The beyerdynamic DT 990 is among the world's best open-back dynamic headphones. The Beyerdynamic offer a better valuethanks to their excellent build quality and great audio reproduction. However, the tight fit these headphones provide is more than enough to keep the headphones on your head during casual listening sessions. Ken. For less than $200, it's not hard to understand why the DT 990 PRO is considered to be a classic pair of cans for audio producers and music lovers alike.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 are decent-looking reference headphones. Of course below 20 Hz "audible" is more the room noise modulating itself from intermodulation with the headphone's subsonic input, but that's the way it works in live sound, too. Ask an electronic engineer if you need help. Headphones store-bought and tested, supported by you via. They're also a bit tight on the head. have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone. The DT 990 PRO X is still a great option for professionals who dont need the slightly more travel-friendly design of DT 700 PRO X, though, and it costs about half the price of the newer headset. This 2012 DT 990 is solid to 30 Hz, and bass is still still audible at 16 Hz. The beyerdynamic DT 990 comes in at least three different versions with different impedances: 32 , 250 , and 600 . I'm testing the 600 version here. The sub-bass immediately following the chorus normally has enough power to make your eyes shake, but that isnt the case here. Although the profile of the leakage is quite broad, wider than K702, the general level is lower than most open headphones we have measured. These open-back studio headphones are a reliable tool for any sound enthusiast.
Overall, its hard not to recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones to anyone looking for headphones that prioritize sound quality and comfort. The 1988 DT990 is less boomy. They would be safe from scratches but not from falls. Not a problem if youre plugging into an audio interface or computer, but not good news for smartphones or portable players. Creative professionals will enjoy using this pair of open-back headphones for audio mixing. However, the materials used in their build gives them a little more flare and high-end appeal. Their treble range is also a bit more consistent between various users or reseats. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white). The robust spring steel headband design ensures that the over-ear headphones also offer a secure fit.
Of course, the downside to a predominantly plastic build is that its not the most durable. That leaves only one question: Which headphones are the right ones for you? The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better headphones than the Sennheiser HD 598. However, they might sound a bit sharp for some and are a bit tight on the head. The DT 990 sounds clean and open right out of the box without any break-in, however compared to the DT 880, the DT 990 has its bass boosted a few dB around 60 Hz, with less bass below that. The Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are both very good open-back headphones for neutral listening. They have a much more immersive soundstage as well. This DT 990 is much sturdier than Sennheiser HD800. The audio cable is another point of concern. I can't vouch for ads below. They are noticeably better-built headphones and feel sturdier. The PRO flagship also sets new standards in terms of wearing comfort and workmanship. Its only reinforcement is the thin pleather wrapping that doesnt exactly scream quality. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones but a bit tight on your head. The DT 700 PRO X is also easy to repair yourself, and without any tools, making it a great option for eco-friendly consumers.
While the Beyerdynamic get more bass, they also sound a bit sharp and piercing. New 600 beyerdynamic DT 990 measured Impedance magnitude (), and phase angle versus frequency. So even though I love how comfortable this is to wear, I feel the need to baby it at times. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The Philips are more comfortable, have a less over-emphasizedbass range, and a much wider and more open soundstage. The DT 990 are comfy and not stuffy when worn all day. Today's DT 990 has a dinky 3.5mm plug with an included screw-in " adapter, and comes in 32 , 250 and 600 versions. March 2020 beyerdynamic Reviews Headphone Reviews Audio Reviews All Reviews. I don't know if a few deceade of break-in will change the 2012 DT 990.
