Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Black
Score: 70/100
Sennheiser HD 560 S
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Sennheiser HD 560S are open-back, over-ear headphones delivering a neutral, linear sound signature ideal for critical listening. Their open design leaks sound and they need an amp for full volume, limiting portability. Perfect for studio engineers and audiophiles seeking an affordable reference headphone.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 38 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 340 g | 240 gbest |
80 Ω | 120 Ωbest | |
96 dB SPL | 110 dB SPLbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Impedance (Ω) | 80 Ω | 120 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 96 dB SPL | 110 dB SPL |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 340 g | 240 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 231 x 119 x 221 mm mm | 89×115×48 mm mm |
Ear Cushion Material | velour | Velour |
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.”
“Extremely comfortable/lightweight, neutral sound without bass bloat or distortion, spacious open sound, works well with amps (e.g., JM6 portable).”
Professional reviewers commend the HD 560S for its honest, linear tuning that excels in A/B comparisons and critical studio work, noting its deep yet controlled bass, brilliant treble, ultra-low distortion, and fatigue-free comfort, while also pointing out the open-back leakage, need for an amp to reach full volume, and the non-folding bulk as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight comfort, neutral sound without bass bloat, and spacious open soundstage, especially when paired with a portable amp, but they commonly complain about the need for an amp for adequate volume, sound leakage, and the bulky, non-folding design that requires a larger case.
