Beyerdynamic T51p review

Delivering superb levels of subtlety and rhythm in a portable build, the T51ps are one of the best sounding headphones in its class Tested at £250

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Delivering superb levels of subtlety and rhythm in its portable build, the T51ps are one of the best sounding headphones in its class

Pros

  • +

    Great level of detail

  • +

    Excellent rhythm

  • +

    Taut, agile, and precise

  • +

    Open and dynamic

  • +

    Lightweight and portable build

Cons

  • -

    Rivals have more luxurious finish

  • -

    No cable with in-line controls

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The Beyerdynamic T51p headphones are the best-sounding over-ear headphones that we've heard in a while at this price – that’s obvious from the moment you put them on.

They have just the right amount of punch, detail, and dynamics to deliver the most entertaining and faithful reproduction of any track you play.

Sound quality

The complex, discordant arrangements of American rockers The Dead Weather are tightly controlled and delivered with precise timing. These T51ps dig deep into subtleties to deliver a captivating, atmospheric listen.

Drum beats hit with taut precision, the brooding atmosphere is set by a deep, rumbling bass, and string-pluckage is palpable and full of attitude.

Alison Mosshart’s ragged, screeching vocals on I Can’t Hear You sear through the song with superb control and subtlety. And there’s enough headroom for the open, clear treble to deliver bite and tension without feeling restrained.

Of course, the Beyerdynamics’ minimal frame makes them ideal for portable use. They’re light, too, and stay put on your head firmly.

The metal construction isn’t as luxuriously finished as, say, the Sennheiser Mometum 'phones, though. A small point, but it’s that quality that may prevent these T51ps from being unanimously desired.

We’re also disappointed to find that the cable doesn’t include any in-line controls – a definite shortcoming for such a portable pair.

Verdict

As replacements for the Beyerdynamic T50ps, these are fantastic. A superbly entertaining, transparent-sounding pair of cans.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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