Home Headphone Comparisons Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs. Premium [End All Confusion!]

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Updates:

  • 9/13/19.
  • 9/24/19. Article/link cleanup.
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1,748 word post, approx. 3-4 min. read


Let’s start with a quick rundown!

Comparison Chart

Preview
Our Pick
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing
A bit more robust
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Open design, wired, high-end, for the stereo system
Title
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Open design, wired, high-end, for the stereo system
Color
Black/Grey
Black/Grey
Weight
250g
290g
Type
Open Back
Open Back
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Materials
Velour, Plastic, Metal
Velour, Plastic, Metal
Frequency Response
5Hz - 35kHz
5Hz - 35kHz
Impedance
250 Ohms
250 Ohms
Sensitivity
96dB/mW
96dB/mW
Cable Type
Coiled
Straight
Cable Detachable?
Amplification Required?
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Casual, Basshead
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Casual, Basshead
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$169.00
$159.00
Our Pick
Preview
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing
Title
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones For Mixing, Mastering, and Editing
Color
Black/Grey
Weight
250g
Type
Open Back
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Materials
Velour, Plastic, Metal
Frequency Response
5Hz - 35kHz
Impedance
250 Ohms
Sensitivity
96dB/mW
Cable Type
Coiled
Cable Detachable?
Amplification Required?
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Casual, Basshead
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$169.00
Details
A bit more robust
Preview
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Open design, wired, high-end, for the stereo system
Title
beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Open design, wired, high-end, for the stereo system
Color
Black/Grey
Weight
290g
Type
Open Back
Fit
Circumaural (Around Ear)
Materials
Velour, Plastic, Metal
Frequency Response
5Hz - 35kHz
Impedance
250 Ohms
Sensitivity
96dB/mW
Cable Type
Straight
Cable Detachable?
Amplification Required?
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Casual, Basshead
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$159.00
Details

Hi there friend and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Vs. Premium Comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

For the purposes of this article I will be reviewing the DT 990 pro, and then comparing it with the DT 990 Premium, both 250 Ohm versions.

So without further ado,

What I will bring you in this review

  1. Specifications
  2. Summary
  3. Pros and Cons
  4. Who these headphones benefit?
  5. Amp/DAC Requirements
  6. Consensus/Conclusion
  7. Similarities & Differences with the Premium
  8. Final Word

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Specifications

Summary

A superb open-back headphone that showcases tight, authoritative bass and sparkling highs. Learn more: Closed back vs. Open back headphones.

The bass isn’t so pronounced that it drowns out the other frequencies, but it also isn’t shy in the least. This is a hip-hop lover’s headphone. The highs are crisp and clear without being harsh or sibilant, but if you’re listening to a badly mastered recording you will know. What does Sibilant mean? The Soundstage is also exceptional and being an open-backed can, you feel as if the music is playing in the room rather than in your ears. The build quality is solid as well, and these things are built like a tank. All in all, if you prefer your listening experience to be more fun rather than overly analytical, then you may want to check these out.

Be aware that they require a certain amount of burn-in time. They will likely sound a bit harsh and muddy at first. Give them time, MAN. 😀

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable.
  • Exceptional Soundstage (feels like the sound is in the room with you rather than in your ears) What is Soundstage?
  • Crystal clear clarity.
  • Excellent bass extension.
  • Amazing build quality (this has been really common among-st reviewers)
  • Flawless instrument separation.
  • Replaceable parts.
  • Hard-hitting bass.

Cons

  • Non-detachable cable feels a bit cheap and “old-school”.
  • Clamping force is intense at first.
  • Slightly recessed (but detailed) mid-range due to the V (or U) shaped curve.
  • They can be a bit “fatiguing” after awhile.

Who these headphones benefit?

  • Gamers. Learn more: The Best Headphones for Gaming.
  • People who value exceptional comfort levels and velour ear padding.
  • Jazz and Classical listeners.
  • Hip-Hop fiends. Learn more: The Best Headphones for Hip-Hop
  • Fans of EDM (electronic dance music)
  • People who enjoy watching movies with their headphones (due to the Soundstage and it’s “theater-like” presentation). More on this in a bit!
  • Bluegrass and Folk Listeners.

