Disclaimer: The review sample of the Beyerdynamic DT1990PRO was sent to us by Beyerdynamic on loan for one month. It’s going back to Germany right after this review. Beyerdynamic isn’t a Headfonia advertiser. Unless differently mentioned the pictures are property of Beyerdynamic.
Beyerdynamic
The German Beyerdynamic recently has been renewing their existing line-up with a rev 2 of their existing best-sellers like the T1.2. Most of these “new” headphones feature a removable cable and that makes me and a whole lot of other “audiophiles” very happy.
A couple of weeks ago the PRO branch of Beyerdynamic released a new PRO headphone with the DT1770PRO, a closed reference studio monitoring headphones for mixing, mastering, monitoring and recording. Everyone of course knows the classic DT770PRO which has been around like forever and so Beyerdynamic decided it was time to let the DT770Pro evolve. The DT1770PRO is the first PROfessional closed headphone using the Beyerdynamic Tesla technology. A few weeks later at IFA 2016, Beyerdynamic launched the open version of this headphone, called the DT1990PRO. I knew this headphone was coming even before I received the DT1770Pro and I’ve been lucky to have spent several weeks with both units already.
DT1990PRO
The DT1990PRO is handcrafted in Germany and it is Beyer’s first open-back studio reference headphones for mixing and mastering. Its impedance is 250 ohms and on the inside you’ll find a 45-mm dynamic Tesla neodymium driver. The DT1990Pro is single-sided and has a detachable cable with a mini-XLR connector. It comes delivered in an improved carrying hard case with two sets of velour pads, a straight 3m cable and a coiled cable. The two pairs of velour ear pads have different sound characteristics (analytical and balanced) but we’ll get to that later in this section and in the part on “Sound”.
The headband compared to the “old” DT990 has improved a lot. The leather material used just looks and feels nicer providing even better comfort, the stitching on top is simply beautiful. Beyerdynamic of course keeps using the typical Beyer suspension system with the typical anodized aluminum yokes holding the drivers/ear cups. As the DT1990PRO is an open design the ear cups are partially open. They don’t have a full grill like you see in the T1 but it actually is mostly plastic with a whole bunch of vertical see-through grill parts. A lot of people I spoke to in Berlin love the design but I personally don’t especially think the sides of the cups look stunning. The design however doesn’t bother either.
As we’re used to from Beyerdynamic and all the other German headphone companies, the build quality of these headphones is topnotch. All components in fact are replaceable and ensure a long lifetime of the headphone. I’m a big fan of velour pads and all my Beyerdynamic headphones (T70, T90, COP, DT770PRO, DT1770PRO) in fact are equipped with velour pads. Sure your ears might get a little warmer when using the headphone for longer periods but comfort wise these simply are the best. The DT1990PRO comes with two sets of velour pads that each have their own sound signature: The EDT 1990 A pads for a neutral sound (included in the delivery, light grey color) and the EDT 1990 B pads for a sound with a slight bass boost (included in the delivery, dark grey color). The B pads are the ones the DT1990PRO came delivered with. Comfort wise however these pads are exactly the same. Changing the pads is quite easy once you know how to do it, and it only takes like a minute to switch the pads. It’s not fun doing it but it’s quick and easy.
The DT1990PRO, like every other Beyerdynamic headphone, is very comfortable. The clamping force on your head is just right but that of course depends on your head. The DT1990PRO weighs a perfectly normal 370 grams which is not heavy at all for a full sized headphone. The left side cable entry is easy and perfectly fine yet I still prefer a double Left and Right entry. The Beyerdynamic headphones have always easy to adjust and it’s no different with their latest creation. Comfort is guaranteed.
Personally I wouldn’t take the DT1990PRO outside of the house but I’ve actually seen people using it a as a portable headphone. It’s a proof though that it’s a very comfy unit even though the sound quality can’t be optimal as sound will leak out and in. The DT1990PRO officially costs $/€599 in the Beyerdynamic web shop but I’ve seen it go for $568.80 and €590 on Amazon. I expected the DT1990PRO to be a lot more expensive and closer to the 1K mark but the Beyerdynamic price for this unit is incredibly sharp.
