Home Open Back Headphone Reviews Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Review

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Hi friend and Welcome!

Today I’m going to be smacking you in the melon with another sick-ass review. This time I’ll be yapping about the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm headphones!

Wow, that was quite a mouthful!! Before we get started, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

  1. Specifications
  2. A summary of these bad boys
  3. A rundown of the following: Value, Sound (Bass, Mids & Highs), Build Quality/Comfort, Sound-stage, Amp requirements
  4. Who these benefit?
  5. Conclusion
  6. Pros and Cons will be at the bottom!

So without further ado, let’s get into things!

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm

Specifications

  • price: check amazon! | check sweetwater! | check eBay!
  • type: open back
  • fit: circumaural (over-ear)
  • impedance: 600 ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • frequency response: 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz
  • material: velour earpads, plastic
  • headband: steel spring leatherette
  • color: black, grey, silver
  • plug: screw-able 6.3 mm / 1/4″ adapter

Summary

This is a great-sounding open-back headphone that is very treble-heavy and bright. Being a 6oo Ohm can, it needs a headphone amplifier to power correctly. Most folks have agreed on this. However, there are others out there who claim to get pretty decent sound without one. It’s really up to you. You could always upgrade later if need be.

These have a really nice sound stage as well and are a bit colored. The bass and treble especially have that extra bit of “oomph” if you will. Many folks really love the bass response but are a bit turned off by the highs. They are a bit too in your face after long listening sessions. Still, the sound could be described as gorgeous and stunning, and the clarity is such that it will allow you to immerse yourself in the details of the song.

The bottom line is that it will either sound amazing or bad, depending on the source (a good or bad recording).

Value

Being very versatile (good for gaming and movies), sporting a tight bass response as well as great treble makes them a good value in my book. Add the fact that they are extremely durable and comfortable, and you really have a match made in heaven given the right source & amplification.

Sound

The sound signature overall emphasizes bass and treble. Some people have said that the mid-range becomes recessed because of this. These are good for mixing/reference, but they also happen to provide quite a pleasurable listening experience as well.

Be advised that these are open-backed headphones, and therefore not suitable for listening in a noisy environment. You will be able to hear what’s around you, and people will be able to hear what you’re listening to at higher volumes. They do require a bit of a break-in period, so be prepared to give them 20-40 hours (and upwards of 100) before they truly shine.

They are also preferred in an isolated studio environment. Just YOU and your MUSIC BRO. ๐Ÿ˜›

Video Review

Bass

There is a lot of added weight and impact when compared to the DT 880s more textured approach. This is definitely what you would call a “bass-heavy” can. Does that mean it’s a bit colored? Sure, but reviewers are saying it’s delightful ๐Ÿ˜› It’s not fake or over-exaggerated though. It’s deep and punchy and leaves folks feeling super satisfied.

Highs

The highs are so bright that they can become harsh at times. There is a lot of sibilance going on, which may lead to a disappointing listening experience after extended periods of time. However, the highs are very life-like and give a nice extra emphasis on drums especially. The sound has been described as “musical bliss”

Mid-range

I’ve heard people say they are slightly recessed because of the aforementioned bright-sounding treble. Some say however that this could be due to an inadequate source, or the amp in question.

Build Quality/Comfort

The earpads are made of velour, so comfort is never a bore! Wow, that was a really lame attempt at rhyming. The point is, these babies are super comfy. Thanks to Beyerdynamic using velour on like everything they’ve ever made ever, you can wear these without even knowing they’re on your melon! A lot of people say they are more comfortable than the DT880’s.

Check out my Beyerdynamic DT 880 Review, 250 Ohm!

The build quality is also sleek but rugged, with a nice padded headband made of spring steel. It’s just an all-around solid pair of headphones that remain light but durable. They fit great and the clamping force is just right around your dome piece.

Soundstage

An airy, open, and precise sound-stage. Described as one of the widest and most realistic around. Simple as that. There are countless reviews that talk about how great it is. What is Soundstage?

Amp requirements

This is perhaps the most important section of this review. Please do not just buy these headphones expecting them to sound amazing without proper amplification. You WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. What I can recommend is a couple of great options that have come up numerous times in my search:

  • FiiO E17
  • FiiO E12
  • Woo Audio A3
  • Woo Audio A7

Both FiiO’s are great portable amps, and also happen to be very affordable. Do yourself a favor and don’t attempt to buy these headphones if you aren’t willing to spend the money on a suitable amp. The Woo Audio amps are more expensive but worth it if you’re really looking to invest.

