I just added these headphones to my stable, and after listening to them for one weekend (and as I am using them as we speak in my remote work rig) - I must say I am very pleased with them. On my stationary workstation, I have listened to them through the Audioengine D1 as well as Arcam rPAC (without EQ thus far) with Jriver Media Center (in exclusive mode).
I listened to classical, mostly acoustic jazz. To relax while I am working I also listen to New Age, but the latter is not that critical to me.
With classical music, I truly enjoy the "stage" that is presented in my head. It's very cleanly done. Fabio Biondi & Europa Galante's "The Four Seasons" highlights that ability (it's a great recording for that). And the violins don't come across overly aggressive and piercing, as can sometimes be the case - I was afraid, based on some reviews, there'd be some off-putting sibilance in these cans, but I can't say that's the case. Quite the contrary, it sounds very refined.
One of my personal reference recordings is Kevin Mahogany's "Pride and Joy", especially the tracks "Never can say goodbye" and "tears of a clown". Kevin's amazing voice (he's missed) sounds full and immediate, and the guitar in "tears of of a clown" as well as the entire jazz ensemble (acoustic bass, piano and especially the amazing percussion) in "Never can say goodbye" is 100% spot on.
I also love my Shure SRH1540, but as they are closed -which is great for some stuff, and they are awesome cans too-, in comparison they sound a bit more shy and contained than the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro.
I'd be curious about others' impressions.
PS: Yes, I am about to buy a headphone amp with a bit more juice. But in general, the DT1990 don't seem as hard to drive as some say - maybe it's because I don't listen at high volume levels.
PS2: On the latter, trying to decide between JDS Element 3 and Shiit Jotunheim (w/ DAC Module).
I listened to classical, mostly acoustic jazz. To relax while I am working I also listen to New Age, but the latter is not that critical to me.
With classical music, I truly enjoy the "stage" that is presented in my head. It's very cleanly done. Fabio Biondi & Europa Galante's "The Four Seasons" highlights that ability (it's a great recording for that). And the violins don't come across overly aggressive and piercing, as can sometimes be the case - I was afraid, based on some reviews, there'd be some off-putting sibilance in these cans, but I can't say that's the case. Quite the contrary, it sounds very refined.
One of my personal reference recordings is Kevin Mahogany's "Pride and Joy", especially the tracks "Never can say goodbye" and "tears of a clown". Kevin's amazing voice (he's missed) sounds full and immediate, and the guitar in "tears of of a clown" as well as the entire jazz ensemble (acoustic bass, piano and especially the amazing percussion) in "Never can say goodbye" is 100% spot on.
I also love my Shure SRH1540, but as they are closed -which is great for some stuff, and they are awesome cans too-, in comparison they sound a bit more shy and contained than the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro.
I'd be curious about others' impressions.
PS: Yes, I am about to buy a headphone amp with a bit more juice. But in general, the DT1990 don't seem as hard to drive as some say - maybe it's because I don't listen at high volume levels.
PS2: On the latter, trying to decide between JDS Element 3 and Shiit Jotunheim (w/ DAC Module).
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