Amp/DAC requirements

I would say at 250 Ohm and 96 dB Sensitivity, you’ll want to pair these with an Amp of some sort, whether that be a combo Amp/DAC, Desktop, or something portable. Here are my recommendations! Learn more about this in-depth: How to Choose a Headphone Amp!

Audioquest DragonFly Red

Lego men discuss the wonders of a good DAC.


Amp/DAC Combo


Portable


Audioquest Dragonfly Red.

This is my absolute go-to portable Amp/DAC, as it’s the size of a thumb drive yet has no problem driving my HD600’s. If you’re new to the hobby, you likely won’t upgrade from this for quite a while. A reviewer on Amazon even said it powered his HD800’s phenomenally well too! What I love most about this little homie is how portable it truly is. If you’re on the go a lot like me, you’ll find it incredibly easy to throw into a laptop bag or even your pocket! Once you reach your destination, whip it out and stick it in the hole! It’s really that simple. If you desire to pair it with your phone, that’s cool too. You’ll simply need this adapter which is very cheap and gets glowing reviews. If you’re interested in learning about the Black vs. Red: Audioquest Dragonfly Black vs. Red.

 


Oppo HA-2.

The Oppo HA-2 could be your end game combo Amp/DAC, as it’s the best I’ve personally heard. Even though Oppo has since stopped making products, I still recommend this Amp if you can get it at a good price because it sounds absolutely fantastic and provides an all in one solution for your desktop or on the go! Everything on it feels solid to the touch, including its overall build, volume knob, bass boost, and gain switch. I love the gain for more power-hungry headphones, and the bass boost is done in a tasteful way as well. To sum it up, after you purchase this beast you’ll likely be set for life!

 


Budget


FiiO E10K.

This is the absolute best combo Amp/DAC solution for those with under $100 to spend. It has no trouble driving headphones like the HD600, 650, and Aeon Flow, which is pretty amazing considering it’s roughly $75. With an output impedance of less than 1.04, it will handle almost anything you throw at it. I would steer clear of trying to use it with 600 Ohm headphones, as well as power-hungry planar magnetics with their weird drivers. ? What is a headphone driver? I love the crisp and neutral sound these provide. Comes with coaxial out, line out, and USB. Very clean signal, lots of detail. You’re going to be completely amazed at what this little box is capable of. It’s good! You like!

 

Shootout

Here I did a side by side of them all! Leave me some love if you would. 🙂


Most Versatile


Audioengine D1.

Legend has it that if you ask nicely, the Audioengine D1 will brew you a warm cup of Joe. Lol.

For less than $200, you can power your studio monitors, use it as a headphone amp, or even hook it up to a PS4! It improves the sound of the gaming environment so well that I was simply dumbfounded. Like I didn’t want to leave my couch dumbfounded.

Go ahead, fire up that Fallout 4 and be amazed at the cinematic-like presentation of every little sound and nuance. Connections include RCA/Analog outs, Optical input, as well as USB input. What’s even cooler is that you can also use it to power your studio monitors. What are studio monitors? I personally use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 in conjunction with my LSR 305’s because I tend to do some rapping from time to time.

But let’s say you don’t have any use for a microphone and just want to listen to music. The D1 is perfect for such an affair, and leaves a minuscule footprint on your desk! Let’s not forget how high quality this beast is. The build is top-notch, and the volume knob feels rugged and durable. Don’t forget to press that power button homie!

 


Consensus/Conclusion

Great sounding headphone, with booming lows and sparkling highs, and a somewhat recessed mid-range. The accentuation of the bass may lead to the treble being a bit “harsh” and too sibilant for some people.

How the Pro version compares with the Premium

They are almost identical in every aspect, except for a few things:

  • They each have a slightly different design and aesthetic.
  • The pro version has a slightly higher clamping force.
  • The Pro version has a coiled cable, while the Premiums have a straight cable.
  • The Premium is heavier; 290g vs. 250 for the Pro.
  • The Premium is marketed more toward consumer use, while the pro version is marketed towards studio use. As far as sound goes, they are identical in every way, and even use the same drivers. The difference in price that you pay more for in the premiums is basically in aesthetic, feel, and looks. It has been said that the premiums have a nicer build. That’s it!

Final Word


The sound for both of these is somewhat colored but in a very natural way. The highs are sparkling and crisp, although they may become sibilant at times due to variances in recordings, or just a bad master. They definitely lean towards the bass head side of things but also work well as an open, airy, and detailed headphone that is great for other genres too!

