If you landed on this page from another article, don’t worry! It’s all here 🙂 I’ve just condensed everything into one.
Greetings mate and Welcome aboard. Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear) all over again, so…
Today I wanted to do a comprehensive review & shootout of 3 Beyerdynamic headphones that have become wildly popular over the years (and for good reason).
So before we get into the Beyerdynamic DT770 vs. 880 vs. 990, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
I’m Here To Help!
But I’m not from the government. 😛
WHEW!
We’re going to cover all impedance versions of these as well.
By the end of this article, you should have a fantastic idea of how they all compare and which will be right for YOU.
So let’s get going!
All specs, box contents, and pricing toward the end.
Before we go any further, let’s discuss the differences between the Pro and Premium versions of the 990.
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 toward 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!
Taken straight from Beyer’s website:
Build
The build of all these models is more or less the same.
The DT770 and 880 PRO versions have the button-up headband, while the 990 variants do not.
All have velour padding, a headband click mechanism, and generally, all have the same type of aesthetic.
They’re all built incredibly well and feel durable in your hands.
In holding them, I noticed that they are nimble and lightweight but don’t feel cheap.
Note that the cables aren’t detachable on any of these, but the headphones themselves are rugged and strong.
Is Beyerdynamic made in China?
No.
From Beyer’s website:
A couple of reviews I came across were from folks who have had them for 5 and 10 years.
They can take a lot of abuse, but there are some things to note about the ear cups specifically.
Some say they aren’t quite deep enough, and that your ear may touch the driver.
I have personally not had any issues with this, but your mileage may vary. I also have larger-than-average-sized ears.
People with smaller ears will be fine regardless.
Also of note regarding the driver is that you may get a slight buzzing/rattling or vibrating sound due to it being prone to getting dirty.
It kind of has a bad tendency to attract hair and other undesirables. This was something I came across in my research.
Comfort
You’ll be thrilled to know that Beyerdynamic headphones are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn; definitely top 3.
- Required Reading: The 15 Most Comfortable Headphones Of All Time [Definitive Guide]
The clamp is perfect, the pads are perfect, and they don’t really dig much into your head.
The great thing about the pads is that they are large enough to envelop your ears without touching the tops or sides at all.
All of these are marketed as studio headphones, and they are. You can wear them for hours without really feeling like you need to take them off for any reason.
Sound
Beyerdynamic DT770 vs. 880 vs. 990
Beyerdynamic DT770 vs. 880 vs. 990
DT770
80 Ohm vs. 250 Ohm
In short, they are pretty similar but the 250 Ohm version has a bit more mid-bass and a tad more sub-bass roll-off. The dip at 4kHz is also much less intense on the 250 Ohm version.
Still, from looking at graphs and listening they are very close sounding at the end of the day.
Sound
It’s pretty easy to see from graphs, but the 770 is most certainly the most “fun” sounding out of these.
There’s an elevated bass shelf below 100Hz, but the mid-range is surprisingly present and clear-sounding sounding even despite the low-end emphasis.
Vocals and instruments still sound lively and engaging, which I think is in large part why the 770 has gained somewhat of a cult-like following over the years.
They do a really good job of retaining the great qualities of music without seeming like the sounds are distant and/or muffled, as with other bass-oriented sound signatures that sacrifice the mid-range for a lot of low-end slam and impact. In other words, resolution is excellent overall, and they can handle a wide variety of genres despite their V-shaped profile.
In fact, the 770 is known to reveal flaws in bad recordings, which is a main reason why they’re still very good for studio work even though the bass is very elevated.
The treble is certainly bright, no matter how you slice it, so be advised. It may come across as somewhat shrill or piercing.
Because they’re closed, the DT770 will be the most isolating out of these 3.
Soundstage is also quite good for a closed back, with good imaging, and an open profile that belies its closed back reputation. I experienced this firsthand and was rather shocked by it.
DT880
The DT880 is definitely the most neutral out of these 3, with the only real peak coming around 6kHz. And instead of an elevated bass shelf, it’s mostly flat. This, in my mind, makes the 880 better for studio work.
David Mahler out of Brooklyn, NY, wrote a great piece some years back on Head-Fi ranking 58 or so headphones.
Only 4 got an A+ value rating, and one of those was the DT880. Another happens to be the venerable HD600.
The 880 is great for casual and professional use, with a tasteful emphasis around the presence region (3kHz), and great overall resolution.