(R&S UPL; +90 is capacitive, -90 is inductive. If you wish to make a printout for personal use, you are granted one-time permission only if you PayPal me $5.00 per printout or part thereof. However, the Beyerdynamic are better built. Of course, its worth mentioning the cable on this model has an impedance of 250, so even though I can listen to music on my Pixel 2XL (#donglelife) without an amp, having one to drive this will help since you wont have to max out the volume on your phone. The cable isnt removable which is a huge bummer, and means that if it frays or breaks, youll need to buy a new headset. I prefer the beyerdynamic DT 880 for more natural sound, while many people will prefer the boosted bass and treble of these DT 990. Beware of the many expensive but wimpy headphone amplifiers with no more than 2 V RMS output, which isn't much more than the 1 V RMS output of an iPod. The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is the natural alternative to the DT 900 PRO. The Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X is a closed-back headset with a lighter build and new driver set (.45 STELLAR drivers). The circumaural headphones with their open-back design provide exceptional spaciousness and detailed tonal depth. They're able to block out a bit more ambient noise than the Beyerdynamic, although it may not be enough if you're in a very noisy environment, and they leak less audio at high volumes. These are tough, well-built, inexpensive and great-sounding headphones. Their mild bass and treble boostensures a pleasant sound. Most people will probably prefer this boosted bass, but it will annoy careful listeners, making us look for a 60 Hz slider to dip a few dB. They also use a coiled audio cable, but it isn't detachable.
Its a 1m coiled cable that extends to 3m, but its pretty heavy. This tool will clearly show you the differences, Use our data and table to find the best headphones for your needs, Want to see us review a specific headphones? These are trivially easy to drive so long as you have enough voltage from any real headphone amp. The DT 990's bass bump obscures deeper bass, which isn't hidden in the DT 880. The Beyerdynamic get more bass, but they also sound fairly sharp and even piercing to some people. If you find this Anyone who wants to upgrade their headset can enjoy how the DT 990 PRO sounds. It's great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. These 80-ohm headphones are the ideal choice for a range of studio applications. The Astro, on the other hand, are gaming headphones that have controlsso you can tweak your audio on the fly, they're slightly more comfortable, and their boom microphone does an excellent job of capturing your voice clearly, even in noisy environments. page as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may Oh, and the thin steel headband doesnt feel too durable either. Like good-sounding pillows for your ears. The highs are also great with no distortion. The Beyerdynamic are also better-built and feel sturdier thanks to their metal frame. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. There isnt much that comes with these headphones. They also have a mic with a great performance and a better passive soundstage. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This also means that the DT 1990 PRO have detachable and replaceable cables, which makes them more durable. Not to mention that the ear pads are next-level comfortable. The wide stereo image and three-dimensional sound reproduction make the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones a loyal companion for producers. A proper headphone amp should be able drive these to about 7 V RMS or 20 dBm or 100 mW into 600 , which is more than deafening. With the DT 900 PRO X, you get a mini-XLR input and an easy-to-repair design. If you don't want to splurge on Beyerdynamic's updated line of DT PRO X headsets, then this is an absolute steal. The biggest difference among the various impedances is sensitivity. 
On the other hand, if you need good critical listening headphones for your commute or if you like to listen to music in quiet environments like a library, the closed-back Audio-Technicawill be a better option since they isolate more and leak less, thanks to their closed-backs. If you've gotten your gear through one of my links or helped otherwise, you're family. The Beyerdynamic are also a bit less bass-heavy, though the AKG are a bit brighter sounding. This articles frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. The Beyerdynamic feel much better-built, although their tight fit is less comfortable. Again, this shouldnt be an issue for most listeners since the DT 990 PRO is meant for desktop listening, but some readers may be interested. However, the Beyerdynamic feel better built. Overall, the cheaper price of the Beyerdynamic makes them a better selection. The ear cups are covered in a suede-like fabric. If you want open-back headphones that are a bit more comfortable, check out the Philips SHP9600 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR. The Sennheiser HD 800 S are much better audiophile headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, although they require quite the investment. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC each provide better value for different purposes. This makes the DT 880 sound brighter compared to the DT 990, which sound boomier. Note molded "600 " marking. They also dont lack sub-bass like the Sennheiser do. No instructions and no warnings, thank goodness. For decades now, professional users all around the world have placed their trust in our classic range: DT 770/880/990 PRO. 
