Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition (250 Ohm)

As with all premium headphones from Beyerdynamic, the DT 990 Edition is handcrafted in Germany. The select and well-processed materials feel very high-quality: from the well-padded headband to the robust metal inserts on the ear cups, as well as the super-pleasant ear pads.

Here you get to see Beyerdynamics’ decades of expertise in headphone ergonomics. The design can be easily adjusted for any head size, the sit feels luxurious, and there is very much the vibe of sinking into a favourite, pre-warmed couch. Offering relaxed music listening without the negative impact of strong physical pressure, the DT 990 is also sustainable. Not only can the soft earpads be replaced, but also almost all other parts – exemplary!

Welcome to the acoustic loft

The stereo resolution is the “parade discipline” of the openly constructed DT 990 Edition: acoustics, classics, and wide-breathing mixes that have been dynamically mixed and not compressed to death. The DT 990 Edition lets you wander dreamily, finding those perfect places where the sound engineers have meticulously positioned their instrumentals. On the other hand, it must also be noted that the DT 990 Edition’s 2-room stereo apartment does lose something in places, since it sounds even wider than the semi-open professional DT 880. Ultimately, a little more “punch” wouldn’t go amiss.

The fidelity of the DT 990 Edition is very good overall. Not only are lovingly designed stereo arrangements transmitted beautifully, but the complete frequency image also represents mixes linearly and in detail. In the bass, this results in a pleasantly balanced impression of the lower frequencies – nothing pumps. If you want disco under the earcups, you need a closed DJ model. But bass arrangements can still be enjoyed without bass quake, and the mids and higher positions are enjoyably revealed and seated. Only the tweeter range of the DT 990 Edition sounds like glass, especially if you like to listen a bit louder from time to time. In terms of the frequency range of the highs, the Beyerdynamic models that specialise in mixing, such as the DT 880, have much gentler and more relaxed characteristics.

The aristocrat of distinguished tones

The DT 990 Edition sees itself as a premium hi-fi headphone, proudly announcing itself as “Made in Germany”. Its sound could be described as elegant because, even when listening to it quietly, a finely-tuned ratio over the entire frequency response unfolds with excellent stereo resolution.