Buy Now, Pay Later
As low as
$33.33
/ mo
Learn more
- – 6-month term
- – No impact on credit to apply
- – Instant approval decision
- – Secure and straightforward checkout
Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.
Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Selected Option
Free shipping on this product
30-day returns
Learn more
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Thursday, Sep 3
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
Features
- 250-ohm studio impedance: designed for audio interfaces and headphone amps - it needs one for full volume; not ideal straight from a phone.
- The mixing reference: the open-back sound studios have trusted for decades, for honest mixes that translate everywhere.
- Open-back design: wide, natural stereo image so you hear placement and depth while mixing and mastering.
- Velour ear pads: soft, replaceable grey velour and a spring-steel headband stay comfortable through long sessions.
- In the box: DT 990 Pro with fixed 3m coiled cable and 1/4-inch adapter. Made in Germany. Pair it with a headphone amp or interface.
Description
The DT 990 PRO (250 ohms) is an open dynamic headphone that is ideal for professional use in studios. Headphone frequency response - 5 - 35.000 Hz
Brand: beyerdynamic
Color: Gray
Ear Placement: Over Ear
Form Factor: On Ear
Impedance: 250 ohm
Brand Name: beyerdynamic
Model Number: 459038
Model Name: DT 990 PRO 250
Built-In Media: Headphones, Carrying Bag
Age Range Description: All
Warranty Description: 1-year
Customer Package Type: Standard Packaging
Number of Items: 1
Manufacturer: beyerdynamic
Item Type Name: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Headphones
Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm (1/8") and 6.35 mm (1/4") Jack
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Color: Gray
Style Name: Headphones
Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
Unit Count: 1 Count
Impedance: 250 ohm
Noise Control: None
Frequency Response: 5 hertz
Sensitivity: 96 db
Audio Driver Type: Dynamic Driver
Frequency Range: 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz
Enclosure Material: Plastic, Spring Steel, Velour
Specific Uses For Product: Entertainment, Gaming, Professional
Antenna Location: Audio Monitoring, Recording
Compatible Devices: Laptops, Desktops, Music Production Equipment, Cellphones
Cable Features: Tangle Free Coiled
Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
Additional Features: Adjustable Headband, Open Back, Over Ear, Replaceable Parts, Tangle Free Cord
Headphones Ear Placement: Over Ear
Headphone Folding Features: On Ear
Earpiece Shape: Open-Back
Control Type: Media Control
Control Method: Remote
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Thursday, Sep 3
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
- Klarna Financing
- Affirm Pay in 4
- Affirm Financing
- Afterpay Financing
- Zip Pay in 4
- Financing through Apple Pay
- Financing through Google Pay
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Similar Products
Top Amazon Reviews
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
Well, I once hated headphones but these phones are changing my mind. Why did I hate headphones? First of all, headphones are uncomfortable. They're heavy, hot and clamp your head like a vise. These are none of the above. The DT-990 Pro 250 is light in weight with soft velour ear cups. Since they don't have plastic ear cups that induce sweating, they don't feel hot. The headband is tight enough but not too tight on my head (hat size 7 1/2). It's a bit astonishing to me that these headphones feel as good as they do. Another reason I hated headphones was the boxy sound that seems to emanate from the center of my skull. A bit of research indicated to me that this condition is more likely to occur when using closed back headphones. The DT-990 Pro 250 is an open back design. The soundstage is broad. Maybe not as broad as listening in a well laid-out room with precisely placed and designed speakers but the soundstage is open and broad enough for me to distinguish individual musical instruments and their position in reference to the overall musical program. Again, I'm astonished at the openness of the sound field. Finally, I hated headphones for the reason many others like them--the isolation involved. I know there are other types of headphones available today that allow outside sounds to be heard but the only phones I had ever used in the past were those that tried to shut me off from the outside world. Sometimes, being isolated is good. But I prefer to be aware of what's happening around me. The DT-990 Pro 250 headphones allow in enough environmental sounds to keep me connected but not enough to be distracting. I want to know if