So which one is better? The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro or DT990 Pro.
These two studio quality headphones are a top choice best way to get the clean, noise-free sound all true audiophiles crave.
Both options of these superb options come in under $200 dollars and amazing value.
Beyerdynamic makes some of the best Studio audiophile headphones and in this review we’re going to compare their DT 770 Pro vs DT990 pro.
Ideal For Sound Monitoring
DT 770 PRO
Last update on 2021-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Closed back design, 5Hz – 35 kHz , 250 oms. 45 mm driver, weighs 8.8 oz.
Excellent value for the money, top tier sound separation, Clearly hear every instrument in your mix and it’s position.
Jump ahead to:
Spacious Open Sound
DT 990 PRO
Last update on 2021-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Open back design, 5Hz – 35 kHz , 250 oms. 45 mm driver, weighs 8.8 oz.
Sound leaks threw the side of the cans intentionally to improve the spaciousness of the sound.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Says “OPEN IS BETER” While DT 770 Pro Disagrees
While both of these headphones are audiophile grade quality, there’s much debate over which is better. The only way to find out if less really is more was to test them. So that’s what we did.
What We Were Looking For
If you’re intent on listening to professional quality audio on your computer or mixer, you can’t do without the likes of an accurate sounding pair of headphones. We wanted to know:
- If the DT 770 Pro sounded better then the DT 990 Pro.
- If the DT 770 Pro really is ideal for sound monitoring.
- Whether the DT 770 Pro justifies its significantly higher price point.
- Whether being open back serves any purpose for the DT 990 Pro.
The Specs
First let’s breakdown the technical info for both Beyerdynamic headphones.
Common Features 1: 5Hz – 35 kHz
You could easily spend the entire day reading conflicting opinions about whether or not 44kHz resolution is better than say, 35 Hz.
Both Beyerdynamic DT 770 and DT 990 pro offer 5Hz- 35 kHz A/D resolution. For the best combo we recommend pairing with a good quality audio interface.
DT 770 PRO
In truth, only the most rabid audiophile would be able to tell the difference.
Closed back design, 5Hz – 35 kHz , 250 oms. 45 mm driver, weighs 8.8 oz.
Excellent value for the money, top tier sound separation, Clearly hear every instrument in your mix and there position.
DT 990 PRO
Because both devices are products of Beyerdynamic, you won’t find any difference between them when it comes to how they process the 5 – 35 kHz frequency.
Unless your intended audience is dogs or maybe bats, no one is likely to notice the difference.
Common Features 2: 45 mm driver
both headphones offer an 250 ohm impedance and 45mm drivers for excellent crisp sound. For
DT 770 PRO
With the DT 770 pro direct monitoring has a much more clearly defined purpose. After all, if there are multiple instruments playing and singers singing, things can get confusing.
Being able to monitor everything in what is essentially real time with any extraneous sounds eliminated can be a valuable thing.
DT 990 PRO
With the DT 990 pro, the differences in sound are very close to the DT 770 pro but its slightly just a little different. The 990 is considered an open back set of cans which means the sound output is a more spacious open world sound, closer to stereo speaker sound.
Winner: DT 770 Pro
Why? Only because the value of direct monitoring is harder to quantify when it comes to single guitar/singer than it is with multiple musicians jacked in at once.
Which one are you leaning towards?
- Closed over-ear headphones for professional mixing in the studio
- Perfect for studio recordings thanks to their pure and high-resolution sound
- The soft, circumaural and repalceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
- Open over-ear headphones, ideal for professional mixing, mastering and editing
- Perfect for studio applications thanks to their transparent, spacious, strong bass and treble sound
- The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
Last update on 2021-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unique Features: DT 770 PRO
Sound Isolation
The beyerdynamic DT 770 pro offers more sound isolation over the DT 990 pro, it’s strong suit is sound monitoring.
Unique Features: DT 990 PRO
Open world sound
The DT 990 Pro offers open set of cans meaning the sound reproduction is more open. Popular with gamers of first person shooters like call of duty, fortnite and apex legends.
You can easily pin point enemy footsteps and identify all sounds in the world.
Lower price
The price difference on the DT 990 pro vs the DT 970 pro is not a deal breaker for most but currently the DT990 is more economical.
Winner: DT 990 Pro
Why? It costs less, and most people wont hear the difference.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO VS DT990 PRO: Pros and Cons
Below is a breakdown of the good and the bad of each of these headphones. For a quick overview of the perks and downfalls read on and you’ll soon have an idea of which cans will work best for you.
Pros of DT 77O PRO
- Closed back design
- Excellent sound seperation
- Comfort for long sessions
- Great for recording with microphone
Cons of DT 770 PRO
- Bass not as pronounced
- Highs might be too sharp
Pros of the DT 990 PRO
- Open back design
- Comfort for long sessions
- Great for mixing
- Cheaper then the DT 770 Pro
Cons of the DT 990 PRO
- Not meant for use while recording
- Not for public commuting - Sound will leak in and out
- Best for mixing in a quiet place
Final Verdict
It’s hard to find significant fault with both models. It is, after all both are fine options.
But, if we assume that coughing up the extra few bucks isn’t going to be an issue, then we have to come down on the side of the DT 770 pro.
Not only is it on par with the DT990 Pro when it comes to delivering crisp sound, but it adds an extra layer of versatility without any loss of quality that puts it over the top.
Winner
Last update on 2021-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API