Specs
| Headphone impedance | 250 ohms | |
| Headphone frequency response | 5-40,000 Hz | |
| Nominal sound pressure level
Nominal SPL THD Nominal handling capacity Nominal headband Pressure Weight (without cable) |
102 dBSPL (1mW/500Hz)
102 dB SPL (1 mW / 500 Hz) < 0,05% (1mW / 500 Hz) 200 mW Approx. 6.6 N 370gr. |
Sound
A lot of people immediately think every single Beyerdynamic unit has a V-shaped sound curve but that isn’t always the case. Beyerdynamic describes the DT1990PRO as follows: Brilliant highs, a richly detailed midrange and precise bass with a wide, dynamic and extremely natural stereo image. Beyerdynamic is pretty right.
The overall Character of the headphone changes depending on the type of ear pads you use. With the B-type pads – where B stands for Balanced – the DT1990PRO illogically has added bass presence. With the A Pads – where A stands for Analytical – you get a more balanced and linear sound where there is no added anything. I don’t find the pads to impact the midrange and treble too much although the mids might seem different (thicker) because of the added bass body. For “fun” listening my preference goes to the B pads but the A pads make out of the DT1990PRO what it is supposed to be: a more neutral and analytical precise headphone for studio monitoring. Do note that there are two version of the pads already, this review sample seems to be equipped with the older pads as shown in user kman1211’s post on Head-fi.
Sound continues on Page two, right after the Click here or the jump below
Barun C
Nice article Lieven. I used to own the DT990s (250 Ohm 2005 Version) and they also had a great synergy with the Little Dot MK III (With 6H30P DR, WE 403B tubes) in comparison to SS Head Amps.
These look beautiful and at the mentioned price range they seem worthy.
Lieven
Thank you, Barun. For the price it’s very good indeed, especially on tubes ;à
Ali
Great review Lieven.
Looking forward to reading your Cayin HA-1A MK2 review.
Lieven
Thank you. That might be a while though :/
Alan Gruskoff
Do these “PRO” headphones provide a 1/4″ connector to work with all my PRO equipment, or do they have the 3.5mm connectors to work with consumer phones?
I will not use any of those awful little crappy adapters to get a cable to work with all my PRO equipment which have 1/4″ connectors.
Lieven
They have the typical Beyer screw on for the 6.3 to 3.5 conversion.
http://www.eproav.com/media/product/f98/beyerdynamic-k100-07-3-0-straight-connecting-cable-for-dt-100-serieswith-mini-jack-plug-3-5-mm-adapter-bbe.jpg
dale thorn
I don’t like how it’s done. The screw-on 1/4 inch adapter doesn’t “grip” the 3.5 mm plug, and I’ve had loose connections that way. The cables seem nice enough, but I’d have new plugs put on them.
dale thorn
I forgot one thing – with the DT1770 and other headphones having a straight 3.5 mm plug, I use a good quality 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter that snaps on, rather than screws on. It makes a very satisfactory secure connection, if your adapter is good quality.
Petros
Hello , how the compare to the HD650?
Lieven
The HD650 is lower, smoother, doesn’t have any V-shaped curve, treble is softer. It’s a completely different headphone so I didn’t compare it to the Senn
Petros
Well it seems that the 650 is still unique! I am searching for the “new” 650 but no luck yet. May be the Elear? I am waiting for your review. Thank you. (What about the HD700?)
Anders Kongsvoll
Have you tried the 1770Pro with the A-pads? Personally I think the 1770pro has I bit too much bass, it’s dominant. So I bought the T5p G2. But curious to know how the 1770 would respond to different pads.
Thanks – Anders
(use chord mojo, and the velour pads that came with the 1770)
Edward Lau
How much does this 1990 leak out? Would it be usable in an office environment without others able to hear at moderate volume? When I had the 1770, it isolated very well. My ATH-R70X is open but surprisingly doesn’t leak very much at all at moderate volume.
HKING
Hello Lieven,
Which one would you prefer more with these cans La Figaro or Ha-1a MK2?