the phone rings, someone knocks at the door, the dog barks or Mr. Murderous Home Invader is coming through the bedroom window. I've only had these headphones for one day. From what I've read on Amazon and on other websites, the sound of these phones will improve as they "burn in". I've witnessed this sound improvement with time and use happening with stereo speaker systems and with two SACD players so I know it's possible. But even without the break-in period, the DT-990 phones sound good to me. Some reviewers complain of the mid-bass being overly boosted and the treble being too prominent. I don't have golden ears but I don't find these characteristics present. The design of the phones does color the musical programming somewhat but, in my opinion, this adds a little punch without going so far as to be obtrusive. When the UPS guy delivered my package yesterday, I was listening to John Hiatt's "Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns" CD. It has typical bass heavy production, however, the headphones never sounded boomy at all and I could pick up details in the recording I had never noticed. Since classical music is where I listen most closely, I then put on the RCA Living Stereo SACD of the Boston Pops doing "Gaite Parisenne". There's lots of high frequency sounds on this recording but I never noticed any irritating, piercing treble out of the headphones. Next I played another RCA Living Stereo SACD, Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony in Dvorak's Symphony No. 9. This is a superb full orchestra recording. Again, I felt astonished at the details coming out in this CD through these headphones. Today, I've listened to selections from Arthur Rubenstein's Chopin CD box set and Martha Argerich's EMI concerto box set. The phones can pick up too much detail at times--I could detect foot tapping and breathing during one of the live Argerich performances. But the pianos always sound natural, lively and forward if slightly lacking in warmth at times. I expect "warmth" will develop with continued use. I've also plugged the DT-990's into my Kindle Fire HD tablet and listened to parts of the MP3 of Nicola Benedetti's "Fantasie" compilation. I know many feel MP3 is not true high fidelity, inferior to other downloadable formats as well as CDs. Still, it's the direction recorded music is headed today and it can be entirely satisfying and enjoyable, especially when one listens with the DT-990s. Ms. Benedetti's "Lark Ascending" sounds every bit as good to me on the MP3 through these headphones as it does from the original CD played over my B&W home speakers. Time will tell and many things can occur. If I can remember, I will update this review over time with more on how these phones break in and how they perform long term. UPDATE, July 6, 2013: Well, those who said the phones would "burn in" knew what they were talking about. I've barely used my home speakers since taking possession of these headphones in May and the sound has improved significantly. They have definitely developed that "warmth" I was hoping for. I enjoy listening to music more every time I use them. There is one point I do dislike about these phones after extended use and familiarity with them. They are not very aesthetically pleasing to my eye. The brown plastic grid and white lettering on the exterior ear pieces of the Pro model really look kind of cheap and Mickey Mouse. I guess it's a style that some might like but I'm not exactly joyous about it. The other DT-990 models look a lot better, however, they cost considerably more and they are said to sound the same. For the price difference, I would still buy the Pro model. Can't see them when I'm wearing them anyway.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2013 by A photographer
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
I’ve been using the DT 990 Pro headset for a while now, and overall it’s one of the best audio experiences I’ve had—especially for the price. Sound Quality: This is where it really shines. The audio is super clear with a wide soundstage, which makes a huge difference for gaming and music. You can hear footsteps and directional cues way better than with typical headsets. The bass is present but not overwhelming, and the highs are very crisp (sometimes a little too crisp depending on the track). Comfort: Extremely comfortable. The velour ear pads are soft and breathable, and I can wear them for hours without any discomfort. The clamping force is just right—not too tight, not too loose. Build Quality: Feels solid and durable. Definitely built to last. The cable is attached (not detachable), which might be a downside for some people, but it hasn’t been an issue for me. Things to Consider: • These are open-back, so sound leaks in and out. Not ideal if you’re in a noisy space or don’t want others hearing your audio. • They don’t have a built-in mic, so you’ll need a separate one for gaming or calls. • Depending on the version (like 250 ohm), you may need an amp to get the best performance. Final Thoughts: If you care about sound quality and comfort, these are absolutely worth it. Just make sure you understand the open-back design and setup requirements before buying. Verdict: Amazing for gaming, music, and long sessions—just not for noisy environments or plug-and-play simplicity.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026 by Beau Bidwell
