If you’re looking for open-back studio headphones with a spacious soundstage and decent comfort without spending a fortune, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a strong contender. It’s been around for decades for a reason.
I’ve been using the 250 Ohm version for music production, gaming, and just zoning out to playlists—and I’ve got thoughts. Some good, some not-so-good, but overall? It’s worth talking about.
Who are these headphones for?
Originally made for mixing and mastering, the DT 990 Pro has become a staple for home studio folks, audiophiles, and gamers. It’s not portable or wireless, but if you’re at a desk and want clear, wide sound without paying flagship prices, this one’s in the running.
Keep in mind: these are open-back headphones. They let sound in and out, which makes them fantastic for immersive audio but terrible for commuting or noisy places. They also need an audio interface or decent amp, especially the 250 Ohm model. Plugging them straight into a phone or laptop won’t do them justice.
What’s in the box
Nothing fancy here. You get:
- The DT 990 Pro headphones
- A coiled 3.5mm cable (with a 1/4″ adapter)
- Soft carry pouch
- Warranty and Manual
The cable is fixed, which I’m not a fan of—it would’ve been great to see a detachable one for easier replacement. Also, there is no hard case, which is something to consider if you plan to take them anywhere.
Design and build quality
These headphones have a classic, studio-grade look: minimal branding, matte plastic, and velour earpads. They’re surprisingly lightweight and feel sturdy enough to take a few knocks. The metal headband has a removable padded cover (snap buttons = easy cleaning). The ear cups are plastic but don’t feel cheap.
Comfort-wise, they’re great for long sessions. Thanks to the plush ear cushions, I can wear them for hours without any pinching or sweating. That said, the clamping force is noticeable at first. It eased up after a week or two, but it’s snug right out of the box.
Sound quality
This is where the Beyerdynamic DT 990 earns its stripes. The soundstage is wide—like, really wide. You’ll hear details in your music or mixes that closed-back headphones often smudge together.
- Bass: The bass is slightly boosted but not muddy. Sub-bass is present but doesn’t overpower. It’s enough to give music some warmth without ruining detail.
- Mids: Clean but recessed. Vocals and instruments sit slightly back in the mix, making them feel a bit distant—remarkable for spaciousness but not ideal for vocal-focused music.
- Treble: Bright and detailed… sometimes too much. These are known for their treble boost. On some tracks, cymbals and S’s can sound harsh, especially if your audio source is already a bit sharp.
The detail is fantastic for mixing. However, the bright sound might be fatiguing for casual listening if you’re sensitive to the treble. I adjusted to it, but it’s something to be aware of.
Gaming with the DT 990 Pro
This is a solid choice if you game on PC and want great directional audio. The open-back design makes spatial awareness in FPS games incredible—you can tell where footsteps or gunshots are coming from. I used them with a Schiit Fulla DAC/amp and had no issues driving them.
Just note: there is no mic, no wireless, and sound leaks everywhere. This is not ideal for Discord sessions unless you have a separate mic setup.
What you need to drive them
This version is 250 Ohm, which means you need an amp or audio interface. Plugging it into a phone, laptop, or game controller will not give you the volume or clarity it’s capable of.
I use a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and occasionally a portable DAC/amp like the FiiO K3. Both handle them fine, and the improvement in clarity is noticeable over built-in laptop audio.
If you don’t want to bother with external gear, there’s also an 80-ohm version or even a 32—ohm one—but they don’t sound quite the same. The 250-ohm Version has tighter bass and clearer highs.
Noise isolation and leakage
Being open-back, there’s almost no isolation here. You’ll hear everything around you—and everyone around you will listen to your music. These are for private, quiet spaces only.
This is why they’re perfect for home studios or solo listening setups but terrible for offices, libraries, or airplanes.
Pairing with different genres
The DT 990 pro 250 ohm really shines with layered genres—ambient, orchestral, prog rock—where detail and space matter. You’ll hear textures and background elements you might’ve missed before. Electronic music sounds clean and punchy, but the bass isn’t overhyped.
Acoustic tracks and jazz feel crisp, especially with instrument separation. Vocals, though, can sound recessed, especially in pop and folk. These aren’t tuned for heavy emotional impact but for balance and clarity. If you’re after a studio-style sound that gives you an honest mix, the 990s do the job—especially if you’re not chasing boosted lows or sparkly highs.
How they compare
- DT 770 Pro vs. DT 990 Pro: The closed-back sibling has more bass, more isolation, and a narrower soundstage. It’s great for tracking vocals or noisy spaces. The 990 Pro is more fun for mixing or chill listening at home.
- vs. Sennheiser HD 560S: The HD 560S has a more neutral sound and less aggressive treble. If you’re sensitive to highs, the Sennheiser might be a better pick—but it’s also more expensive.
- vs. Philips SHP9600: This is another budget open-back option, but it is less durable and less detailed. The DT990 pro 250ohm sounds tighter, especially in the bass and mids.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide, immersive soundstage
- Very detailed for the price
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Solid build
- Great for mixing and gaming
Cons
- Treble can be fatiguing
- Not portable at all
- It needs an amp or interface
- No detachable cable
- It leaks a lot of sound
What’s the difference between 80, 250, and 600 ohms?
If you’re trying to figure out which Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro version to get, we recommend sticking with the 80—or 250-ohm models.
The 600-ohm version only makes sense if you’re using older gear built for high-impedance headphones. Higher resistance means you’ll need more power to drive them properly, and most modern devices—laptops, phones, audio interfaces—just aren’t built for that.
Back in the day, professionals preferred higher-impedance models because they handled powerful studio gear better. However, with today’s low-output consumer devices, lower impedance is the more practical choice.
Final verdict
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohm) is a classic for a reason. If you’ve got a quiet space, an amp, or an interface and want headphones that make your music feel more open and textured, these are a great value. The soundstage is impressive, the detail is top-tier at this price, and they’re surprisingly comfy once broken in.
They’re not for everyone—if you need isolation or bass-heavy tuning, look elsewhere. But if you want a “next-level” audio experience for home use under $200, the DT 990 Pro still holds up in 2025.
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