Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 990
The open-earcup Beyerdynamic DT 990 are amongst Beyer's top-shelf, reference-grade models and a long-time standby for headphone audiophiles. The DT990 tend to put more meat on the bones of recordings versus the more 'analytical' tone of the brethren DT880 model. The DT990 are durably well-built, very comfortable, and rather sonically pleasing headphones with forward upper highs and a punchy, rich bass response. The mid-ranges are fairly well-balanced and quite present as well. Especially great cans for rock, jazz, acoustic and instrumental music.
add to wishlist |
email to a friend
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
- Manufactured in Germany
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, iPad, MP3 players or computers, so a good 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 fast dynamic range extension and soundstage imaging 'depth', as well as clarify musical detail resolution and tonal/timbral transparency of these 250 Ohm audiophile headphones.
Although, as mentioned, a bit difficult to drive at 250 Ohms/101dB sensitivity, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 perform extremely well and sound awesome once properly powered. They have round 'circumaural' 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 cord exiting the left earpiece, thus eliminating nightmarish 'Y'-cord tangles. The DT 990 cable terminates to a 1/8" (3.5mm) 'mini' plug jack and the package handily includes a full-size 1/4" stereo plug adapter. The industrial-glam look provided by the stainless aluminum louvered slats on the DT 990 earcups is a slick fashion-forward move and totally jazzes up the cosmetics -- we like! A plush soft-sided leather storage/travel case is nicely provided.
A free 2-year manufacturer's product warranty remains standard with all beyerdynamic headphone ONLY when proof-purchased at verified Beyerdynamic-authorized headphone dealers -- like HeadRoom!
Specifications:
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 250
- Detachable Cable: No
- Cord Length: 10ft
- Wireless: 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
- Headphone Type: Full Size
- Acoustic Seal: Open
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Microphone: No
Additional Resources:
- Manufacturer's Website
- http://www.beyerdynamic.com/
Average Rating
Posted by NA Blur from Bozeman, MT on 2011-09-08
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Airy Sound, Bass, Comfort
Cons: Cable Length
I was looking for a headphone to compliment my AH-D2000's both in design and sound signature. The D2000 being dark, slightly bass heavy, and closed made me want something not as dark, more imaging based, and open. I tried Grado SR225i's, Grado RS-1i's, and the Beyerdynamic DT990.
The Grado SR225i's are too bright and have the same comfort issues as all Grados using bowl pads. The frequency range according to the Gradolabs site only goes from 20 Hz up to 22 kHz. The SR-80 goes from 20 Hz to 20 kHz so the 225i really only gains 2 kHz on the high end. This and the bowl pads add to the brightness. So I moved onto the RS-1i's, which are a great sounding headphone with both an extended bass and high range. The RS-1i goes from 12 Hz up to 20 kHz making them much more balanced sounding and certainly less bright. The bowl pads once again allowed the driver covers to rest on my ears which after 30 minutes made my ears hurt. I simply cannot justify a headphone that does not fit perfectly.
Enter the Beyerdynamic DT990 ( 250 Ohm ). The frequency response is bass boosted, but there is also a nice upward and wide peak at the 6 kHz to 11 kHz range. This makes the DT990 not only slightly bass boosted but brings the highs into balance with the bass. Add in some amazing comfort with velour pads and a well thought out headband and I was ready to test these puppies.
Out of my iPod they DT990 sounded nice and airy, the bass was impactful, and the sense of space was tremendous. I did have to turn up the volume to 80% to reach a satisfactory listening level, but it worked.
Since I do 90% of my headphone listening at home near my PC I really intended to use these amped which is why I chose the 250 Ohm version. It seemed to be a happy medium between the 32 Ohm portable option and the 600 Ohm hi-fi option.
Amped the bass was a little more controlled. The soundstage increased 10% and the highs brightened nicely. The DT990 is really a nice compliment or perhaps supplement for a D2000. You really get a ton of air and separation without too much boom.
Although the sound was not as direct as the D2000 it was very upfront and clear. No part of the frequency range seemed left out. The highs had a pleasant downward tilt making the DT990 bright enough without being annoying like the lower tier Grados.
I had no issued with comfort and could wear these for hours. They are not as light as some other open cans, but it did not affect the comfort.
The design is just about flawless. The swivel engineering is nicely executed and the headband padded. The ear cups surround the ear and the cable terminates from the left ear so there is no Y-cable fuss.
I recommend these to anyone. If you plan on using them more on a portable device get the 32 Ohm version. You get all of the same sound characteristics without having to drive them very hard.
With my AH-D2000's I was unable to hear the difference between 320 kbps and 128 kbps, but I sure could with the DT990.
The DT990 is a truly amazing can at its price point.
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Posted by lrogers from lrogers on 2011-04-01
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Transparent, Full, Open
Cons: Quite uncomfortable after some time
I tried on a friends pair of the DT 990 PRO's, and was so impressed with the sound that I got a pair. At the moment, I liked how tight they were. (I typically like headphones a *little* tighter.) But after about 20min of using my new pair, I had a HUGE headache.
I've tried stretching them out, as others have suggested, but after ~5 days of stretching, they've not moved a bit. At this point, the amazing quality of sound keeps me listening to them, but I really regret getting the PRO version. I think they look a bit better than the regular ones, but the comfort is entirely not worth it.
Go with the DT 990's. Not the PRO's. They're way more comfortable and sound identical.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Posted by MR. MUSIC from WEST DEPTFORD NJ on 2010-12-22
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: very comfortable/ detail sound
Cons: need some power to fully enjoy them
THE BASS IS DEEP AND RICH BUT NOT SO DEEP AS TO BE DISTRACTING TO THE MUSIC. BASS HEADS NEED NOT APPLY. I WISH ALL HEADPHONES WERE AS COMFORTABLE.
4 out of 7 people found this review unhelpful. Did you?