Lieven
I prefer the sonic character of the 339 but the Cayin allows to finetune the sound because of the Impedance settings.
Oscardunn
Lieven
Which amp sounds better with HD800?
Lieven
They both sound good but I’ll go for the 339
johthor
Very nice review Lieven. As you liked the 1990 with the Lafigaro 339 amp did you get a chance to try it with the Crack. I have the DT990/250 and the DT880/600 and really like both of them with the Crack.
Lieven
Thank you. I haven’t yet but I have no doubt it sounds really good.
Frank
Hi,
did you compare the 1990’s with the T1? I heard them both, but not at the same time. Recently I heard the 1990 and it reminded me much on the T1 (first edition). If my memory doesn’t fool me, the “bang-for-the-buck” ratio of the DT 1990 would be awesome.
(BTW: I didn’t like the Amiro. A more or less failed attempt to re-create a HD 650.)
Thanks
Frank
Lieven
If you’re into the T1 and or the DT1990, chances are huge you won’t like the Amiron.
The DT1990 does indeed have the highest price/quality ratio. I didn’t compare both as I don’t have a T1 (I really don’t like it), but I cans ay the DT1990 is easier to listen to, but it isn’t as neautral
Dimitri
I know that the Philips Fidelio X2 is a completely different headphone, but would you please be able to venture a “comparison” for someone that so far has grown to enjoy the X2 sound?
Thank you in advance
Lieven
Very different. Pro audio vs warm and bass. Opposites. These shouldn’t really be compared
Dimitri
Thank you for your speedy response Lieven, I really appreciate it. I guess I already anticipated that answer. Let me rephrase a bit then, would YOU PERSONALLY choose a pro audio headphone like the DT 1990 Pro to ENJOY listening to music at home?
dale thorn
Describe your music preferences, and how they sound to you.
Dimitri
Mainly Rock, Electronica (Massive Attack, Faithless), EDM
dale thorn
Yes, that is your music. Now, answer the rest of the question please.
Dimitri
The type of rock tracks I usually go for sound involving and energetic to me. I usually prefer male vocalists and enjoy a multilayered presentation with an average amount of depth. The electronica tracks I prefer, have a rich contrast of mids and bass, I am sucker for transients and decay.
For EDM I usually choose Chill-Out House or Tech-Minimal House tracks and these sound mellow and warm to me.
I am not sure if I managed to master a satisfactory answer, please excuse my inability to describe what I am hearing with a audiophile-rich vocabulary.
I appreciate your helpful altitude towards an uninitiated pair of ears lol
dale thorn
Get the X2 then. The DT’s would have better technicals, but the X2 to my ears give a more colorful tone and harmonics for music enjoyment. That might sound like a contradiction, but when your intent is to just relax and listen, I think the X2 is more enjoyable. If you were mainly gaming or watching movies, I think the DT’s (Tesla) would be more dramatic.
Dimitri
Thank you very much Dale, I have both of them coming in along with a friend’s used pair of T1 Gen.2.
I’ll report back with my limited vocabulary as soon as I get a good hear out of all of them, maybe this will help others wondering what would be the difference in actual perceived aural enjoyment from models with such big price delta.
Lieven
That depends on your musical preference. I have no issues with that
Luis García
Great review. I am looking for a neutral sound studio headphones under $1000. I am between the sennheiser HD 700, the Sony MDR7520 and this one. For home recording which one would you recomend me.
Thanks in advance.
Oliver
Actually a Sennheiser HD600/650/660. You don’t want a headphone to sound good, you want one to translate well. I have a HD600, a DT1990, HD800, Stax SR007MkII among others. But I always use the HD600 for recording. Not because it is the best sound I can get, it isn’t. But when a mix sounds right on the HD600 it will sound right on a huge stereo AND a boom box.
None of the others fit that category as well. But if a client want to listen to the mix, I give them the 1990. It adds a little excitement and punch most not highly trained listeners enjoy thoroughly.
Mike I
Hi Lieven,
You seem to like the Cayin HA-1A Mk2 a lot, and you use it in your headphone reviews. When can we expect a “Headphonia” review about this intresting amp ?