It has been said that out of the 770, 880, and 990 lines, the 990’s are the “fun” headphone out of the bunch. The 770’s and 880’s come in second and third respectively in this regard. The 880’s are the most neutral of the 3 and are mostly used for mixing/mastering and reference.

If you want tight, authoritative, punchy lows that don’t get muddy and enjoy listening to a wide variety of music, these are the cans for you. They excel in many other applications as well including video games and movies. The clarity and crispness of the highs really lend themselves well to cinema. You will be able to hear things in movies that were previously lost in consumer-grade cans. The same goes for music. Think you know a record like the back of your hand? THINK AGAIN, BRO!! Haha. But for real, you will start to hear things in recordings that you never dreamed were there.

Which of these you go with just really depends on the price at any given time. I would suggest going with whichever is cheaper (usually the 990 PRO). It just depends!

 

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! Hope you enjoyed my comparison review of the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro vs. Premium!

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Which headphone looks more appealing to you? Let me know as well!!

Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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32 comments

Victor August 7, 2015 - 4:24 am

My Sony headphones recently went missing from my home studio. I’ve looked everywhere but have no idea where they went. I guess I need to get a new pair of headphones but have been hoping they would show up. Finding this article confirmed that its time to get an upgrade. Thanks for the info and comparison. Just what I needed.

Reply
Stu August 8, 2015 - 4:22 am

Hey Victor!

What model of Sony’s did you have? I used to have the Sony MDR 7506’s, and did a neat review of the MDR-V6’s, which are really great budget reference cans! They have an amazing track record!

I really do hope you decide to upgrade if you do not end up finding them!!

Thanks for stopping by brother,

-Stu

Reply
Anthony August 7, 2015 - 4:30 am

Thanks you so much! This website helped a lot. Now, I have a good idea on how to build a home studio. I did not know that it mattered the type of headphones you used. You have some great information on here. I am going to recommend this website to my friends and others. Good luck

Reply
Stu August 8, 2015 - 4:21 am

Hey Anthony!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I would really appreciate it a lot if you did that! Beyerdynamic has quite a bit of options when it comes to headphone buying. It can get overwhelming!!

-Stu

Reply
Zachary August 7, 2015 - 5:33 am

This is a very thorough review of these headphones. Thanks. Purchasing headphones can be confusing. It’s not like computers (I’m a techie) where there is specs to pick out.

One thing I’m wondering is why the Pro version is $100 cheaper than the premium. Why is that and is there any plausible situation where the Premiums are worth the extra money. Thanks!

~Zachary

Reply
Stu August 8, 2015 - 4:20 am

Hey Zachary!

I think the biggest factor is that the premium model is marketed more towards consumers, while the pro model is marketed towards producers and studio use. There is really no difference in the two besides aesthetic. You pay more for the premiums in looks alone it would seem. They are said to have a nicer build, but that’s about it. A separate amp/dac combo is almost mandatory for both models. Some people say you can slide by without one, but if I was to purchase either model, i would most certainly not bypass the amp. 250 Ohm and up is most definitely made to be paired with one.

Thanks for stopping by man, and thanks for such a great question!! I’m glad you pointed that out…

-Stu

Reply
Mr. Glass October 13, 2015 - 5:26 am

Cool site you have here. I was wondering tho, in your review it appears that both the premium and the pro versions are pretty much identical besides the price. I am in the process of looking for some new headphones myself, and just can’t understand how a $100 difference can be justified if the sound quality in both units are the same. I just want to avoid being swindled. You have any suggestions?

Reply
Stu October 14, 2015 - 12:21 am

Hey man,

So I looked into it more in depth and the sound is identical. Both models even use the same drivers. What you are paying more for in the premiums is basically in aesthetic, look, and feel alone. It is said that the premiums have a “nicer” build. So in short, I would recommend not paying the extra $100 (or whatever the price difference is) and go with the Pro version!
-Stu

Reply
JP March 1, 2016 - 4:27 pm

oh man these look dope. Music is a big part in my life and I like it loud. Sometimes all of the dre stuff gets drowned out into the market and people don’t really know where else to get legit headphones, and these ones are legit, so keep up the good work

Reply
Stu March 3, 2016 - 5:26 am

Hey JP!

