Beyerdynamic DT 990 Headphones Review

Tour & Design

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Tour**

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The DT 990s are a set of open-backed over-ears from Beyerdynamic.

*** We call this composition, 'DT 990s in repose with a slightly unruly cord.'***

The DT 990s' open backs let sound flow freely out (and in), which creates a larger, more 'open' soundstage. The downside is you'll need a quiet space to listen in.

These are the ear cups. The backs are open and look like gills. The padding is absurdly soft.

 

The band is padded and has a core of metal. The band isn't extendable, but the cups can pull out from it slightly. The cups themselves can also tilt back and forth.

As you'll see later, this band isn't very comfortable.

 

 

Here are the DT 990s on our favorite precision acoustic testing robot, HATS (head and torso simulator – torso not shown).

*** Despite not being very bendy, the DT 990s

contour to their users' head well.***

 

In The Box

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Other than the headphones, you'll get a case and a 1/4-inch screw-on adapter.

**Durability**     (*8.00**)*

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The DT 990s seem to be pretty durable. They have some moving parts, which is a wear and tear issue, and their open-backed design might let some dust in through the back door. Their band is made of metal and will definitely not bust easy, and the same is true for the part connected to the ear cups.  The cable has a nice set of cord guards, but there are thin cords extending from the top of the ear cups that could've used slightly better protection.

The DT 990s seem pretty beefy.

 

 

**Aesthetics**     (9*.00**)*

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The DT 990s are a bit big, which will automatically make them look silly on a few people. The main unit we're reviewing, the 65Ω version, came in a nice blue color, which we definitely thought looked nice. The reason we're giving it such a high score, however, is because Beyerdynamic lets users customize the coloration (this service is called MANUFAKTUR). Users can also specify the impedance of the headphones as well as whether or not the cord is spiraled or straight. Though there currently aren't a ton of available color choices, this is an incredibly cool feature.

This is an awesome idea, and we really hope Beyerdynamic keeps expanding on it.