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
The beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250 have great, authoritative bass. The mids are not recessed, but they are flat, not forward. Treble-wise, they can get very sparkly and can be grating in the highs unless a good DAC/amp is used. Music from talented producers and engineers that aim for maximum sound quality SHINE through these, and will sound pleasant. These are tool headphones aimed for work, not for play. Does not mean you will not like them to enjoy music with, but they are obviously voiced for music production, not music consumption. They are treble canons because beyerdynamic designed them as such for their purpose, which is mastering duties. You need to monitor with something brighter than the material you're working with to be able to hear every single little thing, good and bad. If the treble is good on these, it will be good on everything else. But my dude/dudette: DON'T KNOCK THEM UNTIL YOU TRY THEM. I know people write all kinds of reviews online, and Internet forums are echo chambers and parrot cages, but IT'S YOUR EARS. Use them first before reaching conclusions. Just because an Internet stranger says they're ice picks to the ear drums doesn't mean you won't enjoy them. I don't find their sound quality inferior to other beyer headphones I own, such as the Amiron home, T90 Chrome, T90 Jubilee, and DT 880 Edition (600 ohm). The DT 990 obviously sound different, but are just as good. I promise you! They just present more bass and treble than the others, and have a different way of imaging, but are just as revealing. I don't take these off and wear the others and go, "Wow, I hear more details now." No matter what DAC and amp I use, the DT 990 keep up with the others. Just because they're been around the block for decades doesn't mean they're less good than the newer ones. People online love to mystify headphones that are newer or cost more, and attribute them qualities that they do not possess. These are AMAZING headphones for under $200. SERIOUSLY. You won't hear more details with the T90 or the Amiron home or any other higher-priced headphones. It's just the truth. Their value is higher than a lot of pricier headphones. As long as you amplify them up properly, you will be impressed by their detail retrieval, sound-stage and imaging. The bass is fast and tight, the mids are smooth and crystal-clear, and the treble is purposely revealing beyond necessity...yes...way too sharp in some recordings. Again, SOME recordings. The imaging is like listening to speakers; sounds come from outside the ears, not from inside the head. All elements are clearly positioned and layered. When I really want to crank them up good without being bothered by the treble of some tracks, I plug them to my Schiit Asgard 2 and that amp somehow transforms these DT 990 into something else. It makes them even more revealing and bigger-sounding while smoothing them up. All the detail is there without the cringe. Potentially harsh treble is the only con of these cans, and they were designed that way ON PURPOSE. Think about it: for less than $200, you're getting a professional headphone hand-made in Germany. We live in good times for sure! Don't let elitist snobs from Internet forums discourage you from getting something that you might like. IT'S YOUR EARS. You can read reviews, but don't let them make decisions for you. You could spend more, but don't think you will get more. God bless you! Thanks for reading. Peace! EDIT: [6-June-2020] Still loving them. They still look brand new and sound brand new. My Tascam UH-7000 makes them sound amazing. If you want a taste of high-end audio, you can't go wrong with these. Do not pay much mind to reviewers or forum members with overactive imaginations that believe the higher the price of headphones, the more they "hear". It's just not going to happen, especially if you lack trained ears. The difference will be in subjective sound presentation, not in objective sound quality. I'm trying to save you time, money and avoid you a serious case of audiophilia nervosa. Peace!
