numbers are average for the current market, they are noticeably above average when you consider the price of these headphones. The case itself is a little bulky, but it still fits comfortably in a pocket or bag.
For users who constantly make calls on the go, Verio 200 supports Qualcomm® aptX™ voice technology. This, together with two built-in microphones, ensures clear and crisp voice transmission during calls. The dual microphone setup worked perfectly when making calls outside of Manhattan's bustling diamond district. Overall, the Beyerdynamic Verio 200 demonstrates a balance between modern features and practical functionality. Beyerdynamic has done a great job of giving us desirable features without breaking the bank.
sound stage
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 offers a medium soundstage that provides an engaging listening experience. One of the notable features is how the sound is perceived as coming from further away than you would expect from a headset. This makes sense considering the driver sits further away than any in-ear monitor or headset.
The width of the soundstage, while not the widest I've ever heard, is enough to give a sense of depth to the final sounds. Interestingly, there is a slight reverb added to the soundstage. This can enhance the perception of space and add an ethereal aura to certain types of music. However, it is worth noting that this additional reverb may not appeal to purists who prefer a completely colorless sound. This was clear on acoustic, jazz and classical tracks.
The most visible limitation of the Verio 200's soundstage is its lack of verticality. Although the sounds come from a distance, the sound image does not have much height. This means that while headphones excel at creating a sense of horizontal plane, they may not fully replicate the three-dimensional soundstage that some high-fidelity headphones offer.
Despite this limitation, the Verio 200's overall sonic presentation is impressive for headphones. I wasn't sold on the over-ear headphone design, but this soundstage is actually an improvement over the ones I've tried previously. The proper width creates an engaging listening experience that should satisfy most users, especially those who use these headphones in workout or outdoor environments.
Auditory Impressions – Verio 200
Low
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 surprises with its bass performance, especially considering its open design. The sub-bass presence is noticeably strong, delivering powerful bass normally associated with larger headphones. This becomes evident when listening to tracks with prominent 808s or powerful bass lines. Alok's “Summer's Back” is a perfect example of the Verio's bass extension. I got impressive bass strength and clarity on both the drums and 808s. It enhanced the listening experience for me on tracks with bright mixes that They include pop, hip-hop, metal and funk.
One of the most notable features of the bass response is how it slowly tapers off and extends into the mid-bass. This feature is reminiscent of bass-focused headphones, providing a smooth transition between low and mid frequencies. This results in a full-bodied sound that doesn't compromise the overall balance of the audio. The Verio 200's bass performance is especially noteworthy considering its intended use as a workout companion. The strong bass presence can provide motivation and energy during exercise.
media
The midrange performance of the Beyerdynamic Verio 200 stands out for its balanced approach, especially considering the forward bass tuning of the headphones. Unlike some bass-boosted headphones that tend to reduce the midrange, the Verio 200 driver handles these points without being prone to distortion. Beyerdynamic has done an excellent job tuning these frequencies. Synths and vocals retain their warmth and roundness, contributing to a full-bodied signature sound. Vocal performances especially benefit from this tuning. I noticed a nice grit and texture, slightly below the bass in the mix. This careful balance ensures that vocals remain clear and discernible, even in the bassiest songs.
However, it is worth noting that achieving the best midrange performance depends largely on proper tuning. During my testing, it was obvious that improper adjustment resulted in a boxy sound, which emphasized the lower mids more. Once the correct fit was achieved, the quality of the media improved dramatically. I would suggest trying them on to see if they fit your unique ear shape properly.
Despite the strong bass presence, the Verio 200 manages to avoid the common mistake of too-recessed mids. This balanced approach ensures that while the bass is prominent, it does not come at the cost of clarity in the crucial mid frequencies.
Highs
The high-frequency performance of the Beyerdynamic Verio 200 represents a departure from the company's traditional sound signature, which often emphasizes upper mids and lower treble. With the Verio 200, the treble is noticeably more subdued, resulting in a warmer overall sound signature. While you may not get the detail you're used to on a DT990, I don't think that was the purpose of this headset.
One of the most notable features is the lack of lightness in the high frequencies. While the sounds retain depth and character, they seem to lack some form or body in elements like cymbals and high-pitched vocals. This is particularly evident when listening to tracks that typically display bright highs or analytical details. One of my favorite reference tracks, “Iceblink Luck” by Cocteau Twins, was a perfect example. Overdriven guitar sounds, which normally sparkle with harmonics, have significantly reduced lightness. The harmonics of Robin Guthrie's guitar, a hallmark of the band's sound, don't ring as brightly as they would with higher-pitched headphones.
However, this fit option is not without its benefits, especially considering the Verio 200's intended use as a training partner. Less emphasis on high frequencies can help prevent listening fatigue during long sessions. Additionally, it ensures that important ambient sounds, such as horns or sirens, remain audible, improving safety for outdoor activities such as running or cycling. It is important to note that while the highs are less prominent, they are not completely absent. There's enough presence to maintain overall clarity and detail, but listeners accustomed to bright sound signatures may find the Verio lacking.
Summary
The Verio 200 from Beyerdynamic is an excellent training/hiking tool designed with a detailed and practical approach. While I don't think this will impress the most discerning audiophiles who may own hi-fi equipment, it's not trying to be that. In terms of what its strengths are, I think this headset will be a great option for those who want to workout both indoors and outdoors. The secure fit, defining bass, and open design make them a great option in the field. At just $219, this is a great affordable piece of equipment that you should consider looking at.
Get the New Verio 200 of Audio 46
Leave feedback about this