Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones Review - Beyerdynamic DT 990 Comparison

	Beyerdynamic DT 990 Comparison
• DT 990s have a customizable look and are more durable. • DT 990s did slightly better on our audio quality tests. • HD 650s are more comfortable over the course of a long wear session. • DT 990s cost less.
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Design

We think the DT 990s are sharp-looking headphones. The splash of color doesn't make them a goofy set of DJ headphones that aren't appropriate, it just makes them delightful. They're also a more traditional design as opposed to the beehive-like grate on the HD 650s. The DT 990s are also slightly more durable, sacrificing a true open back for a less permeable design. They also implement metal in leiu of plastic.

One additional aspect to keep in mind is Beyerdynamic's MANUFAKTUR feature, where you can order a pair of DT 990s online and choose your own color combination.

Aesthetics
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

Sound Quality

The DT 990s did a better job staying within our frequency response limits, but they have a significant decibel hike around the 7kHz mark.

Frequency Response
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

There's virtually no distortion on either side, although the HD 650 features slightly less.

Distortion
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

The HD 650s have better tracking. Like most headphones, the DT 990s have a slight blip towards their high-end.

Tracking
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

Isolation

Neither set of headphones are good isolators. The DT 990s do a slightly better job, but it's nothing to brag about.

Isolation
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

Comfort

While both headphones are comfortable initially, the DT 990s got increasingly uncomfortable over time. The band pressed hard against the top of our testers' heads after a few hours, requiring them to shift the band to continue use.

Wear
HD 650	Beyerdynamic DT 990

Verdict

The DT 990s feature a slightly better set of test results and an uncomfortable fit. This comparison is so close that it's really up to the user to decide which one is better. Be sure to wear them for a few hours to check for any fit issues. If you find the DT 990s are comfortable, they slightly superior sound and lower price point will probably be the better bet.