Outside of 6Khz, the DT880 isn’t nearly as bright as people have claimed over the years.
A running theme in this article, as you’ll soon find out.
The 880 comes in 4 different models:
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 32 Ohm
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 250 Ohm
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 Ohm
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 600 Ohm
A lot has been said about the price difference between the Premiums and the Pros.
The only real differences in the headphones themselves are as follows:
- Premiums have slightly less headband clamp pressure.
- Premiums have somewhat better “aesthetics” (It’s ridiculous, I know).
- Premiums come with a long, straight cord rather than a coiled one.
- Premiums may come with a different carrying case: Vinyl instead of Nylon.
As for Sound:
- The 600 Ohm premiums may have a slightly smoother top end (subjective).
- The aforementioned clamping force may make the Pro have slightly better bass and a more forward mid-range. The differences are however, subtle and should be taken with a grain of salt. Pink Himalayan is preferred. 🙂
Being semi-open, the DT880 won’t feel too boxed in sounding, but also isn’t completely open.
DT990
Note: You can also purchase the Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium 32 Ohm version.
Basically, there are 3 versions of the Premium (32, 250, and 600), and 1 version of the Pro (250 Ohm).
The only real difference between the Pro and Premium versions is:
- Premiums have less clamp pressure.
- The Premiums have better aesthetics (that’s subjective though).
- A straight chord vs. coiled.
My personal opinion is that you should opt for whichever 250-ohm version is cheaper depending on the time and season. Sometimes the Premium is more expensive. Sometimes the Pros are. It just depends.
I think this headphone has gotten a bad rep over the years, but I don’t think that sentiment is warranted; both from listening to it myself and looking at a graph.
Treble
I remember demoing it in the store and thinking, “Why do people complain about the treble so much?”
It wasn’t nearly as bright as many folks claimed, and it was a moment I’ll never forget because it made me realize that a lot of what you read on the internet is kind of sensationalized and rather extreme if we’re being realistic.
The 990 sounded incredibly clear, open, and detailed without feeling like anything was getting out of line.
This is in stark contrast to the way some people describe the headphone:
“OMG THE TREBLE IS SO BRIGHT AAAARGHH. WAH!”
You’ll hear this sentiment parroted over and over throughout articles, forums, videos, and comment threads, and to me, it just wasn’t true at all when I listened for myself.
I’d argue it didn’t really even sound that bright. It sparkled, but it wasn’t getting on my nerves.
Crinacle’s graph backs up all of this as well, but I’ve also noticed a trend when mixing down my own tracks. I won’t say all, but most beats and songs greatly benefit from a boost in the treble around 7kHz + to the tune of about 5-7dB. This is the sweetspot. And coincidentally, the 990 provides just that.
Where you boost it, of course, depends on the specific song and what’s going on within it, but it works incredibly well and the 990 will match with most genres just fine because of it.
Bass
The folks at Beyer also understand bass response quite well, providing a pitch-perfect shelf from 20-100Hz. It gradually rises and then peaks right where the most relevant information resides (60-90Hz), and ends with a mud cut around the bloat areas of 200-300Hz. It’s the ideal way to tune bass, and the 990 sticks to the script.
Mid-Range
Likewise, the mid-range is also just about perfect.
To help with vocal intelligiblity and overall presence (instruments, etc.), Beyer opts for a slight rise at 1kHz and another between 2-3k. Again, we’re talking subtle, reducing shout, glare, and the brittleness/honk found in bad Grado products that overemphasize these areas by upwards of 8-10dB. Yes, you read that correctly.
Beyer knows better. They understand tuning/frequency response better than the majority of copmanies out there, knowing full well there are no producers in their reight mind who would ever boost the mid-range to Jupiter and then gaslight everyone into believing it’s competely normal. It’s not. It’s stupefyingly deranged.
Soundstage, Gaming, & Reference
The 990 also has a wonderfully open and spacious sound, perhaps the best and most vast out of the 3. Because of this, the 990 would be a great headphone for those who do a little of everything: watching film, playing games (competitively or otherwise), mixing tracks, and/or just listening to music casually or even critically.
People have gone back and forth about the merits of a 770 for gaming, but I personally would not use it full-time for that purpose even though it could work in a pinch.
I’d much rather have the 770 for film, the 880 for mixing/mastering/reference duties, and the 990 for gaming though I think the 990 is the most versatile out of the bunch.