  1. How to choose a headphone amp!
  2. Tube amp vs. solid state

Who benefits?

I’ve read all of the following:

  • People who play video games (FPS)
  • movie watchers
  • listeners of classic rock
  • classical listeners
  • jazz listeners
  • electronic music
  • people who are looking for a purely enjoyable listening experience, rather than a critical one based around reference/mixing
  • bass-heads (HIP-HOP ANYONE?!?!) and treble lovers

Conclusion

A great and versatile set of headphones, especially if you love bass and appreciate the high-end (treble). The mids have been called a bit “recessed” (still detailed), but you will appreciate this phone’s comfort, durability, and overall sound. It also sports a really wide and accurate sound-stage with great instrument separation. If you enjoy hearing the finer nuances and subtle details in a song, these are the cans for you!!

 

Are you looking for the absolute best in mixing/reference? Look no further than the HD 600. It’s been called the Gold standard, a genre master, and just may be the best price to performance ratio headphone out there. It’s been around since 1997, and is about as flat and neutral as it gets.

 

Well, that about does it for today, my friend! I hope you enjoyed my Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm Headphone Review!!

Questions? Comments? Requests? Advice? Did I leave something out?ย  Let me know below or contact me! I very much look forward to hearing from you…

All the best and God Bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Canโ€™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!

Save

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm Headphones

4.85

Value

5.0/5

Versatility

5.0/5

Sound

4.3/5

Comfort/Durability

5.0/5

Soundstage

4.9/5

Pros

  • tight, punchy bass
  • exciting, fun sound
  • crisp highs
  • extremely comfortable
  • very durable

Cons

  • treble can be a bit harsh
  • somewhat recessed mids

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25 comments

Riaz Shah August 5, 2015 - 2:45 am

Hello again Stu!

Been going through your site, its just amazing. I’m hooked Haha. Beyerdynamic is awesome, you’ve got many reviews and all of them are really cool. Bass and treble are my thing… wait are those fluffy ear cushions i see? Amazing! might just buy myself the DT990! Bookmarked your site man, will drop by from time to time. Do keep those fresh reviews coming ;D

Reply
Stu August 6, 2015 - 2:32 am

Hey broham!

Thanks for stopping by! Yeah I get really excited about headphones. I’ve been scouting a few for some time. For mixing, I was considering 3 flagship models.

But researching The DT990’s and seeing how tight and punchy the bass is has made me want to pick up a pair!! It’s gonna be a tough call..

Hope to hear from you soon!! And I will def keep the articles a flowing..

-Stu

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Bea SAHDiva August 5, 2015 - 4:23 am

I was checking these same headphones out the other day. I wasn’t sure how much of a difference the amp would make with it, but you have proved it to me! You really explained these headphones to a T. It’s clear you really know your stuff. Do you currently use a headphone + amplifier combo?

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Stu August 6, 2015 - 2:12 am

Hey Bea SAHDiva!

Currently I do not. I am planning on upgrading pretty soon however. I was thinking about the HD600’s or Beyerdynamic DT880’s, or the AKG K701s/702’s. The DT880’s are very comparable to this headphone, but they are more suited for mixing/reference.. and are more analytical than the DT990. It’s what I’m looking for, but upon researching the DT990 I am actually tempted to give these a go!!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to hear from you again!

Are you looking for a headphone/amp combo ONLY?

-Stu

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Dave Sweney August 5, 2015 - 5:26 am

Hi Stu!

Thanks for this very thorough and informative review. I am currently looking for some headphones for my home studio, so this was a timely article for me!

One question for you: What is the price range I should expect to pay and where do you suggest I buy. I am in Dubai, and there are stores everywhere, but most just do not sell quality stuff.

I also am looking for other components, so will return here to see what else you recommend based on the job you did for this product! I need to find something special for each piece – somethiong I can tell a story about lol! Well done!

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Stu August 6, 2015 - 2:10 am

Hey Dave!