Both headphones are similarly built and arecomfortable. It has been a favorite among professional recording engineers and music lovers for 25 years for its great sound, moderate price and now solid build quality. Claimed to be leather. There is sound leakage, so your neighbors will hear them, too. The Sennheiser have a smoother sound with less sharpness in the treble but lack bass. The DT 900 PRO X costs quite a bit more than the 900 PRO and with that extra cost, you get a frequency response that closely follows our studio curve. The headband has a rugged metal frame that can handle a decent amount of physical stress. The light bass bump makes the bass hits on the song Phone Calls by Jessie Reyez sound great (0:39). However, the DT 880 lack bass compared to the DT 990 PRO, which pack a stronger punch. The DT 990 PRO come with a non-detachable coiled cable while the HD 599 come with two thin and detachable audio cables. All rights reserved. Thanks for helping me help you! (239.8g) measured without cord. If you care more about comfort and build quality, the Beyerdynamicwill be a better option. Above 1KHz, there is a 4dB/Octave roll-off present, which will have a minimal impact of blocking outside noise. The DT 990's soundstage is the same as most headphones. 5 ~ 35,000 Hz, no conditions specified, making these numbers a meaningless waste of ink. It's not delicate. However, they don't have a microphone, controls, or companion software, so some may find them very limiting. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the PRO X have a different driver design that's advertised to reproduce loud sound without distortion, whether connected to an amp or a smartphone. This is apparent to me while listening to Vanish In Our Sleep by Rob Roy which has such loud bass that it usually makes the vocals sound quiet in comparison, but not here. It just comes with a flyer talking about beyerdynamic's history. The Beyerdynamicare studio headphones designed for mixing and mastering; however, they can be a viable option for gamers who dont need a mic thanks to their comfortable fit and well-balanced, immersive sound. Audiophiles who want a reasonably priced pair of open-back headphones can get the DT 990 PRO for around $150 USD. We are particularly proud of the durability of our products, because all the components used are replaceable if necessary. But every now and then you find something that doesnt cost too much and sounds great, and the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is one of those headsets. That said, if you dont need a microphone, the DT 990 PRO can be a viable option for wired gaming thanks to their well-balanced sound profile. The DT 990 PRO headphones is the ranges open-back model offering impressive spaciousness. I have not tried the 250 and 32 versions. For open-back headphones with a better passive soundstage performance, check out the Sennheiser HD 6XX. With the velour-wrapped memory foam padding, I can wear this headset for hours and hours on end. However, the Beyerdynamic are tight on the head, which also means they are more stable, but some may feel discomfort and fatigue after a while. Likewise, the DT 990 has boosted treble compared to the DT 880 or the Stax SR-007 MK2 Omega II (a $3,000 electrostatic headphone). Learn more. Firstly, the Edition models have asofter headband for enjoying music at home whereas the PRO headset has a slightly firmer fit. The open back design of the Beyerdynamic DT990 intentionally does not isolate. Studio headphones for mixing and mastering (open). The AKG have a better soundstage and come with an extra-long cable that is detachable, unlike the Beyerdynamic's coiled cable. They're big and bulky and do not fold into a more compact format or have swiveling ear cups that lay flat to take up less storage space. 
The weight comes close to pulling my phone clean off my desk when I move the wrong way. However, the Beats are better for casual use. They feel a lot more durable than the Sennheiser and have a slightly better sound that packs more bass. The bass is not overstated but rather precise and the treble boost is powerfully present without sounding sharp. The Sennheiser HD 560S are better headphones for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. This 2012 version is a lot tougher, but less comfortable than the soft and fluffy muffs of the 1988 DT990.
