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beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Headphone Review

Rate this headphone:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 44 19.7%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 117 52.5%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 41 18.4%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 21 9.4%

  • Total voters
    223
my settings
just realized that I use "HS" for High Shelfs in my settings.
Since EQ APO (et.al.) at some point changed the naming convention my settings should be modified to utilize High Shelfs with adjustable "Q" [standard bandwidth (S=1) for 12dB/oct shelfs refers to Q=0.709].
Sorry for that!
 
Edit:
Instead, try oratory's PEQ preset designed for the Dekoni pads: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cebi....pdf?rlkey=i70lxp14abdsbs5rocgwjq4j9&e=2&dl=0
Yes I tried the specific pdf for the dekoni velour from oratory
but that doesn't change my impressions and findings: the Oratory EQ curve is too aggressive on the 8k frequency but not enough on 7k, just like all the other dt1990 presets.

If you compare Oratory DT1990 Velour EQ curve to mine you can see both are very similar
And I didn't start from Oratory at all, I ended up drawing almost the same curve just going by ear, listening to well knows audio tracks and tone generators.
You can easily spot the differences though:
- a small dip at 2.5k that it's a bit too prominent
- inverted the 7-8khz filter so that I have more attenuation at 7khz and less at 8k (that works best for me, I don't know why)
- removed the high shelf filter (just my preference)


for A/B comparisons I use peace keyboard shortcuts to switch between a flat EQ with just a negative gain and my tuned EQ, so I can compare at the same volume (or foobar mathaudio EQ with the bypass volume slider)
I don't know if it's unit variance, my ears, or I am just a noob...
Just saying If you have a dt1990 and the common presets sound definitely "wrong", first try to understand what's going on in the 6-9khz range with your unit: maybe you also need to be aggressive around 7k instead of the more focused 8k...
 
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Just saying If you have a dt1990 and the common presets sound definitely "wrong", first try to understand what's going on in the 6-9khz range with your unit: maybe you also need to be aggressive around 7k instead of the more focused 8k...

Yeah I noticed when doing sine sweeps it seems for me that 7.5kHz and 8.5Khz are more prominent than 8kHz in comparison but when tackling them individually I haven't found a proper compromise that sounds "correct" (with Analytical pads).

However I found that something like 7700kHz -7dB Q 3.0 or Amir's 8kHz -8dB Q 4.0 works fine (as long as 4.5kHz dip is boosted by around 4dB). But obviously it will depend on pad wear, how your ear works around those frequencies and unit variance.

- removed the high shelf filter (just my preference)

Same opinion about this, I personally found that maybe around 10-13kHz there is maybe some excess on my unit but I'd rather not touch it than to put an aggressive shelf on it which literally kills the headphone it sounds too dampened with the filter in place (like everything was recorded in a silent room if that makes sense). I experimented with a -1dB to -2dB shelf and it does work okay but the effect wasn't a big improvement so I decided against it, if you go over -2dB I feel like it degrades the sound (at least subjectively).
 
Yeah I noticed when doing sine sweeps it seems for me that 7.5kHz and 8.5Khz are more prominent than 8kHz in comparison but when tackling them individually I haven't found a proper compromise that sounds "correct" (with Analytical pads).

Some say that sine sweeps can trick you, I used a tone generator with a little noise floor in background. And of course lots of good reference tracks that you I know well
I would suggest a few:
- Billie Jean M. Jackson, should be very bright but not fatiguing
- I want it all, Queens Single version, fast check "Adventure seekers, on an empty street", t and s should not be sibilant
- Sing, Sing, Sing · BYU Vocal Point, if you hear ZZZFFFfing ZZZFFFing ZZZFFFing something is wrong, it's not Parseltongue
- Iggy Azalea - Fancy ft. Charli XCX, also a good test
- Party, Girls Generation, try to listen to the entire song at high volume without throwing the headphone out of the window, if you can your EQ is good, pay attention to the yes at 55 sec.