Um, the price is in the article from the amazon link! Where should you buy them? Uhhhh.. from amazon? Hope that wasn’t a serious question.. Lol. I don’t really buy audio gear anywhere but online. I bought the MPD 18 at guitar center on a whim because I needed something in a pinch, but that was a couple of years ago

Thanks for stopping by though man! Hope to hear from you again!

-Stu

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Jolie August 6, 2015 - 1:04 am

Oooh, velour ear pads, reminds me of Zapp Branigan on futurama lol

It’s real velour… just let yourself go!

I’ve never seen earphones that need a preamp before, so is that just like another little box that you plug between your headphones and your output? Would the preamp need its own power source and are these usually battery powered or plug in? I saw you mentioned a few models, but how much would one of those typically cost?

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Stu August 6, 2015 - 3:12 am

Hahah.. I need to watch that show. I started it and didn’t think I would like it.. but it kept getting better and better. Really intelligent stuff.. not like what you see literally everywhere else you go. ๐Ÿ™‚

Anywho, yeah basically for higher impedance headphones say, 250 Ohm and up.. you want to have proper amplification because on their own the volume ends up being way too low. That’s why if you read some reviews you’ll see people say that the volume on their iPod wasn’t loud enough.

These were made for the studio, and being 600 Ohm, are clearly made to be paired with a proper amp.

As for the power source, it depends on the type of amp.. The portable ones like the FiiO E12 have rechargeable batteries..

Models like the Woo Audio WA7 andBottle head crack, (which i’m considering getting) come with their own power chord.. and are meant to power higher impedance phones such as The HD600.

As for the price, thank you for bringing that to my attention. I did not give a link. Here is The FiiO E17, and FiiO E12.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Let me know if that answered your questions!

-Stu

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Melanie Townsend August 7, 2015 - 11:29 pm

Hi! Looks like you got a lot of information here and you really know what you’re talking about. I have no experience with head phones so a lot of this information is going over the top of my head. Do you have a section for beginners to explain the terminology to them? I will have to look around your website and see what you got. Thanks for the informative article!

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Stu August 8, 2015 - 3:52 am

Hey Melanie!

I do have the guide on how to build a home studio, as well as the importance of headphones and monitoring.. You have given me a great idea for a new page on my site! Thank you! It shall be called: Terminology explained. Anywho, browse around in the meantime!!

Thanks for stopping by!

-Stu

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Emmanuel August 9, 2015 - 2:28 pm

Hi Stu, I think I have to get one of these when my current one spoils. Mine feels painful sometimes on my ears and I just take them off to ease the pain on my earlobes.

What did you call them beyerdynamic what? It really is a mouthful. But if the product is as good as you rate it I don’t mind the price.

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Stu August 9, 2015 - 3:15 pm

Haha Hi Emmanuel!!

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm Headphones. Say that 5 times fast!

Lol, it is a good product. Not for everyone.. but if you love bass and like those sparkling highs, it’s a must!!

Thanks for dropping by!

-Stu

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JeffWA February 10, 2016 - 8:09 pm

Hi Stu,

You did an absolutely awesome review of these headphones. Admittedly for the price, they are not cheap. But if you want to really HEAR something, those earbuds, (valued at a few dollars) that come with the purchase of a smart phone simply do not do the trick!

Through your concisely worded presentation you laid out all of the technical facts involved with this piece of equipment. A reader would certainly be left with all of the knowledge that he/she would need in order to make a decision as to whether or not to make a purchase of these headphones. Frankly I have not seen any other site that presented the well-articulated and high quality review that you posted for a product of this type.

My only question is that you graded it out as being close to perfect, 9.9 out of a scale of 10 yet you listed two particular cons. #1 – the headphones do not yield the best treble effect as possible. Then #2 – there is a slight issue with the midlevel range being a little recessed. Wouldn’t these two factors have lowered your final grade just a tad – still around a 9.0 perhaps? To me a 9.9, a fraction away from a perfect 10 indicates really no issues at all with a product, (and I think really that nothing is absolutely perfect)!

Still I come away from this review with the belief that these particular headphones are in the top end in terms of quality for a person in the market for a new pair.

Great job, Stu!
Jeff

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Stu February 12, 2016 - 4:12 am

Thanks Jeff for the thoughtful response!!