Agreed. The DT990 is a great bass heads type of headphone, without the bass actually being too overpowering. Thanks for the love!

-Stu

Reply
hoffman May 2, 2016 - 7:16 am

if the premium dt 990s and the pros are the same price in my country should i go for the premiums instead?

Reply
Stu May 3, 2016 - 1:36 am

Hey man!

Will you be using the headphone in studio/bedroom, or do you want to take them on the go? While both are open back cans and do leak sound, it’s a little easier to use headphones out and about when they have a straight cable (DT 990 Premium) vs. the coiled cable of the DT 990 pro. Also, it’s been said that the premiums have a nicer build, so yeah I think you should go with them instead of the pros if the prices are the same where you are.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Dahveed September 23, 2016 - 8:20 am

Great review man! I’m still left scratching my head though in regards to whether or not i should purchase the 880 or the 990. I’m currently attending a trade school that only focuses on audio engineering. Anytime I ask an instructor what the think they give me the same “its all subjective man, so what ever you prefer” answer. They provide us with a sub par pair of cans that aren’t terrible by any means but they are not great either. So in terms of mixing/mastering which do you recommend, the 880 or 990? I want to eventually leave the label of “amateur” behind me and I think in order to do that, I should have the ability to hear every possible sound in its best representation vs. a muddied up mediocre one …. please help guide me to the promise land, lol.

Reply
Stu September 25, 2016 - 10:34 pm

Sure thing brother!

In my estimation, your best bet in regards to mixing with headphones would be the DT880 or the Sennheiser HD600. It depends on if you’re willing to shell out the extra cash for the 600, which I consider the best overall option for mixing. The DT880 is a close second. May I ask what cans you’re using now?

Check out the best studio headphones for mixing for an in-depth discussion on my top 3, and please let me know what you’re inclined to go with. I think you’ll like the subtitle “SERIOUS options for SERIOUS people.” Lol.

Hope to hear from you soon,
-Stu

Reply
giom September 30, 2016 - 12:49 am

I had the Pro and bought the 250 Ohm Premium and 600 Ohm premium to test. I’d say that the Premiums are more comfortable due to less clamping force but are slightly less bassy.
Treble is better on the 600 Ohm premium than on the other cans.

So, if comfort is important, I’d recommend the premiums (I can stand them much longer), if you have a good amp, the 600 Ohm version is worth it (but then you need the gear). But, the pro is often a good deal because it’s quite a bit cheaper.

For people who prefer a straight cable, in some countries, there’s the limited black edition pro which is about the same price as the normal pro version but with a straight cable.

Reply
Stu October 2, 2016 - 10:42 pm

Hey Giom!

Good insight here. That limited edition black sounds sexy! So for you there was no difference in sound?

-Stu

Reply
giom October 3, 2016 - 1:53 am

The main difference is that the premium is slightly less bassy but that’s mostly due to clamping force being different. The 600 ohm premium’s highs are better, a bit more precise but it’s not very noticeable so should only be bought if you have the amps already.

Reply
Stu October 11, 2016 - 1:44 am

Giom,

Thanks for your valuable input on these.. should help a lot of folks out!!

Blessings
-Stu

Reply
Dan Espinoza September 12, 2017 - 11:50 pm

558 user here, those cans are great as they are, only problem is the long cable, i have used 600 and 800 and those are phenomenal but 558 accomplish for most situations.

i have indeed removed the cans to check if the sound was coming from outside

Reply
Stu September 13, 2017 - 1:55 am

Hey Dan!

Nice! Are you giving the DT990’s consideration?

Reply
Crebs January 22, 2018 - 6:12 pm

Would you recommend those headphones to someone who mostly listens to Rock, Metal and stuff like this? I will plug them into Denon da-10.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 23, 2018 - 2:52 am

Meh, the 990’s have a somewhat recessed mid-range which won’t really fare too well with Rock music if you care at all about hearing vocals and instruments at their best. What’s your price range? And would you rather go with an open back or closed back?

