Overview

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a long-established open-back studio headphone handcrafted in Germany. Available in 80Ω and 250Ω, it targets mixing and mastering with a single-sided coiled cable and serviceable parts on the 250Ω model.

Scientific Validity

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The overall balance is bright with modest bass roll-off and some mid-treble lift. RTINGS (Test Bench 2.0) reports Bass Amount −1 dB, Treble Amount 0 dB, PRTF Accuracy (RMS) 2.35 dB, WHD 0.06% @94 dB SPL / 0.19% @104 dB SPL, and Sensitivity 103.6 dB SPL @1 kHz-1 V [1]. Reference Audio Analyzer reports Sensitivity 99.9 dB SPL and measured impedance 268.7 Ω for the 250-ohm version [2].

Technology Level

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A classic dynamic, open-back construction that prioritizes robustness and serviceability. There is no integrated DSP or the newer “Stellar.45” driver platform; the 250Ω cable is fixed. Mature and proven rather than cutting-edge.

Cost-Performance

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Street price used: 180 USD. The cheapest non-inferior open-back monitor alternative is Sennheiser HD 560S at 149 USD, which scores Audio Reproduction Accuracy 8.1 versus 7.9 for the DT 990 PRO on RTINGS v2.0 [1][5][6].
CP = 149 / 180 = 0.83.

Reliability & Support

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Beyerdynamic offers a 2-year warranty and maintains parts/repair channels. German manufacturing, replaceable pads, and long product continuity support long-term use [3][4].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Goal & constraints: prioritize durability, comfort, and a bright, spacious monitor presentation.
Trade-offs: fixed cable and lack of DSP/modern driver platform in exchange for serviceable construction.
Evidence alignment: marketed for mixing/mastering; the bright tilt aids detail checks but deviates from neutral-target monitoring, so alignment is partial.
Longevity: long production run and parts support are strong.
Net assessment: clear goals with consistent build choices, but partial mismatch with neutrality-focused reference use keeps the score moderate.

Advice

A strong choice if you want a durable, serviceable open-back with a lively, airy presentation for editing and detail checks. For a more neutral reference at lower cost, Sennheiser HD 560S is a compelling alternative.

References

[1] RTINGS.com – Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Review, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/beyerdynamic/dt-990-pro
[2] Reference Audio Analyzer – Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm, https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/beyerdynamic-dt-990-pro-250.php
[3] Official Product Page – Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-990-pro
[4] Beyerdynamic Warranty, https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/service-support/warranty
[5] RTINGS.com – Sennheiser HD 560S Review, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sennheiser/hd-560s
[6] Sennheiser HD 560S (Official), https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-560s/

(2025.9.3)