Headphones are a critical part of any audio setup. On one hand, they allow us to enjoy our music and movies without disturbing others. On the other hand, they can be incredibly expensive.
If you’re looking for a good pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, you should consider the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 599.
So without further ado, let’s start by comparing the specifications of both DT 990 Pro and HD 599.
| Features | Sennheiser HD599 | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro |
| Detachable cable | Yes | No |
| Cable length | 1.2m & 3.0m | 3m |
| Portable | No | No |
| Frequency range | 12 Hz to 38.5 kHz | 5 Hz to 35 kHz |
| Design | Over-ear (circumaural) | Over-ear (circumaural) |
| connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms | 32, 80, and 250 Ohms |
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 599: A Detailed Comparison
1. Build and design
Sennheiser HD 599 has a brilliantly classic look, which is very similar to the previous model Sennheiser HD 598. Although it comes with a much better look, premium quality, and better padding. Speaking of material used to build quality, it has plastic built yet pretty solid and durable.
These are over-ear headphones but do not feel too bulky. The beautiful classic design does not feel bad while wearing outdoors. However, the open-back design leaks the sound, so keep in mind as well.
In terms of built material, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro also has plastic build quality but includes metal in the headband that makes them more flexible, durable, and solid. Also, Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro looks more solid and durable than HD 599.
The weight of both headphones is almost equal, which is 255 grams.
As far as the cable is concerned, Sennheiser HD 599 features two removable cables one is 3meter long, terminated at a 6.3mm jack, and the second 1.2meter with a 3.5mm jack. The 1.2-meter short cable is for audio devices with a 3.5mm jack such as mobile, PC, laptop, and so on.
On the other hand, 3meter long cable with a 6.3mm jack for the home entertainment system and studio devices.
The Beyerdynamic gives you only a 3meter coiled cable that is not detachable. However, the cable is solid and durable. But the disadvantage of not having a removable cable is when you broke the cable to install a new one, you will need to change all the units instead of just the cable.
Verdict: if you want headphones to not only use in the studio, then Sennheiser HD 599 is better because it looks more classy and also includes a short removable cable. The second thing, the Beyerdynamic DT Pro, features a 3m coil that is heavy, long, and feels awkward.
2. Comfort
Both are lightweight and incredibly comfortable for longer wearings. The Sennheiser HD 599 has large oval earcups that are covered in soft and comfortable padding. The earcups are wrapped in a microfiber fabric that is soft and feels nice on the skin.
The headband is also nicely padded and doesn’t feel too tight on the head. Both ear cups and headbands are flexible enough to allow fixing where the wearer feels comfortable.
Speaking of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro comfort, they have memory foam padding covered in velour. The memory foam is considered the best for better comfort. Furthermore, ear cups are deep enough that the ears will not touch the inner surface.
However, if the ears touch the surface because ear cups are covered with memory foam from inside, you won’t feel any discomfort.
Verdict: There is little or no difference between the comfort of DT 990 and HD 599. Both are equal in weight. However, DT 990 feels tighter than Sennheiser HD 599, and that’s why HD 599’s are better for longer sessions.
3. Impedance
Before jumping to the sound quality and knowing Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro vs HD 599, which sounds better here, I want you to understand the impedance. Sennheiser HD 599 has a 50-ohm impedance, and DT 990 pro is available in 32, 80, and 250 Ohm.
To get the most from a headphone, you need to give them enough power. The minimum number requires less power, and as the number increases, it required more power.
The impedance under 50 Ohm is great for devices like mobile, PC, laptop, etc. As the number increased, you required an amp to get a better sound.
So you must choose the headphones according to your device. For example, if you choose Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm, it means you need an amp because, on mobile or low-powered devices, it will not produce as good as it is capable of. So while choosing between DT 990 pro and HD 599, make sure you consider the impedance as well.
4. Sound quality
Sound quality is the most important, and people decide a headphones good or bad on the sound quality. One of the reasons for both headsets’ popularity is their impressive sound quality.
Luckily, both are open-back design headphones, which means the sound will be more neutral and have wide sound stages.
Speaking of the frequency range, both produce a wide range of frequencies, but they vary and are both produced differently.
The beyerdynamic DT 990 pro has frequency response from 5 Hz to 35 kHz and Sennhieser 12 Hz to 38.5 kHz.
Each headphone model produced frequency response differently, and some focused on bass, mids, highs, and some more focused on balanced sound. To find out how both headsets sound on lows, mids, and highs, let’s break them down.
Bass: DT 990 pro are more balanced sounding headphones than bass focused headphones. They have a nice amount of bass, but it does not overpower vocals, mids, or highs. However, if you connect an amp, the bass will be prominent and the volume louder.
On the other HD, 599 are neutral sounding headphones, and they have more and better bass response than its previous model HD 598. Moreover, HD 599 slightly emphasizes bass than DT 990. However, the bass didn’t overpower the rest of the frequencies.
Mids: Speaking of mids, HD 599 has nice and detailed mids but not as much as I prefer, still acceptable. Listening to the music, you can clearly distinguish between vocals and background music instruments.
The DT 990 has a V-shaped frequency response, and that means these perform better at low and high frequencies, but still, mids are nice. Compared to HD 598 and 599, DT 990 pro has a better response at mids.
Highs: Both headphones produced clear music at highs, but both are too bright as well(it’s up to your taste). Compared with the DT 990 pro, Sennheiser HD 599 has more clean and pleasant highs.
Verdict: Overall, both have excellent sound quality with wide sound stages. However, with little bass, sub-bass, and more pleasant highs, Sennheiser HD 599 is better. Moreover, HD 599 has no treble peak as the Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro, which means no sound harsh.
Conclusion
Both headphones have an open design that produces a neutral and clear sound. Both are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and worth buying.
However, the DT 990 pro’s build quality is better than Sennheiser HD 599, but HD 599 is more comfortable because HD 599 does not feel too tight, which is ideal for longer wearings. Furthermore, because of the removable two cable options and 50 Ohm impedance(can drive on both mobile and high power audio devices without spending extra money on an amp), Sennheiser HD 599 is a better option.
If you love reading, please leave your thoughts in the comment section and let me know which one you prefer and why.