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2016 by JESUS SAVED ME
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
I’m by no means an audiophile, but I do care about all forms of digital consumption enough to make an investment in a good pair of headphones. I usually categorize my headphones based on needs and wants. For example, I use Sony Hear Ons as “lifestyle” headphones because of the Bluetooth capabilities and its portability. I also have the AKG K553’s as my “reference” headphones for editing. My goals for my next pair is something I could use with my desk setup for studio use as my daily headphone. After reading a plethora of head-fi posts and watching multiple YouTube reviews, my search led to the Beyerdynamic DT990 pros and to this day I can’t get enough of them. At first glance, you wouldn’t expect it to be a premium headphone due to the fact that it’s made almost entirely out of plastic except for the headband and the arms connecting it to the ear cups. The headband is wrapped with a soft layer of fake leather, which can attach and detach with a few clasp buttons. Don’t let the nearly plastic design fool you because it’s pretty high-quality polymer plastic and the build itself is solid. In most cases, it’s actually a good thing because it makes for a lighter headphone, perfect for long uses. The adjustments aren’t as smooth as an all-metal design, but it works fine and can extend to fit almost any head. The cable is coiled and runs around 3 meters ending in a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack. It also comes with a screw on 1/4 inch adapter, which is also gold-plated. Beyerdynamic is known for their velour ear pads and they’re probably the best part aside from the sound. It has a plush and smooth feeling unlike any other. The clamping force is somewhat tight, but I got used to it pretty fast. Some people might be concerned about the whole velour vs pleather thing and based on the performance and comfort I wouldn’t worry about that. Just to clarify, velour is known to be more open with less isolation compared to pleather. It’s also known to be harder to keep clean (can get dusty) simply due to the nature of the material itself. In terms of sound, I actually prefer the more open soundstage, which makes sense since it’s already an open-backed design. If you’re worried about cleanliness just make sure you wipe it often and try not to use it if you’re super sweaty from the gym or anything like that. Judgement on looks is subjective, but the comfort is out of the question. Given the light-weight form factor and velour pads, I found the DT 990 pros to be cloud-like even after hours of usage. Now for the good part, the sound quality. As previously stated, I’m no audiophile, but I have to say that these headphones are no joke. I’m pretty basic so I listen to most mainstream music (EDM, Hip-Hop, Chillstep, etc.) on Spotify, I watch plenty of YouTube, and I also watch a bunch of TV shows and movies on Netflix on my MacBook Pro. I also use these when I game on my PS4 Pro. With these factors for reference, I found these headphones to be my best audio investment yet. The bass is definitely prominent especially for an open back design without being too overpowering. It’s actually the biggest factor as to why I decided on buying these because I was looking for an open back headphone with good bass, which led me to the DT 990’s in the first place because they’re known to be great with both features. Between the Pros and the Premiums, a bit of research led me to conclude that the Pros had slightly more bass, which I prefer. The mids have a lot of detail but don’t shine as much. The highs are incredibly clear but can get a bit too bright for my taste. Sometimes it’ll result in a slight ear piercing sensation depending on what I’m listening too, but your mileage may vary. The soundstage is wide and gives a great representation of spatial cues resulting in an accurate listening experience. The 250 Ohm model is the sweet spot out of the three, but make sure you have a good amp to power them. Personally, I use the Behringer AMP800 Four Channel Headphone Amp and it works great. I tried connecting it to my iPhone for comparison and it’s still listenable, but you’ll have to max out the volume. I’ve had my DT 990’s for over two years now and it definitely stands the test of time. Unless you have a bunch of money to spend on something like a pair of Sennheiser HD800’s, there’s really no need to look any further when presented with great value. The price is just right even for the average consumer and offers professional grade quality. Having crystal clear audio isn’t hard to get, but when making an investment it’s important to read the fine print and research all the opinions. With the DT 990’s I can truly enjoy all digital content and I’m confident that you will too.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2017 by HandsON