I may even prefer an 880 for competitive gaming as it doesn’t place much emphasis anywhere (besides 6kHz).
With the 880, I’m able to hear everything the most clearly and accurately out of these 3, thus why it’s the go-to for reference.
For gaming, it comes down to 880 vs. 990.
If I had to choose, I’d go with a 990 for single-player gaming and an 880 if I’m playing an FPS shooter and/or with a party online. This because the bass emphasis of the 990 may hinder clarity a bit. I personally prefer an 880 for FPS because of the fact that the bass is flat and almost completely out of the way.
This enables me to hear subtle sounds and footsteps much easier than with a 990 or 770.
In my opinion, you don’t want a headphone with a lot of bass if you’re playing competitively.
Amplification
Note: All of these headphones have a Sensitivity rating of 96dB/mW.
In many ways, I consider the Sensitivity rating more important in determining if you will need an amp, but both should be considered.
DT770
250 Ohm. For mixing applications in the studio.
This impedance rating will require a separate amp in my opinion.
There were a few people who said that they do fine without an amp at 250 Ohm, but you’ll definitely want to invest in one per my own experience. That said, you don’t need to go apeshit over it. 🙂
For desktop, something like an ATOM or K5 Pro will do the job. If you need something portable, the DS2 is very powerful and can also be used at your desk.
Related Video:
80 Ohm. For recording applications in the studio.
It’s a bit difficult to say, but most people will tell you that 80 Ohms is fine without an amp.
If you’re thinking about getting the 770 in this impedance, I would probably go ahead and plan on investing in a DS2 to be on the safe side.
It doesn’t have to be monumentally expensive.
32 Ohm. For mobile applications.
For 32 Ohm impedance, these don’t require an amp and will suffice with your mobile devices including iPods, mp3 players, tablets, etc.
For the 250 Ohm and 96dB of Sensitivity variety Beyers, you will definitely need an amp.
These do require a bit of power from an amp to reach optimal listening levels.
Luckily most of your standard pairings will sound just fine.
DT880/990
- 600 Ohm. Definitely needs amplification. I would never try and run a 600 Ohm headphone on a mobile device or even most entry-level units. If you’re going this route, a FiiO K5 Pro at minimum is what I would suggest.
- 250 Ohm. Definitely needs amplification of some sort. All of the above applies here.
- 32 Ohm. Can be used with your mobile devices without an amp.
Here are some of my recommendations:
Closing Thoughts
Aside from these, don’t get too carried away in trying to choose an Amp.
The differences between amps are very subtle to basically non-existent, and any of these pairings will work wonderfully well with the 770, 880, and 990.
I think it’s important to understand the sound signatures for each of these headphones before deciding on which one to buy.
DT770: V-Shaped, FUN
The 770 is going to be a headphone you reach for when you want to have fun; whether that be watching an action flick, listening to Hip-Hop and EDM, or just kicking back with a single-player game.
I wouldn’t personally advise it for mixing due to its elevated bass shelf, and I certainly wouldn’t rely on it for FPS/competitive gaming, but it sounds incredibly open and has great Soundstage all things considered.
DT880: Ruler-flat, MIXING
The DT880 is the headphone to purchase if you desire a more neutral offering from your music and/or need something incredibly flat for mixing, similar to a Sennheiser HD600 and K702.
The 6kHz peak will inevitably bother some folks, but you can always EQ it down or just remember that area is elevated and adjust your mix accordingly.
DT990: A Cross between the 2, JACK OF ALL TRADES
I look at the DT990 as a cross between the 770 and 880. It’s not entirely neutral, but it’s also not overly V-shaped or “fun” sounding.
It’s just a great all-around headphone and works well for many different applications.
It’s the headphone to get if you don’t put all of your focus into one specific task and just need something that’s going to work well for everything.
Contrary to popular belief, the 990 is not overly bright or essy sounding and is a lot more neutral than people give it credit for.
If I had to choose between the 3, I’m likely buying a DT990, pairing it with a K5 Pro, and fist-pumping at checkout.
Learn More:
Specs, Pricing, Graphs, & Box Contents
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Price: Amazon! | Check eBay! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check Newegg!
In The Box
DT770 Pro
1/4″ Adapter
Drawstring Bag
Graph: Crinacle
Specifications
- Type: closed-back
- Fit: circumaural (over-ear)
- Impedance: 32, 80, 250 Ohm What is Headphone Impedance?
