Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 990
The open-earcup DT 990 headphones are one of Beyerdynamic's top-shelf, reference-grade models and a long-time standby for headphone audiophiles. The DT 990 tend to put more meat on the bones of recordings. They're durably-built, very comfortable, and rather sonically pleasing headphones with forward-sounding upper highs and a punchy, rich bass response. The mid-ranges are fairly well-balanced and quite present as well.
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Product Features:
- Durable build and good comfort
- Forward sounding upper highs and punchy rich bass response
- Plush soft-sided leather storage/travel case is provided
- High impedance means a good headphone amp is needed
What's In The Box:
- Leather Carrying Case
Applications:
The venerable open-cup DT 990 headphones are Beyerdynamic's top reference-grade 'Premium-Line' model and a long-time standby for serious audiophiles. The DT 990 tend to put more meat on the bones of recordings versus the slightly 'drier' and more analytical approach of the DT 880 model but for some headphone fans, the DT 990 remain a more engaging and subjectively pleasing listening experience. The DT 990s are durably-built, very comfortable, and sonically pleasing headphones with forward-sounding upper highs and punchy bass response with nicely present mid-ranges. Rated at 250-Ohms impedance, the DT 990s ask too much from portable player devices like iPods, MP3 players, or laptop computers, so a quality portable headphone amp becomes essential in most mobile listening applications. They should perform okay with most high-end home stereo rigs, but keep in mind that a dedicated headphone amp will truly maximize the dynamic range extension and soundstage imaging 'depth', as well as maximize clear musical detail resolution and tonal/timbral transparency of the beyerdynamic DT 990 250 Ohm headphones.
Although a bit hard to drive at 250 Ohms and sensitivity ratings of 101dB, the DT 990 perform extremely well and sound awesome once properly powered. They have round velour-padded earcups that fit loosely around the ears -- VERY comfortable even on those extra-long intensive listening sessions. The bottom of the headband is covered by a similarly cushy pad that feels nice & soft on the top of the head. The DT 990 feature very solid sliding metal joints that connect the headband to the earcups (contributing immensely to their durability) and a straight non-detachable 10-foot connecting cable that connects to the left earpiece, thus eliminating nightmarish 'Y' double-cord tangles. The industrial-glam look provided by the stainless steel-like louvered slats on the new DT 990's earcups is a slick fashion-forward move and totally jazzes up the cosmetics. A plush soft-sided leather storage/travel case is provided. The DT 990 cable is terminated to a 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug and the package handily includes a full-size 1/4" inch screw-on adapter.
A 2-year manufacturer's product warranty remains standard with all beyerdynamic headphone ONLY when proof-purchased at true Beyerdynamic-authorized dealers -- like HeadRoom!
Specifications:
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 250
- Detachable Cable: No
- Cord Length: 10ft
- Bluetooth: No
- Wireless: No
- Microphone: No
- Balanced: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Years
- Connector Type: 1/8
- Coupler Size: Large
- Cord Type: Straight Left-Side
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Headphone Type: Full Size
Additional Resources:
- Manufacturer's Website
- http://www.beyerdynamic.com/
Average Rating
Posted by Mr.Phil from Indiana on 2010-06-22
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Bass, Detail, Comfort
Cons: Not many
Criticism of this headphone has been harsh and negative reviews have mainly come from people who have not properly amped this pair of phones. Paired with a tube amp, these are a beautiful work of art. Tubes will reduce the extreme harshness of the highs and sweeten the sound up.
What it turns into with a proper source/amp setup, is a great value in headphones. The explanation of headroom hit it on the nail when they said that these phones add meat to the recordings. That is exactly what I experienced. I felt totally immersed in the sound and sitting in the crowd.
Some phones reproduce sound but seem thin or disengaging, these phones had my toes tapping and I cannot even listen to other sets of phones that I have anymore.
I would definately recommend these for people also considering a tube amp to power them. a great combo.
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