You are so right though. In some of my older reviews the rating scale was a bit off. Thanks for reminding me! I went back and edited a few, realizing that I kind of scored it a bit high given some of the gripes. I did not get around to the 990 premium though.

I really appreciate your constructive feedback. Please continue that in the future if you drop back in again!! I do think the 990’s represent a great open back option for the consumer looking for that wow factor. ๐Ÿ™‚ So yeah I agree with you.. But I would definitely go for the DT 990 Pro version. They are more affordable and there really isn’t much of a difference between the premium model. Anyone reading this that wants to know those subtle differences? Check out my Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs. Premium comparison!!

Regards,

-Stu

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Stu February 16, 2016 - 3:02 am

Hey Jeff! Fixed that rating from a 9.9 to a 9.6!

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kelechukwu22 April 2, 2016 - 2:35 am

Hey Stu,

I just read your review on the beyerdynamic headphones and I got to say it was remarkable. I just like how you structured the whole review it was really professional. I’m getting ideas for my website reading this review, and want my posts structured like this in a way. It was filled with content with nice structure. Keep up the good work Stu you have a solid website also.

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Stu April 4, 2016 - 1:11 am

Hey man!

Thanks a lot for the kind remarks! I really do try to simplify things here at much as possible because 1) When I research I want less distractions and more organization and 2) I want others to feel that same way when they read my articles!

I really appreciate you stopping by, and I’m glad to have inspired you in some way. Please come back and visit soon..

Blessings,

-Stu

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Jordan Heinz November 27, 2017 - 3:00 am

Thanks for the review – you have the best site I was able to locate. I was trying to figure out which pair of cans to purchase, and I think I finally found them in this review (DT990 Premium – 600 Ohm). I’m pretty new to the HiFi stuff, but I learn quickly. I was planning on purchasing a Schitt Magni 3 to drive them (specs say Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 230mW RMS per channel). Will this be sufficient to make them go? I will also be purchasing a Modi 2 to hook up to the PC. The music I am gauging my requirements on is primarily: 90’s Drum ‘n’ Bass & Jungle, Trance, Miles Davis, & The Beach Boys. I also plan on diving into listening to Mozart.

Do you believe the DT990 Premium 600Ohm is my best option? Trying to stay under $200 for this pair. Thank you again.

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Stuart Charles Black November 27, 2017 - 4:40 pm

Hehe thanks for the heads up! I didn’t even know the Magni 3 existed. I have the Magni 2/Modi 2 and will probably upgrade to the 3 now that you brought it to my attention.

So yeah, the Magni will power 99.9% of headphones due to it’s extremely low output impedance. Great choice with the Modi 2.

For under $200 and those genres? Yeah the 990 seems to hit the sweet spot there. Why don’t you save some money and go with the DT990 Pro 250 Ohm? The differences between the Pro and Premium models are negligible, and the sound is the same. But yeah, the 990 hits the mark so fully recommended! You’re going to love the comfort and open sound as well.

Keep me posted!

-Stu

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Jesse September 5, 2019 - 8:12 am

Hello Stu. It seems like anytime either I come across or purchase something worthwhile relating to audio (especially headphones), I tend to post my thoughts/commentary on these experiences.

In light of how recently I’ve been downsizing my headphone collection plus de-cluttering, I decided to snag a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm headphones via Amazon.

During my time deliberating on whether I’d purchase the Sennheiser HD 650 or 600 several months ago, there were a few Beyerdynamics which intrigued me. The 990 was one of them. Being aware of their distinct sound signature and fairly polarizing reputation in some senses, I didn’t pull the trigger on them in late 2018.

Fast forward several months plus wanting to have a pair of headphones to complement my HD 600 and 650s, the 990s came up once again. I opted for the Premium primarily due to being a bit more comfortable than the Pro. Apart from not having a removable cable though the cable on them is of good quality, the Beyers are well-built especially being a good $100 cheaper than the 600 and 650. Sound-wise, they are a very good complement to the Sennheisers due to being very detailed and really meshing with well-recorded music/audio. Less than ideal recordings while not murderous are definitely bright sounding. Bottom end is slightly elevated but not in the slightest bloated or muddy. The mid-range actually was the most fascinating to me in how uncolored and dry it is at least to my ears. While it’s slightly recessed especially when compared to the treble region, it’s very detailed plus it avoids sounding excessively forward. As previously noted, the treble is definitely bright and not shy in the slightest. Being accustomed t0 the 600/650 meant that I would need to be a bit more mindful on cranking the volume unless I wanted a migraine headache. Though it’s notably elevated, resolution is impressive and airy.

