Many of you may be wondering: what's the difference between the Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs DT 990? The short answer is the DT 770s are closed back headphones and the DT 990s are open back headphones. However, there are a few other smaller differences between these 2 headphones that you'll want to be aware of before deciding which to purchase. In this guide, I compared the Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs DT 990 studio headphones to help you decide which pair is best for you.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs DT 990: Which is Better?
While the DT 990 headphones may seem like the "better" option because they're more expensive, which pair is better really comes down to your specific needs and what you're looking for from your headphones. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses and it's important to be aware of what those are.
In this guide, we'll go over the exact differences and similarities you need to be aware of so you can make the most informed purchase decision possible.
After you’re done reading, don’t forget to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials guide where you'll learn about all the necessary gear you need to get started on your music production journey.
With all that said, let's get into our comparison of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs DT 990.
Price: $149.00
Type: Closed Back
The Beyerdynamic DT 770s are some of the most popular mixing headphones on the market, and it's easy to see why. The accurate and flat sound quality combined with the superior comfort of the ear pads make these an amazing value at $149.
These are closed back headphones, meaning there is more sound isolation and less audio leakage from the DT 770s compared to the DT 990s, which are open back. In general, closed back headphones provide a more sealed-off, isolated audio experience, so these might be preferred if you want to hear every last detail of your mix. They're also typically better for recording, since you definitely don't want any audio leakage from your headphones picked up on the microphone.
The DT 770s are also a bit flatter than the DT 990s, meaning the DT 770s provides a slightly more accurate representation of how your mix really sounds, which many people prefer when mixing and mastering.
The DT 770s (and DT 990s) are offered at 3 different OHM levels: 32 OHM, 80 OHM, and 250 OHM. The 32 OHM headphones require the least amount of power from the device you're plugging them into, while the 250 OHM headphones require the most power. Not all audio interfaces have the power necessary to drive the 250 OHM version, so if you want to be safe, the 80 OHM version is your best bet if you're using a normal USB-connected audio interface.
Price: $179.00
Type: Open Back
The Beyerdynamic DT 990s are also extremely popular headphones among music producers and audio engineers. Similar to the DT 770s, the sound quality is superb and very flat, giving you a good read on your mix while also keeping your ears comfortable with the soft ear pads.
The DT 990s are open back headphones, meaning they're less sealed off and allow for a more natural listening experience - one that more closely resembles how most people will be actually listening to music (with cheaper headphones and/or out loud on speakers). Because of this, many producers/engineers opt for open back headphones when mixing since it mimics the final listening experience more closely (however, it's still a personal preference thing on which type you prefer).
While overall still having a very flat and accurate sound, the low end frequencies are a bit more pronounced with the DT 990s compared to the DT 770s. This can be helpful if you're producing/mixing more bass-heavy music, or if you're just listening to music casually with these headphones.
The DT 990s also come in 32 OHM, 80 OHM, and 250 OHM options. As explained in the previous section, not all audio interfaces have the power necessary to drive the 250 OHM version, so if you want to be safe, the 80 OHM version is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
Both the DT 770 and DT 990 are among the very best headphones on the market, so you really can't go wrong with either version. Just make sure to keep in mind your specific situation and determine which pair is best for you and your needs. If you're still unsure, we have a full guide comparing various studio headphone options, so go check that out if you still need some guidance.
I hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences between these 2 headphones from Beyerdynamic! If you have any lingering questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comments.
Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our reviews/buyer's guides.
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