- Frequency Response: 5 – 35000 Hz
- Material: velour earpads, plastic, pleather
- Color: black, grey, silver
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay! | Check Newegg!
In The Box
DT880 Pro
1/4″ Adapter
Drawstring Bag
Graph: Crinacle
Specifications
- Type: semi-open
- Fit: circumaural (over-ear)
- Impedance: Pro (250 Ohm), Premium (32, 250, 600 Ohm)
- Frequency Response: 5 – 35000 Hz
- Material: velour earpads, plastic
- Headband: soft padded headband construction
- Color: black, grey, silver
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check Newegg!
| Check eBay!
In The Box
Graph: Crinacle
Specifications
- Type: open back
- Fit: circumaural (over-ear)
- Impedance: 32, 250, 600 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz
- Material: velour earpads, rugged plastic, metal
- Headband: spring steel, soft cushioning
- Color: black, grey, silver
- Plug: screw-able 6.3 mm / 1/4″ adapter
- Cable: coiled
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Beyerdynamic DT770 vs. 880 vs. 990 Shootout and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.
Which one of these sounds like you? I would love to hear your thoughts and/or experience with these headphones. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
12 comments
Sheesh, your mythbusting approach to the review was very pleasant.
I must say I’ve been reading reviews and forums for two days and your review was a very welcome change.
I did notice the DT 990 was lacking its PROS & CONS section, is it intentional? I was looking forward to it.
Hey thank you for the heads up! I added it in. 🙂 Check it out! Your words of encouragement are much-appreciated my friend. Hit me up any time. -Stu
I took the dive in to headphones with with the DT770 pro at 250 ohm and I haven’t regretted it. They sound great through my Magni 3+ and very comfy. All the best
Great to hear from you man! I’ve been thinking about purchasing a 990 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying it. I just finished up revising the best headphones for hip-hop which I’m sure you’ll find interesting if you love the 770.
How do you think the DT 880 stacks up against the K702 and HD600? I’ve somewhat narrowed down my choices to those three headphones. I’m going to be using it primarily for mixing, with a bit of general use as well (movies, games, music, etc.). Unfortunately, I don’t have a store around that has these headphones to try out.
Just saw this after I answered your other comment! Haha.
Ah, the mid-fi trio. I too wrestled with that for a long time before finally deciding on an original, made in Germany HD600 back in 2016 that I still have and use.
That said, I don’t use it nearly as much because I prefer the K702 more. It’s miles more versatile, sounds great with all genres, has better separation and Soundstage, and also edges in resolution and timbre (in my opinion). You’ll see people go back and forth on this, but the 702 is eerily close to being as good as a planar from my experience.
While we’re dancing around the subject, yes, you could theoretically go for something like a 400se (a planar), but given you’re mixing and want something for movies and games, the 702 is the knockout home run grand slam choice. The 400se’s mid-range can sometimes be problematic as it dips a bit after 1kHz.
I mix beats and use the 702 when going back and forth between monitors and headphones. I also use the 702 exclusively for gaming and film, as everything I mentioned above enables it to smash pretty much everything else. Directional cues are excellent, you can hear pretty much everything going on, and the sound profile is super clear and articulate.
We were discussing the 850 before and how your wife stole it lol. Well, the 850 is similar to a 702 – especially with regard to film. You can hear all sorts of crazy weird things going on in the background of movies that add a fantastic element of immersion and fun while you’re chilling.
Plus, I use the 702 for all genres all the time. It’s pretty much my favorite headphone. So yeah, 702 for me all the way.
NO RAGRETS!!
Hey Stu,
To make matters even more confusing (that’s what I love to do), I have gift cards totaling $200 at Guitar Center. It probably makes the most sense to use them for my next headphone purchase. The Guitar Center prices are the following:
DT 880 Pro = $209
K702 = $300
HD600 = $450
As you can see, the folks at Guitar Center are con artists that take people for fools. I don’t understand the logic behind the K702 and HD600 prices. You would have to be an idiot to pay those prices. However, once I factor in my gift cards, my out-of-pocket costs for the headphones become the following:
DT 880 Pro = $9
K702 = $100
HD600 = $250
To me, the HD600s seem like an absolute ripoff, especially when I can find a pair on Amazon for $300. That really leaves the K702 and DT 880. It’s tempting to pull the trigger on the DT 880s for $9 even though I’m almost certain I would enjoy the K702s more. Decisions, decisions… What would you do in my position? I want no ragrets!