Lieven
I am so late with that review, I know. Sorry
Ryan M
I have been looking at the DT1990 and the Amiron Home for being my next headphones. Which one would you think would fit my needs better being that I will use these mostly with “metal,hardcore,rock,and folk” music. I have a DT990 Pro and that has a good clamp pressure for my head. Thanks!
saman
hi, thanks for review. i have a question: what is your opinion about fido X3(first gen) with dt1990? or x3+amiron home? i listen to post-rock and post metal like “if these trees could talk”. i can buy amiron home with 522$ here in iran! it’s cheaper than US market. if you have any good suggestions from senheiser which i use IE80 from them now or any other brands please tell me. thank you.
Lieven
I wouldn’t recommend any of these directly from the X3
Zen R.
How do the Beyerdynamic DT1990’s compare to the HiFiMan Sundara? Thanks.
Lieven
Sundara < DT1990!!
Stefano
I just bought the DT 1990 Pro.
What can I say: I LOVE them!!
Now, I have a problem: I would like to have IEM that sounds like that for when I’m not at home.
I have the Campfire Andromeda which are supposed to be airy, bright… but hey, the DT 1990 Pro just blows me away in this regards and compared to the Andromeda! I cannot appreciate the Andromeda anymore as before.
So, again my question: Do you know about IEM that sounds as the DT 1990 Pro?
Lieven
that’s very difficult , I can’t think of any just like that
Ken W
Excellent review. I’ve been mulling over an upgrade/change from the Sennheiser HD650, and am looking for a headphone with more extended bass, overall clarity, and better soundstange and imaging. I’ve basically narrowed my search down to the HE-560 and DT1990. Out of those two, which do you think is best suited to complement the HD650?
Caleb
I own both and the dt1990 has a much better soundstage, dynamics, separation and I prefer the treble although the HE560 is much brighter. The bass on the dt1990 also extends much lower although has less impact but it feels perfect go me on the dt1990. The HE560 (due in part to being a planar) is much slower and I feel like when songs get really complex the HE560 is playing catch up and I haven’t run into a song the dt1990 cannot keep up with
Lieven
Thanks Caleb!
Cole
Great review. I love my DT 1990s. I will note that the outer shell is aluminum, not plastic.
Mark
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is a well-made, comfortable, postmodern German industrial design, open-backed, over-ears, dynamic driver headphone.
I’ve owned it over a year and my primary use for it is critical listening. I’m still surprised by how musically revealingly it is. Its studio design is serious and professional and its build quality and materials are top-notch. Its driver housing venting slits are screened with contrasting (silver under matte black) aluminum mesh reminiscent of vintage microphones. It looks classy.
My short review is that imo it sounds *best* when used with its included A “analytical” pads in place of “well-balanced” B, and driving it with a premium DAP, an hq DAC plus beyer’s A20 matched amplifier or a nice tube amp.
Its Tesla drivers are efficient for 250 ohm dynamics so it can produce at least some volume from low-powered devices. If one is mostly intending this use, leave on the well-balanced (added bass) pads which come pre-installed. However, the low-output, compromise amplifiers in these sources will not elicit the best performance from DT 1990 by any means.
This headphone scales-up beautifully, even single-ended. Paired with a synergistic hq amp/source, it dissects recordings with resolving precision. Instruments sound textured and realistic and are placed in discrete locations within mixes. It has very good separation, ample soundstage, and amazing clarity of detail. Opinions vary A vs. B pad, but I prefer “A” DT 1990 tuning when it’s properly driven.
I continue to be very satisfied in the performance of DT 1990. Imo, properly amped/sourced, it’s an exceptional sounding headphone @$500-600.
csoares
I have some questions about pads for some Beyerdynamic T90.
Where can i buy new one?
Thanks
Artur
Ordered 1990 recently and was disappointed. There’s significant rumble in right earcup in the lower frequencies. Before that I was using 990 for a long time, and there were no problems. So eventually I had to order Sennheiser 660S2. It’s totally impossible to work with this rumble with 1990
Lieven
why not contact aftersales?