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
BeyerDynamic DT 990 PRO bought Aug 26 2014, 1 month ago, $175 US Sennheiser HD 560 ovation II bought March 23 1994, about 20 yrs ago, $350 CDN ($330 US). I wanted a replacement headphone for my HD 560 (ovation II), which has reached the end of its life cycle. I wanted one that would be cheaper and sound as good as the HD 560 once did. It must be comfortable for continuous hours of use. I'm 50 and I compose, mix and master my own tunes using a midi controller keyboard and VSTs. I decided on the DT 990 PRO. At $175 on Amazon US they were in my price range, but at double the price on Amazon Canada they were not, which is why it can pay to shop Amazon US. First, the claims. Sennheiser writes in its manual "Audiophile quality 'open-aire' stereo headphone considered by many to be among the finest in the world." For 1994, I agree. BeyerDynamic writes "The weight of the diaphram and moving coil of this headphone is approx. 20% compared to other current models. As a result, the DT 990 PRO offers similar pulse characteristics as electrostatic headphones." Hmm. My concern is they don't say if the reduced weight would shorten the diaphram's lifespan. My guess is yes, or why would they leave this out? Something to consider before buying. Next, the specs. Both are circumaural. HD 560: 14-35KHz 10 dB, 300 Ohms, 200 mW power, 94 dB, <0.2% THD, 2.5N headband pressure, 210g. DT 990 PRO: 5-35KHz, 250 Ohms, 100 mW power, 96 dB, <0.2% THD, 3.5N pressure, 270g (box says 250g). With my (unreliable?) fish scale, I weighed the HD 560 at 170g and DT 990 PRO at 190g. Half the mW power means the DT 990 PRO can't take as much abuse as the HD 560. Again, something to consider before buying. The comfort level. The DT 990 PRO makes the top of my head tender after hours of use. Unacceptable, so I unbuttoned and removed the headband wrapper and replaced it with a patch of felt. This makes the headphones feel/seem lighter, reduces pressure around the ears, and I can use them for hours without much discomfort. But it does appear to change the sound quality very slightly. Because of this I would have given it a lower 3 rating, if it weren't for the sound... The sound. Elite. I knew the HD 560 was lacking in bass, even when I bought them. The DT 990 PRO adds a lot of bass; almost too much, and throughout the frequency spectrum. This has the effect of increasing presence and bringing out subleties everywhere that are lost with the HD 560. Highs and mids are lowered, and bass goes down into the subs with clarity and power. However, the sound stage is much wider, making it harder to locate the pan positions of instruments. For example, with the HD 560's small sound stage, it's easy to say "the trumpet is 20 deg to left of center". With the DT 990 PRO it's not as easy. The DT 990 PRO's highs, mids and bass are exceptionally clear and nuanced, but my HD 560 has had 20 years of heavy use and abuse, invalidating a real sound comparison quality-wise. I can say this: play Lisa Kelly on my HD 560 and she sounds perfect, clear, effervescent, and blends nicely with the music. Play her on the DT 990 PRO and she's singing right in front of me, with a naturally slight tremolo in her sound. Almost creepy. I think that's due to the added bass power and wider sound stage. The negatives. I wear glasses and they squeak against the earpads. Adjusting my glasses forward a bit removes the squeak. For some reason, compared to the DT 990, the PRO bends the earcup extenders to fit inside the headband wrapper. Because the cups can rotate left/right, the extenders tend to catch and snap hard against the metal headband, making an awfully loud click in my ears when I put them on. Again, unacceptable for $175 headphones (now $200). To fix this, unbutton the headband wrapper and forcefully bend the extenders until they're straight, away from the metal headband and wrapper. BeyerDynamic says all parts are replaceable, yet the headphone cord doesn't detach from the earcup. This can be good, as my HD 560 frequently shorts at the earcup connectors. I hate the small, flimsy custom connectors on the HD 560. But it's also bad - I could unplug and replace the HD 560 cord (3 times!). I wonder how to replace the cord on the DT 990 PRO when it goes? A DIY task? I'm using a Pyle Pro PHA40 amp rated at 80 Ohms. An amp makes a difference, but I think the DT 990 PRO needs a good, matching rated amp to get the most out of it. Some reviewers have complained of ear fatigue after prolonged use. The manual does recommend a lower listening volume. As for lack of bass; this is false. There is more than enough bass, when amped. Despite the heavier weight, negatives, and my headband and extender fixes, I'm happy with my purchase, and it's a worthy successor in sound to my HD 560. But, I can only hope it will last 20 years, like my HD 560 ovation II did. (PS: my HD 560 were made in Ireland not Germany, DT 990 PRO are made in Germany. Two awesome countries!) YK