HAHA. NO RAGRETS.
You’re totally right. That’s pretty much why I never shop at any of those places. They always try and rip you off. If I do go in there, I’m always showing them how I can get the same product for way cheaper somewhere else and I’ve had them actually price match a few times in the past.
In any event, your question is semi-tough. The DT880 is a great headphone, but it has a strange 6kHz spike and is known for being pretty bright overall. I just think the 702 is the best option. And yeah, forget about the HD600. Complete rip. I talk a lot in my articles about why you should never ever buy one of those nowadays (at retail anyway).
I think they’re still taking advantage of the fact that a lot of people interested in them are brand new to audio as it’s a very popular headphone for those who want a taste of what it’s like to be a snobby elitist audiophile. LOL.
If I were you, I’d still go with the K702. See, it even rhymes. That seals it.
NO RAGRETS.
Keep me posted man!
Here I am months later having FINALLY purchased a new set of headphones. I got distracted for a while and had other things I needed to spend money on (a new fridge and repairs for a water leak in our basement). I ended up going with a pair of the HD 600s. I took delivery of them yesterday. They were honestly nowhere near the top of my list, but I found a deal I couldn’t say no to. After listening to them for just a day, I can say that they are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever used (that’s not saying much because those Samson SR850s SUCK). The build quality is great on the HD 600s. The tone is taking some getting used to for me, but I’m blown away by the resolution. I’m learning bass lines for a few songs my band is playing, and I’m able to laser focus in on the bass lines so easily with these even though the bass is arguably not a strong suit of the HD 600s. As of now, I’m a happy camper. Definitely an upgrade from the SR850s lol. I’ll let you know if my opinion changes over the next few months. I still have my eye on those K702s, though. Maybe I’ll run into a deal I can’t say no to again…
Johnny,
Great to hear from you!
Sorry about what happened. Hope everything is well.
Ha, yeah! HD600s are indeed a super comfy set! What specifically about the tone? And yeah, great resolution. I have an original Made in Ireland pair and not going to sell it. The bass resolution is definitely a highlight, so glad you pointed that out. Please keep me posted on your impressions and reach out with any questions. K702 is my daily driver now for everything (mixing, general) when I’m not demoing other stuff, but I need to buy replacement pads for the 600 so there’s that as well. The HD600 is a trooper and you’ll find it will hold up extremely well over time. Is yours an Ireland model?
Cheers,
-Stu
My HD 600s are made in Ireland. I don’t know much about the differences between these and the Romanian made ones. The HD 600s definitely have a warmer tone than I’m used to. I would almost say they straddle the line between having a warm tilt and being truly neutral. But the interesting thing about them is even though they are warmer than my SR850s, I feel like I’m able to identify issues in mixes as well as if not better than I can with my SR850s, which has been surprising for me. The HD 600s don’t have the same surgical accuracy that the SR850s have, but I think it boils down to the fact that the HD 600s have incredible mids. I’m looking forward to seeing how my mixes turn out! I still haven’t decided if the HD 600s suffer from the “treble veil” so many people refer to. I guess coming from a more treble-centric headphone like the SR850 can make it seem that way. I’ll wait to make a final judgment after I let my brain “rewire” and adjust to the HD 600 tone.
Johnny,
Yes, I just gifted a pair of HD58Xs to my brother in law and he’s astonished (and those aren’t even as good as the HD600). Also keep in mind he doesn’t know a lick (no pun intended) about anything audiophile/headphone related, so he’s just giving his impressions based on being an engineer/artist. He mixes metal and absolutely adores them. He thanks me every time I’m over LOL. I personally use my hd600s for mixing hip-hop, but they need a pad replacement. My daily driver is the K702.
And yeah, the mids are their best attribute though I will say they can be a bit shouty. I’m looking forward to listening to them again. It’s been quite a while.
Do keep me posted on your impressions! I love the way you framed that; as rewiring. Because that’s exactly what it is. I talk about that a lot with “Burn In.”
The veil is quite a touchy subject. I kind of lean no, but there was one time I noticed it and admittedly it sounded kind of off. But that’s the only time out of many years so I’m not sure what that was about. Could have been a myriad of things.
-Stu