Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X Review: Open-Back Headphones with Studio Precision

Explore the detailed sound and comfort of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X open-back headphones, designed for audiophiles and studio pros alike.

A Heritage of Wired Audio Excellence

If you've ever dove into the world of quality wired headphones, Beyerdynamic is a name that likely pops up time and again. This German brand boasts a century-long legacy that’s hard to ignore—spotlighting models that consistently top audiophile rankings and studio essentials lists.

From the premium Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation), which carries a hefty price tag near $999, to the widely respected Beyerdynamic Amiron, known for its exceptional sound at around $599, the brand has carved out an enviable reputation. Now, Beyerdynamic aims to build on this legacy with the DT 990 Pro X. Following on the heels of the highly acclaimed DT 900 Pro X, expectations for this fresh iteration are sky-high.

Price That Hits the Sweet Spot

Priced at $199, the DT 990 Pro X comes in noticeably below the starting point of the older DT 900 Pro X, which debuted at $299. This price positions the headphones comfortably in the mid-range market for wired models.

For those seeking to splash out a bit more, the open-backed, award-winning Grado SR325x towers at around $295. On the other hand, savvy shoppers can find excellent closed-back alternatives like the Røde NTH-100 or Austrian Audio Hi-X20, both hovering near $150. Beyerdynamic’s own closed alternative, the DT 770 Pro X, sits right alongside in price, offering a solid choice for different listening preferences.

Build Quality and Comfort: Plush Meets Practical

Whether you're locked in a steamy studio mixing your latest masterpiece or simply soaking up tunes at home, the DT 990 Pro X impresses with its comfort and craftsmanship.

Remember how we raved about the DT 900 Pro X back in 2021? Well, these open-back headphones carry forward that same ethos of “studio-grade” quality with none of the stiffness or clinical coldness. You don’t need a control room to enjoy them—these headphones are equally at home on your couch or in your creative space.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Type: Wired, full-size, open-back
• Cable Length: 2 meters
• Noise Cancellation: None (open-back design)
• Inline Controls/Mic: None
• Weight (without cable): 292 grams

The design remains loyal to its predecessors, sporting the iconic round ear cups and a comfortable headband. Subtle tweaks like visible external mounting hardware and a distinctive gray logo proclaiming “Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X” add a modern flair.

One of the most delightful touches is the return of those soft, velour ear pads that feel like your ears are being hugged by a friendly polar bear. They’re plush yet breathable, banishing any worries about overheating during marathon listening sessions.

Don’t be fooled by their slightly bulky look; despite a 292-gram weight, the headphones distribute their heft evenly. Thanks to ergonomic design, that weight never burdens your head, and the firm but gentle clamping force ensures a secure, comfortable fit.

A quick heads-up, though—these open-back beauties leak sound outward and let ambient noise in, a bit like a Cold War spy whispering secrets across the room. They’re less "sieve-like" than Grado’s famously airy models but still not suited for quiet shared office spaces if you want to keep your playlist private.

The detachable cable measures 2 meters, featuring a locking mini-XLR connection on the headphone side. A standard 3.5mm jack sits at the other end, with a 6.3mm adapter included, ready to hook up to a wide range of audio gear and hi-fi devices.

Inside the Sound Machine: Stellar Drivers

Under the hood, the DT 990 Pro X uses Beyerdynamic’s proven Stellar.45 drivers—the same tech powering the DT 900 Pro X and wireless Aventho 300 models.

These drivers feature a multi-layer diaphragm made from thermoplastic polymer Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), combined with a neodymium magnet system. Beyerdynamic promises a wide frequency range delivering “premium sound regardless of playback device.”

What really caught our ear, though, was the claim that these headphones act as a “sound magnifying glass,” exposing acoustic imperfections to reveal the nuances of every recording. Initially, that sounds a bit quirky, but considering these headphones’ studio-grade ambitions, it makes perfect sense.

