Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I'm totally sold on the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PROs. They sound great, are very comfortable even if the ear pads get thinner with time, and have a LONG cord. They don't look too ''flashy''. If you're looking for at-home hi-fi headphones, the DT 990 PROs are a great option and I highly recommend these. If you have a bigger budget go for the 600 OHMS version ! Hope that answered your questions!

*70+ hours of use before the review
*Used high audio quality (320kbps+)
*Fiio E9 amp

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

sound: crystal
durability: tough as nails feeling
depth of sound: wide
feeling: barely there
frequency range: adds new meaning to sound

overall best headphones ive ever purchased from 20 dollar to 150 dollar sennheiser

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

Bass is especially well articulated. High treble a touch overly sibilant, but that is being really picky. Very comfortable to boot.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I mostly use these for gaming, and music (rock, hip hop, classical, electronic). I love these headphones; they have all the bass of closed cans, with the amazing sound-stage of open headphones. They're fantastic for enjoying your music instead of analyzing it, and that's fixing a huge problem for me. They're also comfortable for any length of listening, with soft velour ear-cups.

They do have a spike in the 10,000 khz range, but it's not enough for me to take away a star (they are rarely sibilant).

Previous headphones: Sennheiser HD555, Sony MDR-V6.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

The DT990 Pro's 250ohm are all they say about them.
My recommendation to get the true potential from them is to invest in to a solid headphone amp.
A investment truly worthy of.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I was looking for a great set of headphones to use at home. I did alot of research on most mid to top quality phones not wanting to spend an arm and a leg because I also want a pair of quality "in ear". I tested 7-10 pairs and these had the best quality sound. From highs, mids, and even prominent bass without being to overpowering. By far, without downgrading any other quality names, these blew the competition away. And along with the great service from B&H, they arrived on time and in good condition. Thanx again and I'll be making more purchases in the near future. Thanx and GOD BLESS, BRIAN.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

used with a small USB-DAC. Good sound at affordable price.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I use these headphones for casual listening (ipad and computer), and gaming. I had to replace a pair of Sennheiser HD590 which my friend somehow broke after tripping on its cord. I was going to replace them with a pair of 595's but I got to test my friends pair which were already burnt in (high impedance cans usually sound better over a time). I thought I would love the 595s as much as my old 590s. The highs and mids were as beautiful, good but bass response seemed less pronounced.

I took a chance by purchasing the dt990 after reading much reviews on audiophile, headphone forums and webpages. Most saying that these pair would be more playful on the lower end (The 600 ohm version were said to be more balance for audiophile listening, lower end more recessed compare to these version) while still having a pretty tight/balanced high and mid section. The bass response are a bit to playful for some. I think is fun and not harsh or overpowering.

While looking for replacement headphone also got to test the Beats noise cancelling headphones or Boss Quite comfort 3 which I hated. The rendition of the music just don't compare to the Sennheiser's I had or these dt990's more balanced sound.

It might be unfair to compare them to noise cancelling headphones, because these are open stereo headphones. So the outside world will hear some of the music or audio your listening to. If you plan listening to them in the street, plane or train.

I didn't want to spend on more equipment to drive the higher impedance version, when I'm just a casual listener. I have to run most of my audio equipment at close to full volume to drive these headphones but its loud enough for me. On the iphone or ipad they can get moderately loud at full volume. So you can run these without an amp but it would definitely help.

If you get higher impedance headphones be prepared to spend more money on a decent DAC and or AMP. It can be fun looking for equipment, if you have extra money to blow.

I would give these headphones a 4.5 if I could but I went ahead and gave it a five star rating because at the price range I think this might be your best bet for quality headphones. It also seems like a versatile headphone that can handle most genre of music.

The low points on these headphones are, it can sometimes can be a little tight on the head compared to the sennheisers I owned and tested. Other reviews said the newer version are less tight (Pros are the older version, the Premiums are the newer version with the none coiled cord). The plus side is you know these headphones will last, because it has a more solid construction compared to the plastic sennheisers in the price range($200-$350).

I would take note that you have to run these headphones around 100-150 hours before getting its full effect.

A headphone amp would help these headphones if you don't already have one, or like your music really loud.

A good source for the music always helps. If listening to digital sources, rip your CDs or Vinyls in flac. When you use these headphones the difference is much more evident.

If listening to music on your computer, I found Jriver (ASIO output) media player, or Jplay made listening to music more pleasurable. Or you can get a DAC.

Good luck shopping.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

Bought these to replace my Seenheisser HD 280 pro's.
Out of the package and into my computters hp jack, I was thinking these sounded terrible.
I burned them in overnight and was pleasantly surprised the next mourning.
Going from clossed cans to the dt 990 open back feature opened up the soundstage , the highs more prenounced, the bass not boomy but deep and tight
I have read where some believe the midrange is laidback, but I do not feel this is the case I always loved the Senn HD 280 pro's, but did not have any reservations about giving them away to my grandson. I had the 280's for 7 years.
Knowing the limitations of my computter sound , even with a Nuforce Icon Udac 2 serving as the sound card, I plugged the DT 990 pro's into my Outlaw 990 Proccessor to see just how good these headphones could be. I was tickled to death.
I have been a loyal fan of Sennheisser HP for 40 years, I am now a Beyerdynamic fan.
I was contemplatting buying the Sennheisser HD 598's but bought the DT990's instead. I was regretting my purchase until I had time to test the DT 990's. Although the Senn 598's may be as good, I was concerned about all the plastic on the Senns. My Senn 280 pros have been kept together with electrical tape for years. ( no fault of Sennheisser , but my own ) THe Beyers look and feel that even if I abused them as I had the Senn 280's, They would stand up to the abuse.
These are very good headphones at their price point. I couldn't imagine there being anything better.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

Always wanted to add a beyerdynamic product to my stable of grados, akg's & Bose phones. These are an amazing value, delivering solid all around sound in an incredibly comfortable package.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

These headphones deliver an impressive listening experience. They are light and very comfortable. I enjoy listening to classical guitar and these phones capture every detail and nuance in the recordings I have listened to. With good headphones like these, I can listen and enjoy music at low volume, thus reducing fatigue and preventing hearing loss.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I now own 4 diiferent pairs of BeyerDynamic headphones - and two DT - 990 pro's. I love them all, but the 990's are my overall favorites!!