Reply
Crebs January 23, 2018 - 6:40 pm

Max 250 $. I can go open or closed back tbh. Currently I’m using B&W P5S2. Do you think that i can find better headphones for less than 250$?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 23, 2018 - 8:54 pm

Yeah I’m not a big fan of the Bowers and Wilkins P series. The only headphone I find worthy in that line is the P9, and it’s a bit overpriced though the sound is fantastic. I do think there are amazing options for even less than $100, so yes. An example is the Philips SHP9500, which sounds just about as good as an HD600 in all honesty. Before I recommend something, do you plan to stay in an isolated studio environment or do you intend to take them on the go primarily?

Reply
Crebs January 23, 2018 - 9:49 pm

I will use them at home.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 23, 2018 - 11:08 pm

Ok so a max $250 headphone for Rock in either the closed or open category, for use at home in an isolated environment free from extraneous noise.

For an open back in the budget category, the Philips SHP9500 is as close to a higher end headphone as you’ll find. In fact, I compared it side by side with the $300 Sennheiser HD600 and found very little difference. Philips SHP9500 Review!

For an open back in the mid-range category, and a bit less than your ceiling of $250, the Beyerdynamic DT880 is the easy choice. I consider this just a step below an HD600, but with a fantastic sound signature perfect for all things Rock. You will need an amp with the 250 Ohm version. How to choose a headphone amp, and The best headphone amp for the money!

For a closed back in the budget category, the Sony MDR V6 easily wins out. Great sound signature, fun but detailed and revealing. Sony MDR V6 Review!

For a closed back below your ceiling of $250, I like the Sennheiser HD25, as it’s got a very intense, fast sound with plenty of bass and sparkling highs. Just be aware that these can get fatiguing after awhile. Sennheiser HD25 Review!

Out of these 4, ranked from first to last in order of priority on your list:

1. Philips SHP9500
2. Beyerdynamic DT880
3. Sony MDR V6
4. Sennheiser HD25

Hope that helps! Please let me know what you decide and/or if you need further clarification.

Blessings,
-Stu

Reply
Crebs March 19, 2018 - 8:53 am

Hey, first of all i would like to thank you for such detailed recommendation.
Which version of Beyerdynamic DT880 would you recommend to use with chord mojo? 250 ohm?

Thanks

Reply
Stuart Charles Black March 19, 2018 - 7:20 pm

No problem! Yeah I think the 250 Ohm version is the best out of the bunch, and perfect for the Mojo. Let me know how it turns out!

Reply
scott hudson November 4, 2018 - 4:07 pm

Interesting info, thanks.

I mix hip hop on 770 pro’s and want a second pair of cans that’ll give me better mids and highs.

I got akg701s and really like the airiness but the low end is just pitiful and unrealistic due to the proximity effect shifting backwards.

I’d like something that has more balls than the akg701’s to use in combination with beyer770’s. The akg’s dont cut it and I’m looking for something that combines both models.

Rockin solid foundation with open airy mids n top end. I realize I’ll need to pay more. any recommendations ???

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 4, 2018 - 10:22 pm

Hey Scott!

I usually mix on the Sony MDR V6 for a closed back option. Great mid-range, sparkling highs, good amount of bass for me. Definitely going to be stronger than a DT770 for mixing.

You may also think about the HD600. A bit less bass roll off than a K701, good mid-range, but darker treble so that may not be your cup of tea. Still it’s the Gold Standard for reference and does deserve a try. Amazing reviews, great headphone. I’ve had it for a couple of years now.

Finally, the closed back K553 is another headphone I would look into. Extremely airy sound, good bass response, great mid-range, good treble that doesn’t get out of line. It actually sounds more like an open back to me.

Would you be willing to send me the K701 for a review? If so, shoot me an email at the Contact page (Just click the all other questions and inquiries)

Hope to hear from you soon!

Reply
Anthony O December 15, 2018 - 4:47 pm

Great site! Thank you for sharing all that info with such care and ease.
I have one rather silly question. Could I use a Beyerdynamic T51i in a mid-80s solid state amplifier? I am offered one of these phones at a real bargain.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 18, 2018 - 9:00 pm

Hey Anthony!

Thanks for the nice comment! Yeah you could but you’re not going to need an amp at all given that their extremely efficient at 111dB/mW of Sensitivity and 32 Ohm Impedance. You’re more likely to damage the headphone plugging it into an amp than you would be getting any benefit although a good DAC will always improve sound quality to an extent. Thanks for stopping by and let me know how it goes!

-Stu

Reply

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