OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£120
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.6

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • beyerdynamic-dt-990-edition
  • beyerdynamic-dt-990-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-990-edition
beyerdynamic-dt-990-edition

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £120

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is an open-back dynamic headphone handcrafted in Germany, featuring a wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz and available in 32, 250, or 600-ohm impedance variants. Its primary characteristics include a spacious 'speaker-like' soundstage, a nominal sound pressure level of 96 dB, and a robust spring steel headband design with soft velour ear pads for high wearing comfort. Main pros are its detailed resolution with vibrant highs, punchy yet precise bass, and exceptional durability due to replaceable components. Notable cons include a fixed, straight 3-meter cable that can be prone to tangling, significant sound leakage due to the open design, and a sharp treble peak that some users may find fatiguing over long sessions.

Technical Specifications of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.1
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a technical score of 4.1 points, which is lower than that of 85.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

5.8
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 88% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

45 mm
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses a driver size of 45 mm, larger driver size than 83.6% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Beyerdynamic
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

290 g
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition weighs 290 g, heavier than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

2.8
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a clamp force of 2.8, lower clamp force than 82.4% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
Show more

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 mm larger driver size
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.45 mm vs 40 mm
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1.5 lower clamp force
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.8 vs 4.3
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup width
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (58 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (58 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.58 mm vs 43 mm
  • 1.5 lower clamp force
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup width
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (58 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Open-back design
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Spatial audio support
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5 mm larger driver size
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (45 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 15,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 33% higher weight
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 mm tighter earcup height
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (58 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 14 dB lower max SPL
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (96 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 years older release date
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2011
  • No passive noise reduction
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 33% higher weight
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.290 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 15.3% worse value for money
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.84 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.84 vs 6.736).5.84 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition?

  • Exceptional long-term comfort due to soft velour earpads and lightweight design
  • Wide and immersive soundstage providing a speaker-like listening experience
  • Detailed and punchy bass response for an open-back design
  • High durability with a robust metal headband and replaceable parts
  • Excellent imaging and spatial accuracy, making them popular for competitive gaming
  • Detailed, high-resolution sound signature that reveals subtle nuances in recordings

What customers dislike about Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition?

  • Aggressive treble peaks that can lead to listening fatigue or sibilance
  • Recessed mid-range frequencies can make vocals feel thin or distant
  • Significant sound leakage and poor noise isolation due to the open-back design
  • Non-detachable stock cable can be cumbersome or hard to replace if damaged
  • Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach full potential, especially for higher impedance models
  • Large physical footprint may be less suitable for users with smaller heads

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
20/08/2014
Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium review

The Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium open-back headphones offer a spacious, airy, and highly detailed soundstage that excels at revealing subtle nuances across various musical genres. Boasting an exceptionally comfortable design, they feature a sturdy spring steel headband and replaceable grey velour earpads that fit snugly on almost any head size for extended listening sessions. However,...Read more

P
pcmag.com
28/04/2015
Beyerdynamic DT 990 (32 Ohm) Review

The PCMag review highlights the $379 Beyerdynamic DT 990 (32 Ohm) as a versatile, premium open-back headphone designed for detailed home listening without requiring a dedicated amplifier. Pros include a superb, near-flat audio performance with precise high-mids and an exceptionally comfortable design with large velour earcups. Conversely, the, cons feature a bulky frame, a...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010
Beyer Dynamic DT 990 Premium 600 OHM Headphones - Head-Fi

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm headphones are characterized by a bright, analytical sound signature featuring highly detailed, fast, and precise treble without sibilance. While this delivers an engaging experience for orchestral and electronic genres, a primary drawback is that this treble peak can be harsh or "screechy" with brighter audio sources. The bass response is...Read more

H
head-fi.org
07/05/2010
Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 250 OhmGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 250 Ohm headphones are celebrated for an expansive soundstage, exceptional instrumental separation, and a fun, detailed sound profile with punchy bass and emphasized treble, making them ideal for classical and jazz. Users frequently highlight the comfortable, plush velour pads, durable metal construction, and replaceable padding as key physical...Read more

K
kenrockwell.com
01/05/2010
beyerdynamic DT-990 Review - Ken Rockwell

Ken Rockwell identifies the beyerdynamic DT-990 as a premier, long-standing open-back headphone offering exceptional, uncolored sound at a competitive price point. The review highlights its transparent audio, superb spatial imaging, robust German construction with replaceable parts, and high comfort for long-term use. Key limitations include total lack of noise isolation due to the...Read more

A
areadvd.de
28/08/2007
Beyerdynamic DT 990 headphones with A1 amplifier

This 2007 review evaluates the Beyerdynamic DT990 open-back headphones paired with the matching A1 headphone amplifier, praising the duo for delivering exceptional, distortion-free audio quality across diverse music genres. The 2.3 kg A1 amplifier is highly commended for its robust build, integrated power supply, and dual gold-plated RCA inputs that allow signal pass-through even...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
av-magazin.de
Keine Angabe
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Headphones Review - AV-Magazin

The AV-Magazin review celebrates the Beyerdynamic DT 990 as a high-end, open-back headphone that delivers a lively, precise, and highly three-dimensional soundstage. Weighing a lightweight 290 grams, it features a soft, padded headband and ear-enveloping cushions that offer a barely noticeable clamping force, ensuring excellent long-term comfort. Acoustically, it excels at...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
05/11/2015
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition (250 Ohm) review - kopfhoerer.de

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition (250 Ohm) is an open-back, over-ear HiFi headphone handcrafted in Germany that delivers high-quality sound and outstanding physical comfort. It features an exceptionally wide stereo image and highly detailed acoustic reproduction, making it an excellent choice for dynamic genres like classical and acoustic music. The build quality is superb, featuring...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
misauriculares.com
12/02/2019
Review: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 600 Ohm

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition (600 Ohm) is an open-back dynamic headphone characterized by a prominent V-shaped sound profile, delivering high clarity and clean detail resolution at the expense of natural timbre. Visually, it features a metallic grey design with extremely comfortable, soft grey velour circumaural pads that accommodate users with or without glasses over...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
stereo-head.it
07/06/2013
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition Headphones: Review

The Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium Edition (also known as Edition 2005) is an open-back, circumaural headphone handmade in Germany and priced around 250 euros. While it shares the exact same drivers as the standard DT990 Pro model, it features distinct aesthetic upgrades and a much higher build quality. It is constructed using premium plastics, an aluminum headband structure, and satin...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition with

VS
VS

Compare