The Philips have a significant bass roll-off, but their treble is much better-balanced and they have a more natural soundstage. When it comes to the low end this is right up my alley. Most people will quite likely prefer today's DT 990 over the more-intended-for-professional-monitoring DT 880, since today's DT 990 has more bass and treble. ), Original 1988 sample measured in 2011 (only version is 600 ), Original 1988 sample of 600 beyerdynamic DT 990 measured Impedance magnitude (), and phase angle versus frequency. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9500 are both very good audiophile headphones if you like a neutral sound, but they have different sound profiles. The bass is kept in check letting the vocals come through loud and clear. No meant for sports use. The Beyerdynamic sound quality is excellent, and their bass is surprising for open-backs. The DT 990's bass is boomier and more obnoxious than the Edition 8's boosted bass. The beyerdynamic DT 990 are a very well made, no-surprises traditional headphone. You can still hear it, but the headset doesnt render it so loud that it becomes hard to hear vocals. It sounds great, but you can't make yourself deaf. The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO are a more premium model than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, but both headphones are fairly similar. What's the difference between the DT770/990 PRO and the DT 1770/1990 PRO? This may sound cheap but it keeps the headset light and comfortable. Also, their sound profile is more balanced and neutral. Sound-wise, the AKG might lack a bit of sub-bass when compared to the Beyerdynamic and could sound a bit sharper on higher frequencies. The velour padding also happens to be great for listeners with glasses because the material leaves minimal gaps around glasses frames. On the other hand, sound-wise, the Sennheiserare slightly better and have less harmonic distortion, but this might not be audible for most. Watching movies on an iPad, you'll be at full volume with the 600 version. The AKG are also a bit more open-sounding, and they come with a very long and detachable cable while the Beyerdynamic have a short, coiled cable. Not designed for office use. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the AKG K702 are both great headphones for critical listeners and have very little difference in performance. Well-padded case included, claimed to be leather. The Beyerdynamic are open-back headphones, so they can create a more immersive audio experience as sound can leave the ear cups and interact with the environment around you. Poor leakage. They have a relatively compact and utilitarian design. Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once weve sorted everything out. Secondly, the Edition models come equipped with a straight cable whereas the PRO models come with a coiled cable. Which pair of headphones are the best DT 770 PRO, DT 880 PRO or DT 990 PRO? The only accent of color is the name of the headphones (which I can do without but isnt a deal breaker) and the gray memory foam ear pads which you can see from the outside of the open-back design. Both pairshave very neutral sound profiles, but the HiFiManare more comfortable and have a more accuratetreble response, which some listeners may prefer. 8.460 oz. (346.4g) measured with cord, but no adapter. If I don't specify, most of this review refers to today's 2012 version. enlarge. The Beyerdynamic don't sound quite as immersive, but they get more bass and are a lot more affordable. On the other hand, the AKG don't feel as tight as the Beyerdynamic, which is more comfortable for long listening sessions. However, the Beyerdynamic are more comfortable and better-built, and they also come with a pouch to help protect the headphones. They also have a detachable audio cable. What are the differences between MMX 300 (2nd gen.) and Custom Game? Good sound quality usually means youre going to be spending a little more than you wantjust glean our list of the best headphones under $1,000 USD. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro have a solid, sturdy build, just like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. I prefer today's DT 880 over today's DT 990, however I prefer my original 1988 set of DT 990 to this brand-new pair. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are slightly better headphones than the AKG Q701. Again, the high impedance leaves you a bit limited on where, when, and how you can use the DT 990 PRO, but if that doesnt bother you, go for it.
We purchase our own headphones and The DT 990's sound is far more clean and open than the closed Ultrasone Edition 8. beyerdynamic DT 990 (10.3 oz./290g without cord, about $169).
Zippered case with foam insert. Even driven to deafening levels with a real headphone amplifier, I can't get sine waves to buzz, rattle or distort with the 2012 DT 990. I still use my original pair of beyerdynamic DT 990 that I bought in 1988, when it only came in the professional 600 version with a " plug but housed in a delicate plastic frame. so that you can compare the results easily. Thanks! The original 1988 DT 990 is much more muffled, but the old DT 990 has sparklier (smoothly boosted) highs. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic feel more durable and stable and have less distortion at lower listening volumes. The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better for most uses than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. However, they feel a lot less durable, and there have been many reports of issues with their build quality. Open-backs typically mean youll register more spatial cues in your music. No isolation from ambient noise, by design. For further instructions, please follow this link to get in contact with our authorized service provider in the U.S. We want you to be completely satisfied with your order and our products. The AKG are more comfortable, have a much wider soundstage, and are much more consistent among users. Weve also measured that they were more open-sounding than the Beyerdynamic. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. The pads ride around your ears, not touching them. The Astro are more comfortable and have companion software that offerssound customization features. Both headphones have a bright and clear treble. The original DT-990 have a black plastic housing and two-piece harp that look like that era's state-of-the-art, the Stax Lambda, but with round drivers and fuzzy ear pads. The single-sided cable allows the headphones to be put on and taken off frequently without cables getting tangled, and soft, adjustable ear cups provide for added comfort. They're also less fatiguing to wear for long listening sessions since they fit less tightly than the Beyerdynamic. If youre looking for a good mid-range critical listening open-back headphones, both the Sennheiser and the Beyerdynamic are great options. They have a long straight cord. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are better headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, especially if you listen in a quiet room where you can take advantage of their open-back design. They also have a slightly more spacious soundstage than the Beyerdynamic and come with detachable cables. The Beyerdynamic are over-ears designed for audiophiles. They are not designed for sports and will slip off your ears during high-intensity physical activities or while running. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency. If you've found my research helpful, this free website's biggest source of support is when you use these links, especially this link to it at B&H Photo-Video when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. If you haven't helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00. There are fundamentally two differences between the models. There are no hinges, so you cant fold this up for transport. The DT 990 is made of almost all metal, and real metal, no pot metal like much of the Sennheiser HD800.