I personally use a Q of 4 on the main offender 6.9/7k that needs more attenuation, while at 8k I use a less aggressive filter with a wider Q of 2.8, to smooth out things

After the clear 7/8k problem, that in my case is more pronounced at 7k instead of the more common 8k, there is only a very slight bump on 10k on my unit, and maybe another at 13k, but nothing serious
Higher frequencies help with soundstage and airiness,
Also age is going to apply a natural high shelf anyway: I can still ear around 16/17k but I'm not young anymore xD
 
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I listened to these in the past. Have some DT880's which are pretty similar from what I remember. They are very comfortable, but also don't like to be pushed. When I acquired some AKG K371's the Beyers no longer get any use. I just wish the AKGs had as much comfort. They did convince me the Harman headphone curve was onto something.
AKG K361 and K371 build quality however is quite poor from what i heard ,not just that ,seem to be lot of quality inconsistency ,i agree they are superior-sound wise over beyers ,but beyers are more durable + its easy to get replacement of pads or other parts + they have been always comfy, so yeah that is also why they are so popular ,not just for casuals but pros too + brand with good reputation of course too.
 
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AKG K361 and K371 build quality however is quite poor from what i heard ,not just that ,seem to be lot of quality inconsistency ,i agree they are superior-sound wise over beyers ,but beyers are more durable + its easy to get replacement of pads or other parts + they have been always comfy, so yeah that is also why they are so popular ,not just for casuals but pros too + brand with good reputation of course too.

I have the K361 as a "portable set" and compared to the DT 1990 the build on it feels like a toy. Portability-wise it's better because of the foldable cups, otherwise DT 1990 has more quality materials, comfier pads etc.

Sound-wise I prefer the DT 1990 even stock over the K361 - while the K361 has some nice qualities such as the bass being nicely extended there is something which makes them sound "thin" if that makes sense (maybe the 2-4kHz range and less "air" which is I think similar in measurements to the K371). However, for the price of 100$ K361 is a no-brainer if you ask me, for a closed-back up to around 150$ it's either K361/K371 or DT 770 (which are not as good for portability). DT 240 is also interesting but I just can not stand on-ears, too used to over ears. Under 150$ IEMs are maybe an even better purchase than any of these closed backs but IEMs might not be someone's cup of tea (Zero RED for example sound-wise are pretty good at anything in my experience and I would rate them as better than the K361).
 
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I love my DT1990s, I agree the top end is a bit full on straight out of the box but that can be resolved with a good EQ (at least to my ears). Putting the audio qualities aside for a moment, I think a large part of why I love them is that they are just so beautifully built. It's a great feeling when I've saved for something, spent time and effort making a decision, then after pulling the trigger on the purchase, it arrives and I open the box to find something that looks and feels like it's worth every penny of what I spent. I got a similar feeling with the Topping D50iii / A50s, they are beautifully built (to me) and even if they didn't measure quite as well, I still would appreciate them a lot just for build quality alone (I know longevity might turn out to be another issue ;)).
 
I love my DT1990s, I agree the top end is a bit full on straight out of the box but that can be resolved with a good EQ (at least to my ears). Putting the audio qualities aside for a moment, I think a large part of why I love them is that they are just so beautifully built. It's a great feeling when I've saved for something, spent time and effort making a decision, then after pulling the trigger on the purchase, it arrives and I open the box to find something that looks and feels like it's worth every penny of what I spent. I got a similar feeling with the Topping D50iii / A50s, they are beautifully built (to me) and even if they didn't measure quite as well, I still would appreciate them a lot just for build quality alone (I know longevity might turn out to be another issue ;)).
For sure i agree, build,comfort,replacements available almost everywhere here in EU, and as u said you can always EQ if u do not like stock sound :)
 
I'm using DT1990 for few months on stock balanced pads. Really like the sound without any EQ, but just out of curiosity oredered Dakine elite velour pads.
First impressions with them are strange, much more lower end, the highs seems recessed a bit more then expected. But I will give them some time, to get used to.
 