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I use these phones to transcribe jazz solos and edit recordings on my computer. Great sound; it's a real, crisp feel that makes it seem like you're in the same room as your music. Great price for the quality. The only thing I don't like about them is that after using them for over an hour and a half my ears can start to ache, but that's to be expected with headphones.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

No regrets, these are well-built good sounding headphones. Slightly tight on the head at first, but after a month of using these regularly I don't notice the tightness - or perhaps they have loosened up a bit.

I enjoy listening to electronic music, and these headphones deliver a crisp, spacious sound.

I don't use a headphone amp, but have them plugged directly into an external audio interface (Edirol FA66) and they seem fine. I wouldn't bother getting 250 ohms headphones if you're just listening to portable music or through a laptop, go with 32 ohms for that. Otherwise, if you have a good sound card or headphone amp, these are top quality.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

After enduring enough soreness on the top of my head from the Shure SRH 440s, I'm glad to have these resting up there. Lightweight, very comfortable - I have them on almost all day at work. Most important thing.

While these 250 ohm headphones will likely sound their best through a headphone amp, they still beat my Shures and AKGs directly from the headphone jack of my Mac Pro (vol @ 50%). The bass is clear and strong, not overpowering, but solid. I can hear so much more texture in my music, I love it.

These are open back headphones, so they do leak sound. Not as much as Sennheisers, but the person sitting near to you will still hear all your lyrics. The people sitting near me are listening to their own music, so it's no worries. What I like is the soundstage, much less closed in than the closed back Shures. Less ear fatigue and therefore longer listening sessions.

Lastly, I really like the old-school look and materials. Metal, hard plastic, velour earpads. The light weight is deceiving. It makes you think these won't be as durable, but the quality materials assure me they are.

There are only a couple things I would like to see improved. First, the coiled cord is fixed. My Shures are detachable. I like this because it's easier to pack up and it makes the cables replaceable should you need a new/different one. The other thing is that for a headphone of this level, I would like to see a real leather headband. Maybe that's too much to ask in the price range. That's it, those are my only things.

Overall I love these headphones. Very happy with my decision. I had almost gotten the DT 990 (non-PRO) model, but I'm happy I went with these. I hope to be listening with these for the next 10 years or more.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

These are my first pair of end of high-end headphones, so I can't compare them them to others' personal favorites, but I can say that these are amazing. Transparent, natural, infinitely revealing... I can hear the bass spectrum in greater detail and clean up the mud with precision. Mixes are leaving the studio sounding great the first time. The frustration of sitting in the studio for hours only to be disappointed when the mix moves to a commercial system is gone.

As an added bonus, the clarity across the spectrum allows me to fine tune an array of instruments to get better more full sounds. Making and listening to music is fun again! I need another pair just to listen to my ipod when traveling. I don't want to use any other headphones.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I bought a pair of these about an year and a half ago when I was living in London and have used them very often since. I like them too much to risk walk around Philadelphia listening to an iPod with them but they work very well in my project studio. I often check my mixes against them and they cover a much broader frequency range than my NS10s. Obviously not used for recording near an open mic due to the open back design but would highly recommend to someone in the professional area of audio or anyone looking for that "audiophile" quality in a good set of open back cans.

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

I have been using these headphones for the past 2 months. Here are my observations about DT 990 Pro.
Design:
DT 990 Pro are Rock-solid. I mean that literally. The headband is of actual steel. But yet comfortable enough to be worn whole day long without you realizing wearing it.
The wire is flexible and long enough - a bit heavy if you are used to the light wire of street-style headphones.

Music quality:
I have put these to the test of the heavy bass music, heavy metal, electronic, psychedelic, lounge and what not. I have not once been disappointed with the sound quality. Whatever you put in, you get exactly that out.
Just for the record, I used 48 continuous hours of Indian Classical music (which covers whole of the sound spectrum audible to human ears) along with Punjabi Bhangra music to achieve the break-in.

Usage:
I have used these headphones so far with my MacBook Pro, iPod and TV. But I am sure these are very well suited for any amplifier you are about to use.
Just lower the sound volume initially to prevent accidental damage to your ears :)

Summary:
Extremely satisfied. Highly recommended.

Manmeet Singh
Dallas, Texas
USA
9/3/2008

Comments about Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Circumaural Open-Back Stereo Studio Headphones:

ONE OF THE FEW HEADPHONES THAT HAS THE STRENGTH IN THE LOWER OCTAVE THAT SOUNDS SIMILAR TO LISTENING TO A SET OF GOOD HOME SPEAKERS.MIDS AND HIGHS ARE VERY DETAILED AND SMOOTH.NICE LARGE CUSHIONS DON,T COMPRESS THE EAR.HAS SOUND SIMILAR TO A GOOD SET OF MONITORS AND SUBWOOFER SPEAKER SYSTEM.