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2014 by ykaccount
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
The Headphones have arrived today (took 14 business days total). The Headphones are very comfortable the cable feels a bit weird with the coiled cord. Doesn't scratch my ears (for pals with big ears I suggest) Sound quality is amazing. Even with the open back the sound feels amazing during gaming. Adjustability with the headband is very nice I can remove the rubber or keep it and It fits big heads so that's a plus. As far as Value for money I purchased a used one and even with fees the price came way below then the market price in Israel.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2026 by Adam Krutkov
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
I will post what I posted on Head-Fi. Before I get to the review I should add that this has not been burned in yet so this is an impression of the initial sound. I should also add I listen to mostly pop, but also bass heavy music as well as other genres. The term audiophile basshead would best fit me and my sound signature taste. Equipment: - FiiO E12 amplifier - Behringer UCA222 DAC - ViPER4Windows audio software Comfort: You'll have to try them on to really appreciate their comfort. The revviews say there is a heavy clamping force but I beg to differ...it's quite low and enough to the point where it stays on your head and is hardly noticeable. The earpads are very soft and have a ridonkulous amount of cushion to them, they're like pillows and they engulf my ears which is nice. 11/10, far more comfortable than my electrowaves with DT770EVB earpads. Sound: Bass - Not as strong as open cans, and not nearly as strong as all of the reviews claim...but still strong for open cans. These do have bass, don't get me wrong...but not basshead pleasing without EQing and adjusting other bass related settings. Once everything is adjusted properly, it can provide some nice bass, but it still lacks a bit in quantity. The quality is quite good though, although like one review I came across said, it does sacrifice quantity for quality. It was a bit difficult finding the right settings, but I will definitely post a picture of those below for insight. I also did find the right driver to rattle, it is probably a hair, but it has not gone away yet...will have to figure out how to fix that. 9/10 Mids - I am not too concerned about the mids, and haven't had cans that are good with mids...so I cannot say much here. I will say, and take this with a grain of salt considering my situation, that the vocals of songs were stunning. I haven't heard vocals like that from anything and am very impressed. Some said that the mids were a bit recessed...I would agree if the bass is set high enough, it can definitely overpower the mids if that is the case. I would disagree when it comes to the vocals though, they were right up front regardless of the bass. 9/10 Highs - The supposed killing factor for most...I say that's pure bollocks. I am treble sensitive, I don't like piercing notes as they give me a headache. When I first put these on, I did so with an amp and that's it. I can see why people say it can be a bit much, but it's nothing to be concerned about. I did get a little bit of fatigue from the treble, but people are over exaggerating. I found the treble to ever so slightly sibilant, but nothing major. 8.5/10 Leak - These are open cans, expect them to let in sound, and let out sound. I can hear my TV quite well, with these on as I type. While it is a tiny bit muffled, it's still very much audible and it's of acceptable volume. As for sound going out, these do leak more than you would expect, so be prepared for that. If you have your EQ/software settings set to a more dark sound it will not leak as much, but them mids and highs are going to be heard loud and clear. 