I'm using DT1990 for few months on stock balanced pads. Really like the sound without any EQ, but just out of curiosity oredered Dakine elite velour pads.
First impressions with them are strange, much more lower end, the highs seems recessed a bit more then expected. But I will give them some time, to get used to.
The Elite Velour seemed to smooth them out quite a bit, but made them a bit too dark for me. Also seemed to steal away some of the dynamics and efficiency. Less fatigue but less fun. I put the balanced pads back on.
 
True about the dynamics, especially if listening on low volumes. But I find Elite Velour pleasant enough with this different sound to keep them on at least for a while. Midrange also "feels" kinda fuller with them.
 
Beyerdynamic announced DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII:
  • Cost: 550 Euro
  • New headband design (cut out at the middle for more comfort)
  • Slighltly different design (letters resemble the DT 770 Pro X Legendary Edition)
  • New Tesla.45 Driver with an impedance of 30 Ohms and sensitivity of 110dB/mW (in the datasheet it says 94dB/mW and 110dB/V)
  • Reduced 8kHz peak (not disclosed by how much it was reduced, but good news nontheless) EDIT: They are using the acoustic disc same/similar to DT 900 Pro X
  • Balanced and Analytical pads renamed to Producing and Mixing (probably to be less confusing to people and follow the Sennheiser 490 Pro trend)
More details: https://www.beyerdynamic.de/p/dt-1990-pro-mk-2

Posted as a separate thread on suggestion of Roland68: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ro-mkii-and-dt-1990-pro-mkii-announced.58091/
 
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Beyerdynamic announced DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII:
  • Cost: 550 Euro
  • New headband design (cut out at the middle for more comfort)
  • Slighltly different design (letters resemble the DT 770 Pro X Legendary Edition)
  • New Tesla.45 Driver with an impedance of 30 Ohms and sensitivity of 110dB/mW (in the datasheet it says 94dB/mW and 110dB/V)
  • Reduced 8kHz peak (not disclosed by how much it was reduced, but good news nontheless) EDIT: They are using the acoustic disc same/similar to DT 900 Pro X
  • Balanced and Analytical pads renamed to Producing and Mixing (probably to be less confusing to people and follow the Sennheiser 490 Pro trend)
More details: https://www.beyerdynamic.de/p/dt-1990-pro-mk-2

(Don't know if I was supposed to make this as a separate post, if so let me know)
A separate thread would make absolute sense, as it would only water down this thread and at some point no one would know which headphones we were talking about.
 
This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro open-back headphone. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $529.
View attachment 372841
The feel of the metal cup holders is not great but you forget about it the moment you put the headphone on your head. It is light, has large cups and very comfortable. It nicely comes with two cables, one coiled and one not.

I put the headphone on my GRAS 45CA headphone measurement rig and initial seating was perfect! I suspect this provides good consistency for different listeners.

beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro Measurements
As usual we start with our headphone frequency response measurements:
View attachment 372842
I was pleasantly surprised by the good compliance with our target from 100 Hz to 4 kHz. Bass is flat/drooping a bit which some people like. The main glaring deviation is around 7.8 KHz. Here is the deviation for equalization development:

View attachment 372844

Since we need to boost bass, I was disappointed by the rising distortion there and driver limiting at 114 dBSPL:

View attachment 372845
View attachment 372846

Impedance is close to rated 250 Ohm but rises rapidly in bass indicating you need good amount of voltage to drive the headphone:
View attachment 372847

Especially since sensitivity is below average:
View attachment 372848

Group delay is uneventful:

View attachment 372849

beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro Listening Tests and Equalization
First impression was pleasant indicating that the content I was listening to didn't have a lot of spectrum around 8 kHz. The sound was light due to lack of bass so I EQed from left to right:
View attachment 372851
With all the filters in place, performance was surprisingly good, sounding excellent on most of my clips. Sadly, sub-bass and high-playback levels in general brought out static and other types of distortion indicating driver limiting. For everyday playing it is fine but for the few minutes you may want to crank it up, it is going to sound poor.

