Beyerdynamic is a brand well known for their lineage of professional audio equipment. Studio staples like the DT770 have been a part of professional production since the mid eighties with the Beyerdynamic brand going even further back. This time, they’re releasing a brand new true wireless earphone with a completely open design. This makes it a perfect tool for working out or making calls on the go, but will it be a departure from what they’re usually used to making. The jump from reference style equipment to consumer electronic earphones can be a big one. Let’s find out how well Beyerdynamic can make the shift in the Verio 200 review.
Look And Feel – Verio 200
Beyerdynamic’s Verio 200 takes a simple yet convenient approach in it’s styling. It’s noticeably light and easy to place in my ears without any discomfort. Minimal coloring means that they’ll hardly be noticed in a public setting. The Verio 200 comes in 3 options, black, white, and sport (orange and black). Despite my initial confusion, the sport version shares all the same design characteristics as the other versions. The only perceptible difference is the brighter orange color which can be useful when outdoors during dusk. Other than this specific color, the styling is unoffensive yet elegant.
In regards to the fit of these earbuds, it took me a little while to get them to properly mold to my ears. There’s a “memory wire” around the earband that is said to fit 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 housing angle This is a feature on the JBL Soundgear Sense, and I’ve noticed those will adjust to any kind of earshape. Although improvements could be made, their lightweight and portability are things to look forward to.
Design – Verio 200
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 has impressive tech specs that position it as a strong contender when considering they’re cheaper than the Sennheiser and Sony options. Equipped with Bluetooth® 5.3, these earphones 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 streamers. Add the IP54 water resistant certification to the list, and these become a fantastic workout tool
Battery life is important for wireless earphones, and the Verio 200 doesn’t disappoint. With 8 hours of playback time on a single charge, most users can enjoy them throughout the day on a single charge. The case provides an additional 27 hours, bringing the total battery life to an impressive 35 hours. While these figures are average for the current market, they’re notably above average when considering the price point of these earphones. The case itself is a little bulky, but will still be able to fit in a pocket or a bag comfortably.
For users constantly making calls on the go, the Verio 200 supports Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice technology. This, coupled with two built-in microphones, ensures clear and crisp voice transmission during calls. The dual-microphone setup worked flawlessly while making calls outside in 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 features that are desirable while not making us break the bank.
Soundstage
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 offers a medium soundstage that provides an engaging listening experience. One of the notable characteristics is how the sound is perceived as coming from further away than one might expect from an earphone. This makes sense considering the driver sits further away than any in-ear monitor or earbud.
The soundstage width, while not the most expansive I’ve ever heard, is sufficient to give trailing sounds a sense of depth. Interestingly, there’s a slight added reverb in the soundstage. This can enhance the perception of space and add an ethereal aura to certain types of music. However, it’s worth noting that this added reverb might not appeal to purists who prefer a completely uncolored sound. This was made clear on acoustic, jazz, and classical tracks.
The most visible limitation of the Verio 200’s soundstage is its lack of verticality. While sounds come from a distance, there isn’t much height to the sound image. This means that while the earphones excel in creating a sense of horizontal plane, they may not fully replicate the three-dimensional soundstage that some high-fi headphones do.
Despite this limitation, the overall soundstage presentation of the Verio 200 is impressive for earphones. I wasn’t sold on the over-ear earbud design, but this soundstage is really an improvement over the ones I’ve tried previously. The adequate width creates an engaging listening experience that should satisfy most users, especially those using these earphones in workout or outdoor settings.
Listening Impressions – Verio 200
Bass
The Beyerdynamic Verio 200 surprises with its bass performance, especially considering its open design. The sub-bass presence is remarkably strong, delivering a powerful low-end that’s usually associated with bigger headphones. This becomes evident when listening to tracks with prominent 808s or driving bass lines. “Summer’s Back” by Alok is a perfect example of the Verio’s bass extension. I got an impressive force and clarity from the lows in both the drums and 808s. It enhanced the listening experience for me on tracks with bright mixes including pop, hip-hop, metal, and funk.
One of the standout features of the bass response is how it slowly tapers off and extends into the low-mids. This characteristic is reminiscent of bass-focused headphones, providing a smooth transition between the low and mid frequencies. This results in a full-bodied sound that doesn’t compromise the overall balance of the audio. The bass performance of the Verio 200 is particularly noteworthy given its intended use as a workout companion. The strong bass presence can provide motivation and energy during exercise.
Mids
The midrange performance of the Beyerdynamic Verio 200 stands out for its balanced approach, especially considering the earphones’ bass-forward tuning. Unlike some bass-boosted headphones that tend to duck the midrange, the Verio 200 driver handles these spots without being prone to distorting. Beyerdynamic has done an excellent job in tuning these frequencies. Synths and voices retain their warmth and roundness, contributing to a full-bodied sound signature. Vocal performances, in particular, benefit from this tuning. I noticed a pleasing grit and texture, sitting just slightly under the bass in the mix. This careful balance ensures that vocals remain clear and discernible, even in the bassiest songs
However, it’s worth noting that achieving the best midrange performance is highly dependent on proper fit. During my testing, it was obvious that an improper fit resulted in a boxy sound, bringing out more low-mids. Once the correct fit was achieved, the midrange quality improved drastically. I’d suggest testing them to see if they’ll properly adjust to your unique ear shape.
Despite the strong bass presence, the Verio 200 manages to avoid the common pitfall of overly recessed mids. This balanced approach ensures that while the bass is prominent, it doesn’t come at the cost of clarity in the crucial midrange frequencies.
Highs
The high-frequency performance of the Beyerdynamic Verio 200 represents a departure from the company’s traditional sound signature, which often emphasizes high-mids and low treble. With the Verio 200, the highs are notably more subdued, resulting in a warmer overall sound signature. Although you might not be getting the detail you’re used to in a DT990, I don’t think this was the intended purpose of this earbud.
One of the most noticeable characteristics is a lack of airiness in the high frequencies. While sounds retain depth and character, they seem to be missing some shape or body in the elements like cymbals and high-pitched voices. This is particularly evident when listening to tracks that typically showcase sparkling highs or analytical details. One of my favorite reference tracks, “Iceblink Luck” by Cocteau Twins, was a perfect example. The saturated guitar sounds, which typically shimmer with harmonics, have a significantly reduced airiness. Robin Guthrie’s guitar harmonics, a hallmark of the band’s sound, don’t come through with the same brilliance as they might on more treble-forward headphones.
However, this tuning choice isn’t without its benefits, particularly considering the Verio 200’s intended use as a workout companion. The reduced emphasis on high frequencies can help prevent listening fatigue during extended sessions. Moreover, it ensures that important environmental sounds like horns or sirens remain audible, enhancing safety for outdoor activities like running or cycling. It’s important to note that while the highs are less prominent, they’re not entirely absent. There’s enough presence to maintain overall clarity and detail, but listeners accustomed to brilliant sound signatures may find the Verio lacking.
Summary
The Verio 200 from Beyerdynamic is a great workout/hiking tool that is designed with a detailed and practical approach. Although I don’t think this will impress discerning audiophiles who may have hi-fi gear, this isn’t trying to be that. In terms of what it’s strong suits are, I believe that this earbud will be a great option for those who want to workout both indoors and outdoors. The secure fit, defining bass, and open design all make these a great option in the field. At only $219, this is an affordable excellent piece of gear that you should consider looking at.
Get the New Verio 200 from Audio 46