6/10 Imaging - Not quite sure what this is, but following the definition I would say these do that quite well. Cannot say much else, but reproduction does seem to be good. I don't know if this fits here or not, but poorly recorded songs or songs with poor quality will definitely suffer in all sections. I won't rate this. Soundstage - This is what impressed me the most. I was frequently surprised at hearing an instrument or sound I never knew was there in quite a few songs. The soundstage is much wider than I expected, and throughly impressed me. 10/10 Build quality: I would tent to agree with the others on this. Everything is good...it's German made, so it not a surprise. I really don't need to add to this as others have already said what I'd say. 9/10 Design: I'll keep it short and sweet since this isn't really relevant. It's nice, but I definitely prefer the premium look. Plastic doesn't appeal to me, but it is designed well. I won't rate this. Overall I'd say this would earn an 8.5/10. It could do better in aspects, but it is quite well. If "audiophile basshead" fits you, then this will likely appeal to you, if you lean more towards a heavier basshead it likely won't. I for one am happy with it...can't wait to hear how it sounds at 100 hours. It could use a bit more bass though. I will update when the 100 hour burn in is complete. I have about 4-5 hours under the belt, but due to the rattling issue I am likely going to RMA so I will have to start over again.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2015 by Justin
Size: 250 OHM
Color: Gray
I broke my Sennheiser hd 595's after 14 years of use and was pretty bummed. They were 32 ohm and had the softest easiest sound that I had grown very accustomed to after several years working from home full time. Those cans got thousands of hours of play time. They were gentle and did not fatigue easily at all. At first the pressure of the headband gave me a headache but after a month that goes away. When I bought the 595's it was a toss up with the 990's and this time I went with the 990 pros in 250 ohm. I thought my desktop bang olufsen realtek drivers would cover the impedance and it kind of worked but there was alot more to be extracted. I tried an old audio interface rated at 80ohms on the hf out and that was better but I really started thinking I was going to need a dedicated DAC with amp or just an amp designed to run these 250's at their full potential. finally I remembered I had an old Onkyo reciever in my basement which had a headphone jack. This thing must have a 10lb transformer inside of it, its an ht-r510. When I run the bang output of the pc into the cd in on the onkyo I get a decent line level and can drive these 990 pros the way they were designed to be run. These cans compared to the HD595's are on a whole different level. The sound stage first of all is massive and very detailed. when you listen to a mix like Yussef Kamal's black focus or LTJ Bukem The Rebirth, you are given a pretty good example of what these cans can do with their drivers. The high hats, bass, snare, vocals, keys, lead, melodies, they all sit in their own distinctive area and are very easy to interpret. The old 595's sort of wiped all of these together in a soft but comfortable listening fabric. The 990's are very different, it almost gives me anxiety on some tracks and this is where I will say that having a 8 to 10 band eq is very helpful. It seems to me that around 8k things are a bit bright and I found myself attenuating 1 through 20khz to my own taste. I gave a subtle 2db boost to the 60hz and 32hz on the low end and cut the 500hz by 2db because the mid vocals were a bit too prominent. This allowed me to achieve the balanced sound of my old 595's but with a very massive sound stage. I dont know what causes this sound stage to be so much larger than my old cans, maybe the drivers are bigger in the 990's but it is incredible. I really enjoy the 990's so far and have a few hours of listening on them as of this review. If you are scratching your head over a good headphone amp and already have a decent desktop DAC, maybe look at a vintage receiver like mine. I have an Onkyo HT-R510 which can be had used for under $50 and runs the heck out of these 250 ohm 990 pros like nothing, I cannot bear to listen to them even past half volume because the receiver can push them so hard. I am realizing that now I can add phono to my office, I have a ton of vinyl albums, and now I have an excuse to add some decent floor standing speakers to jam on as well. On a side note, I tried the 990's for playing pubg. I dont really play alot of games in fact I only play pubg. These are very nice for determining where footsteps are. It is a bit odd when someone is below or above you, I have trouble telling if someone is a building over or if they are in mine. either way you know someone's coming and its time to get real. I had alot of fun using these to play pubg. I look forwards to doing further testing on some flac audio and maybe getting a tidal subscription. On a side note, I really like the mod I keep seeing which allows you to use a balanced removable cable. I could do this easily.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2023 by dhayes