Conclusions
If I am not mistaken, the DT1990 Pro has the most target compliance of any beyerdynamic headphone I have tested and it shows. Deviations is only at the extremes of frequency response so out of performance is not bad. What is wrong with it, can be fixed with EQ but the dynamic range is not there to handle more bass. Comfort is there so good for "everyday listening" with equalization.

I can't recommend the beyerdyanamic DT 1990 Pro. I would have with EQ if it didn't get so distorted.
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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

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The DT 1990 Pro MKII has been released. Have you considered testing it?
 
The DT 1990 Pro MKII has been released. Have you considered testing it?
Amir tests whatever equipment is sent in by members or manufacturers.
It's that simple.

If you want to see Amir's measurements of the DT1990 MKII, then contact Beyerdynamic and ask them to send him a review sample, or buy one and send it in yourself.
 
Amirm measured the DT1990 with the „analytical“ pads.
Now, the DT1990 is a work horse for studio use in the first place, not a „fun“ headphone.
And the „analytical“ pads are there for this particular purpose.
In the studio context you'll find nobody listening at extreme volume levels.

Solely by swapping the pads - eg. to the balanced Pads that are part of the DT1990 package - you add around 6dB to the bass range of the headphone.
These pads turn the DT1990 more into a „fun“ headphone and with these pads the measurements would look quite different.
Also Amirms conclusion would look different.
Not really cool to judge stuff outside of its intended use conditions. Horses of courses.

Yesterday I’ve tested my DT1990 with the Dekoni Pads and with the included DT1990 Balanced Pads and I can go crazy loud without any distortion.
So if listening at very loud levels is your thing, simply swap the pads and have „fun“.
I say from experience that Pad swapping can be such a rabbit hole. It’s like tube rolling or op amp rolling, except different pads can create audible differences. Though results also depend on ones cranium and ear geometry. But really, one should buy a headphone that gets the frequency response you want with its stock pads. Not try to compensate with the crapshoot of pad swapping.

However: On my dr880s, replacing the pads they came with with new but exactly the same pads brought directly from beyerdynamic was a significant change, because the old pads had become compressed and less compliant with age, so my earlobe was touching the inside face of the driver. If you have old phones with pads that look ok externally make sure they have not become worn out on the inside with age. Many foams really break down over time.

And, I will admit I have changed many closed back pads simply because I cannot stand the feel and sweat resulting from pads witn leather/vinyl/pleather/veg protein skin against my skin. I find you can still get a good seal and isolation using gel memory foam pads (cooling supposedly) witb velvet/velour/microfiber fabric on the face that touches your skin, with non porous pleather material on the other inside and outside faces.


I find you don’t always need to splash out on dektoni these days; other brands are starting to indicate the predicted effect on response for some of theirs.

I have changed pads for comfort on open backs too, with some audio effects. on-ear grado sr-60/80 caused physical pain on my ears after 15min, swapping to huge cheap aftermarket circumaural pads not only alleviated physical pressure but also tamed the effects of its wild treble response a bit by shifting the driver a few mm farther from the ear and made them almost holographic in sound stage (bass response dropped too of course, but a bit of eq takes care of that).

I put the old in-ear grado pads over an old pair of the little sennheiser pt-100s I had laying around, and they are super comfortable and not quite as dark as before, though it’s still quite bloomy in the lower mids and very rolled off in the too. but I gather that curve is intentional to get the tiny things to sound “full.” But for listening to classical and such while working, it’s a very relaxing sound and almost weightless/pressure less feel.

On my nicer open backs (or at least ones bought since reading ASR and knowing a bit more) I stick with stock as much as possible.
 
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