Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Black
Score: 70/100
Audio-Technica ATH-R50X
Score: 76/100Rankings
The ATH-R50x offers a lightweight open-back design with strong bass and comfortable wear, making it suitable for critical listening in quiet environments. However, its pronounced treble peak and lack of isolation limit its use in noisy settings. Best for studio professionals and audiophiles who prioritize soundstage over isolation.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ω is an open-back, over-ear studio monitor headphone delivering a spacious soundstage and high comfort for critical listening. Its main drawbacks are the need for a strong amplifier, non-detachable cable, and lack of isolation, making it best suited for studio environments where amp power and quiet surroundings are available.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 45 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 340 g | 207 gbest |
80 Ωbest | 50 Ω | |
96 dB SPLbest | 93.3 dB SPL |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Impedance (Ω) | 80 Ω | 50 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 96 dB SPL | 93.3 dB SPL |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 340 g | 207 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 231 x 119 x 221 mm mm | 199.9x169.9x101.6 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the DT 990 Pro for its reduced diaphragm mass that yields an exceptional impulse response, a wide soundstage and precise imaging that are ideal for critical mixing and mastering, and a rugged, replaceable-part construction. They also note the bright, V-shaped tuning and the necessity of a high-gain amplifier, while the open-back design is flagged as a limitation for isolation.
Everyday users love the comfort, solid build, and expansive soundstage that make long gaming or listening sessions enjoyable, but they frequently lament the need for a dedicated amp, the non-detachable cable on older models, and the bright treble that can become fatiguing. The open-back leakage is also a recurring point of dissatisfaction in noisy environments.
“Exceptional comfort with plush velour ear pads and lightweight build (≈250 g) suitable for long listening sessions.”
“High 250 Ω impedance requires a powerful headphone amplifier; not easily driven by portable devices.”
“good clarity from the 4 kHz peak but criticizes the 6-10 kHz 10 dB peak for sharpness”
Professional reviewers commend the ATH-R50x for its lightweight comfort, strong bass for an open-back design, accurate midrange, and easy driveability at 50 Ω, noting its natural soundstage and precise transients make it a solid reference tool. However, they point out a pronounced treble peak between 6 kHz and 10 kHz that can sound harsh, and the inherent sound leakage of the open-back architecture limits its use in noisy settings.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for comfort and spacious sound, especially appreciating the bass punch and value for studio use. Recurring criticisms focus on the sharp treble in the upper mids/highs and the lack of isolation, which can cause fatigue and disturb others in shared spaces.