The DT 990 use moderate to low spring pressure. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamichave a somewhat more neutral sound profile, with much better treble accuracy than the Astro's default sound profile. With an impedance of 250 ohm, the DT 770 PRO headphones are perfect for mixing in the studio.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are excellent neutral listing headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are sturdy critical listening headphones. They also have a much better passive soundstage performance and deliver audio more consistently. These benchmark-setting studio headphones, available in three different models, boast extremely detailed resolution and very transparent sound. These wimpy amps are the ones often powered by batteries and sold with exotic DACs at high prices for use with iPods, but read the specifications carefully to be sure that they have plenty of output. If you want a headset that blocks out noise, then youll need a pair of closed-back headphones. Today's DT 990 looks a bit like an homage to today's state-of-the-art, the Stax SR-007 MK2 Omega II, and are mostly made out of drawn sheet metal. For product advice prior to purchase, for questions about features and application of our products and for repair or warranty issues.
I'll mention both the 1988 and 2012 versions throughout this review. The DT 990 is a beyerdynamic DT 880 with boosted bass and treble to satisfy the home Hi-Fi market.
The open-back ear cups are, unfortunately, made of plastic which makes them less durable compared to the rest of their build, but they are dense enough, to not get damaged from a couple of drops. In case you are not fully satisfied and wish to return the ordered items, just follow our instructions for a quick and easy return of your items. The DT 990 has unusually clean, clear, uncolored and open sound ideal for any kind of music. You get the headset with a soft carrying case and a -inch adapter. Also, the Sennheiser are more comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to the nice padding and large cups. However, the AKG are well-built but dont feel as durable since they dont have a full metal frame like the Beyerdynamic. The DT 990 PRO headphones are and always have been handcrafted in Germany. The cable is non-removable, coiled, and doesnt seem to have the most durable connection point. They are on the larger side for over-ear headphones and would only fit in a bag or a big purse. While the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are both great choices for neutral sound, the Drop are a better choice for wired gaming. The DT 990 Edition headphones for use at home and the DT 990 PRO studio headphones: Soundwise, both models are identical as they feature identically designedacoustic transducers. The earpads are semi-soft and covered with fuzzy velour. This new 2012 DT 990 is a little brighter and more brittle than my 1988 set of DT 990s.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips SHP9600 are both open-back headphones that are good for neutral sound, and depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. put them under the same test bench, They also have a better build than the AKG and feel sturdier. The Cloud Alpha have better padding for long gaming sessions, but they lack detail and brightness in the treble range, and some people find the closed-back design more fatiguing to wear over time. This bass and treble boost appeal to most people, and of course make the midrange less pronounced in the DT 990 compared to the DT 880. The cymbal hits and hi-hats in You Only Live Once by The Strokes have a good amount of clarity too.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HiFiMan HE-400i are both good headphones if you like a neutral sound. Poor isolation. They're stable but too cumbersome. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. It is nothing like the boom from your neighbor's kid's car stereo; the boom is just a few dBs of boost around 60 Hz, not 15 dB. The DT 990 has been in beyerdynamic's catalog for a long time. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are two wired, over-ear headphones with very different uses. Like the DT 770 and the DT 880, the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO are not designed to be highly portable. Ken. Outstanding tonal depth ensures thateven small changes in the positioning of the acoustic source can be perceived while mixing. once were able with improved sound quality measurements and isolation performance plots. The AKG K712 PRO are slightly better open-back headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. However, the Beyerdynamic are better-built, more breathable, and come with apouch that should protect the headphones from minor scratches and splashes. They have an ANC system and can significantly block out more background noise.