Sound That Leaves No Detail Behind

Every Brit kid (or at least every history buff) knows the tale of Oliver Cromwell, who famously requested his portrait include “warts and all.” Whether fact or folklore, it’s a vivid image of someone valuing raw truth over polished lies.

Beyerdynamic’s DT 990 Pro X follow that philosophy to a T, acting as an unflinching sonic magnifier from the moment you press play. Warm-up softens their edges slightly, but their razor-sharp resolution stays put.

Far from a drawback, this level of detail is truly thrilling. For studio work, they reveal layers of information that make mixing a joy. For home listeners, feed them clean, high-quality sources, and watch as every subtle texture emerges like a bloodhound zeroing in on a fox’s trail.

Our personal listening test was a joyride: streaming from Tidal and Qobuz on a Lenovo Thinkpad and iPhone 15, plus high-res WAV files from the stellar Astell & Kern A&norma SR35. We also plugged in the award-winning Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt DAC to push the sound even further. Across all setups, the 48-ohm DT 990 Pro X adapted gracefully, maintaining their signature sound.

Highlights? The detail is staggering—from the somber piano in Nick Cave’s Bright Horses to the delicate blues guitar in Jeff Buckley’s So Real, textures feel so tangible you almost reach out to touch the instruments.

Comparing to the older DT 900 Pro X, the new model shines brighter—cleaner, more detailed, and offering a more pleasing balance. The DT 900 Pro X now sound comparatively muddy and rough.

The soundstage is spacious and impeccably organized, peeling back tracks layer by layer. Take Alice In Chains’ live version of Down In A Hole—the intimate recording draws you close, separating the contrasting vocals with emotional clarity.

Muse’s Madness stands out too, with its rising layers carefully managed, never veering into sterile or cold territory. It’s like the Goldilocks of headphone sound—just right.

A Double-Edged Sword?

This unflinching clarity might feel harsh if you’re used to headphones that smooth out every rough edge. DT 990 Pro X won’t sugarcoat raw or poorly produced tracks; they bring out every quirk.

For instance, the industrial elements and distorted highs in Avenged Sevenfold’s We Love You remain sharp and unfiltered. It’s an honest, engaging sound, but not for those who want their music polished and pristine at all costs.

Their strength spans the whole frequency range, but the bass is a standout. The way they handle the bass line in Muse’s Hysteria is jaw-dropping—each note is cleanly defined, giving every pluck its own space to shine.

The dynamic response impresses too, surpassing the older DT 900 Pro X by detecting subtle variations without sounding lifeless or clinical. On Madness, the headphones maintain clarity and cohesion while delivering emotional punch.

Final Thoughts: A Sonic Magnifier with Comfort to Match

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X are among the most detailed and informative headphones you’ll find at this price point. They’re perfect if you crave to hear every nuance and detail in your music, all wrapped in a design that’s comfortable for hours on end.

Unlike some “studio” headphones that feel cold or distant, the DT 990 Pro X strike a remarkable balance between critical listening and pure enjoyment. No matter your musical tastes or how you plan to use them, these headphones come highly recommended.

Ratings Summary:

• Sound: 5/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5

The design of new headphones ‘reveals acoustic imperfections,’ acting like a ‘sound magnifying glass’ to shed light on every detail of a recording.

Beyerdynamic

FAQ

• What type of headphones are the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X?
  They are wired, full-sized, open-back headphones designed for both studio and home listening.
• Are the DT 990 Pro X comfortable for long sessions?
  Yes, thanks to plush velour ear pads and ergonomic design, they provide excellent comfort over extended periods.
• Do these headphones isolate sound well?
  Being open-back, they don’t isolate sound and will leak audio both in and out, so they are not ideal for noisy environments or shared spaces.
• What devices are compatible with the DT 990 Pro X?
  They work well with a broad range of devices, including laptops, smartphones (with adapters), portable players, and hi-fi setups.
• How do these headphones perform in terms of sound quality?
  The DT 990 Pro X excel with outstanding detail retrieval, a wide soundstage, clear bass, and balanced dynamics, making them suitable for audiophiles and studio professionals alike.

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