Review: Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

Finally, we are taking the leap from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 and moving towards the flagship model, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300. Thus, we are also moving from a compact on-ear model to an almost as sleek over-ear model. And of course, we get more features and a STELLAR.45 diaphragm (the same one found in wired studio monitors like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X). So right from the start, there are great conditions and equally high expectations.

Comfort and design

The premium feel is clearly present when we open the box and lift out the carrying case. The headphones sit neatly in the padded case along with a transport pouch, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a 3.5 mm cable. The weight of 319 g feels just right, and the padded headband makes wearing them comfortable. With the Aventho 100, we encountered issues as they were simply too small and pressed uncomfortably on a larger head. The Aventho 300 has no such problems, even though we are at the second-to-last notch of the adjustment range. The choice of aluminum as a material enhances the feel, and they both look and feel luxurious.

Technical features and controls

The entire right earcup is a touchpad with which you control play/pause, next/previous, volume up/down, and a long press for the voice assistant. Beneath the earcup are two buttons with which you control power on/off, pairing, and sound modes. The touchpad is relatively easy to operate; however, we have not tested it in light rain or a humid environment, which could potentially affect sensitivity.

When it comes to codecs, you get everything you need, but above all, aptX Lossless and LE Audio are delivered via Bluetooth 5.4. This bodes well for sound quality if you use services like Qobuz or Tidal. The battery life stands at 50 hours with noise cancellation activated, which is more than acceptable.

Other features include spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking, wearing detection, and an EQ with a number of settings. The noise cancellation is okay but is not segment-leading.

The Sound Profile

When it comes to the sound profile of the Aventho 300, it is somewhat complex and not everything is straightforward. The basic concept is that they are to be used as wireless headphones via Bluetooth, and with the STELLAR.45 diaphragms combined with aptX Lossless, this should provide a formidable soundscape. But that is not the case. Beyerdynamic undoubtedly shines with its wired units, such as the aforementioned DT 900 Pro X or completely triumphs with the DT 1990 Pro. But they struggle a bit with their wireless units, even though it has steadily improved since the premiere of the Beyerdynamic Free Byrd, which was something of a disappointment. And such is the case with the Aventho 300; we know the capacity is there, but the sound profile is still significantly unbalanced at times. When we play Agnes Obel – Familiar, the upper midranges push through extremely loudly, requiring the volume to be lowered. Alan Jackson – Drive doesn’t get the expected snap in the acoustic guitar, and Air – Casanova 70 doesn’t embrace as warmly as it usually does and should.

So we began experimenting with different elements. Did we have the highest resolution, was the correct codec activated, and were the headphones updated? The answers were: Yes, yes, and no, but no update is offered yet.

When we then start using different EQ options, another strange phenomenon occurs. As soon as you begin applying your own changes to existing EQ presets, the volume drops by about a quarter. If you switch to one of the original presets, the volume increases again. Even custom-set and saved EQ profiles are affected by the volume drop. This is truly something we hope Beyerdynamic fixes with future updates, as it makes custom EQ settings more or less unusable. We continued and connected the USB-C cable, which also didn’t make a significant difference. It became better and more details emerged, but we weren’t quite there yet. Furthermore, the included USB-C cable felt uncomfortably short, so we looked toward the 3.5 mm cable…

Finally…

The problem with a 3.5 mm cable is that few phones nowadays have a 3.5 mm jack. The solution was the compact DAC Moondrop Echo A and that did the trick. So the chain finally became Xiaomi 17 Ultra to Moondrop Echo A to Avento 300.

Suddenly, the sound profile was recognizable, a smile appeared, and the brain quickly prioritized listening over other features. Suddenly, EVERYTHING sounded perfect. All the aforementioned problems vanished, and the enjoyment became complete. We ran through a variety of genres, and the Aventho 300 responded to everything without the slightest hesitation.

There is only one problem left: it is no longer wireless.

Which created a problem, or rather, gave the Aventho 300 an expanded dimension. Namely, the ability to run Bluetooth with reasonably good results, and if the need arises for truly high-resolution audio in its decidedly capable STELLAR.45 diaphragms, that is also possible. But then you must provide your own suitable DAC to keep in the headphone case or pouch.

The Bottom Line – Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

With a few detours, you get outstanding sound with the Aventho 300, and the sound is okay even via Bluetooth. But you have to pay about 3,300 SEK for a pair, and that’s where the competition makes itself known. Major brands like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 are cheaper, have great sound, and all the features you need. However, it is impossible to ignore the fantastic sound that comes from the Aventho 300 when they are connected to a DAC and run wired with noise cancellation. There is nothing to complain about there, and it’s actually not the end of the world to run them with a cable from your pocket. But there are a few too many hoops to jump through for it not to affect the overall rating.

Beyerdynamic sent a review unit for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.