In short, I have thoroughly enjoyed the 990s in the relative time that I’ve owned them. As always, keep up the good work Stu.

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Stuart Charles Black September 6, 2019 - 2:48 pm

Hey man! Bolded are my responses ๐Ÿ™‚

Hello Stu. It seems like anytime either I come across or purchase something worthwhile relating to audio (especially headphones), I tend to post my thoughts/commentary on these experiences. Nice, please keep doing so. I find your impressions rather interesting!

In light of how recently Iโ€™ve been downsizing my headphone collection plus de-cluttering, I decided to snag a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm headphones via Amazon. Uh oh! Lol.

During my time deliberating on whether Iโ€™d purchase the Sennheiser HD 650 or 600 several months ago, there were a few Beyerdynamics which intrigued me. The 990 was one of them. Being aware of their distinct sound signature and fairly polarizing reputation in some senses, I didnโ€™t pull the trigger on them in late 2018.

Fast forward several months plus wanting to have a pair of headphones to complement my HD 600 and 650s, the 990s came up once again. I opted for the Premium primarily due to being a bit more comfortable than the Pro. This is interesting. Perhaps I can add it to my article about the 990 Pro vs. Premium. Apart from not having a removable cable though the cable on them is of good quality, the Beyers are well-built especially being a good $100 cheaper than the 600 and 650. Always love the build of a Beyer. Sound-wise, they are a very good complement to the Sennheisers due to being very detailed and really meshing with well-recorded music/audio. Less than ideal recordings while not murderous are definitely bright sounding. Yes, an issue for most I would say. Bottom end is slightly elevated but not in the slightest bloated or muddy. I agree and was actually surprised by this given all the people who say it’s a bass head affair. I wouldn’t necessarily say that; the bass is done extremely well and there’s a bit extra, but it’s done tastefully. The mid-range actually was the most fascinating to me in how uncolored and dry it is at least to my ears. While itโ€™s slightly recessed especially when compared to the treble region, itโ€™s very detailed plus it avoids sounding excessively forward. Always a good thing in my mind. As previously noted, the treble is definitely bright and not shy in the slightest. Being accustomed t0 the 600/650 meant that I would need to be a bit more mindful on cranking the volume unless I wanted a migraine headache. Though itโ€™s notably elevated, resolution is impressive and airy. Those were my impressions as well listening to them in store. Great spacing and fantastic resolution in fact, most of the other headphones I demoed that day paled in comparison to the 990. They all sounded congested and clammy by contrast.

In short, I have thoroughly enjoyed the 990s in the relative time that Iโ€™ve owned them. As always, keep up the good work Stu.
Thanks so much man! Keep me posted on the happenings. You’re making me want to buy one! Also did a Shootout with the 600/6XX/650 that you may like.

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Jesse May 7, 2020 - 6:13 am

Hello Stu. Long time no see once again. It’s funny how when certain things (in this case headphones) grab your attention immediately then for whatever reason fall out of favor for a lack of a better word. A few months back, I spent about 2-3 weeks up close and personal with a Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 600 ohm headphone. Which I ultimately parted ways with it though it was by no means trash. They were an acquired taste and can be polarizing. Fast forward, it daunted upon me to give the Beyerdynamics another go though I had a good sense on what to expect. Essentially, my overall take on the headphones are mostly similar to the comments I originally posted months ago. Their build for their price point (being under $200) are quite outstanding minus the attached cable. While the cable is not garbage, it’s somewhat of a tease knowing how the higher end Beyerdynamics such as the 1770 or 1990 have detachable cables. Comfort is pretty nice; the amount of headband padding could be more generous though it’s less clampy than either my HD 600s or 650s. I’m a bit more appreciative of the sound signature considering that a headphone like this would probably be a companion to daily driver headphones or serve as a change of pace. Detail retrieval, imaging, and precision are apparent in spades. Although the bass is definitely pronounced especially compared to the 600s and 650s, it’s taut and not as heavy-handed as the 990 Pros (which I also liked though I found it slightly grainier sound wise). The midrange is not as rich or lust compared to the Sennheisers. Though it’s generally uncolored, very detailed, and not completely dwarfed by the lower frequencies. The treble is definitely detailed, airy, etc. However, there’s a notable spike in the sibilance range around 8Khz if I had to make an educated guess. Certain s sounds and so on are exacerbated at least to my ears. In Metal571’s comprehensive review of the DT770, DT880, DT990; he described how the treble in the sibilance area can attack you like a weapon ๐Ÿ™‚ Due to the headphone’s noted U-shaped sound signature (calling it a v shaped one is over-doing it a bit), it was a bit trickier for me to gauge a suitable listening volume where the treble spike was less problematic yet not too quiet for overall enjoyment. Powering it on my Aune X1S 10th Anniversary Amp/DAC combo, I have finally cracked the code on an applicable listening volume that’s enjoyable while mostly avoiding listening fatigue/headaches ๐Ÿ™‚ As an aside, anytime that I’ve attended either concerts, dive-bars, or venues that played blaring music; I typically get a dull headache that goes away overtime. It’s a noted remainder that whatever setting I was in probably had music turned up to 11 ๐Ÿ™‚ Anyway, I wanted to give my revised thoughts on the headphone. It would be interesting if you did either a comparison review between the DT880s and 990s or an updated review on the DT990 Premiums 600 ohm. Stay safe and sane especially with the pandemic going on, Stu.

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Stuart Charles Black May 18, 2020 - 10:55 pm

Hey man!!

Yeah I’ve been wanting to do a shootout of the 770, 880, and 990 for my YouTube channel for awhile now. That’s one thing I do plan on doing as soon as I can.

How do you like the Aune? My boy Solid Lad has one of those I think. Have you thought about some EQ for the 990? Right now I’m demoing the HIFIMAN DEVA, and while it’s a great headphone, it does need some EQ in that same sibliance region you mention with regards to the 990. I brought down 8-10k down a few dB using the Creative G6’s SoundBlaster Connect app! It’s really cool. Let me know what you think! ๐Ÿ™‚

Thank you for stopping by man it’s always a pleasure to speak with you. Talk real soon!

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Jesse May 19, 2020 - 7:34 pm

I’ll give the Creative G6’s SoundBlaster Connect app a look. While EQing headphones is certainly not off the table to help offset sibilance etc, I’m not really crazy about EQ. Yes, it can fix certain frequencies that are out of wrack or unbalanced. Though, it cannot completely fix a headphone that’s grainy or just sounds off for a lack of a better word. Plus, there’s no such thing as an absolute perfect sounding headphone. If it existed, taking plunges with higher end headphones plus law of diminishing returns probably would be superfluous. Regarding the Aune X1s Amp/DAC combo, it’s a very nice unit and so on. While I did glance through reviews plus measurements from Audio Science Review, I liked the design/aesthetic of the Aune. In my opinion, the DAC is perhaps over engineered for it’s price point of being around $260. While the headphone amp itself is no slouch in cleanliness or power, it’s a departure from AMP/DAC combo units where the amp section seems better engineered/more competent vs the DAC. Although the output impedance of the Aune is around 6 (ASR measured it at 5.9), it works very well for many headphones. For more sensitive IEMs, headphones etc; it might not be the best option. One thing about the Aune that can be better is the bulky power adapter. While it’s not particularly cheap or chintzy, it’s a minor nuisance trying to find a good spot to put it. Plus, the cable length of the adapter could be more generous. Aune also has the X7S amp which like the X1S strikes me as very competent and quality. While not completely endgame material, it’s nothing to turn ones nose at ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s output impedance from what I’ve heard is about double of the X1S; around 11 or so. Probably works fine for planar magnetic headphones with lower ohm figures.

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Stuart Charles Black June 10, 2020 - 3:30 pm

Wow. 6 Ohms and 11 seems pretty high! Probably would make a really great pair with the HD600 actually.

Did you check out SoundBlaster Connect? I also am not a huge proponent of EQ but with treble specifically it can elevate a good headphone to an incredible one. Case and point the DEVA is a bit peaky but just a few dB down and it sounds sublime.

Talk soon,

-Stu

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