Are you struggling to decide between the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and the HiFiMan Sundara headphones? Look no further! This article offers a comprehensive comparison of these two popular options.
Both the DT 990 Pro and the Sundara provide exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them highly sought after by audio enthusiasts and professionals.
From build and design to connectivity, we’ll delve into every aspect to help you make an informed decision.
So, let’s dive in and find out which one is the better choice for you.
Hifiman Sundara General Overview
The Hifiman Sundara is a highly recommended set of headphones that offers high-end audio quality at a lower price point. It was released on May 19, 2020, with an original price of $499 USD, but it’s now available for $299 USD as of June 2022.
The Sundara weighs 372g and comes with a 1.5m cable. It has received positive reviews for its sound quality and comfort. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The weight of the headphones may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the open-back design means that it doesn’t provide noise isolation. Connectivity is limited to a wired connection with a 3.5mm TRS cable and a 1/4-inch adapter.
Overall, the Hifiman Sundara is a great option for those seeking high-end audio quality at a more affordable price.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro General Overview
Considered a classic choice for audio producers and music lovers, the DT 990 Pro offers great sound quality and a comfortable design. With an affordable price under $200, these headphones have been a popular option since their release in July 2004.
The DT 990 Pro features an open-back design and comes in two impedance options of 80 or 250-Ohm. The build of the headphones is mostly plastic, with a metal band and yoke for suspension. The large velour-wrapped ear pads provide a comfortable fit, even for listeners with glasses.
However, the DT 990 Pro isn’t foldable for transport and has a non-removable coiled cable, making it less suitable for portable use.
Despite these drawbacks, the DT 990 Pro remains a reliable choice for those seeking excellent sound quality and comfort.
Sound Comparison: Which Is Better?
When comparing the sound quality, you’ll find differences between the two headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO offers a studio frequency response with emphasis on the 50-300Hz and 2kHz-20kHz ranges. This makes it appealing for gamers and mixers. It has a light bass bump in the low-end, maintaining clarity in vocals. The mids are well-emphasized for instruments and vocals in any genre. However, the highs have excess energy, which may require EQing for personal preference.
On the other hand, the HiFiMan Sundara provides high-end audio quality at a lower price point. It has a more natural sound due to its open-back design, but lacks noise isolation. The bass output may be less than expected, but this is common in high-end headphones.
Overall, both headphones have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of sound quality.
Durability Comparison: Which Is Better?
If you’re comparing the durability of the two headphones, you’ll find that the Beyerdynamic model is more durable than the HiFiMan model. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is built with a predominantly plastic construction, but it has a metal band and yoke for suspension, adding to its overall sturdiness. The design of the DT 990 PRO is comfortable, with large velour-wrapped ear pads that provide a comfortable fit even for listeners with glasses.
However, it’s worth noting that the DT 990 PRO isn’t foldable for transport and is best used at a desk. On the other hand, the HiFiMan Sundara has a mostly-metal construction, which adds to its mass but also contributes to its durability. However, it’s important to be cautious of potential manufacturing issues with the Sundara, such as quieter right channels or crackling at high volumes.
Overall, while both headphones offer decent durability, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO seems to be the more robust option.
Comfort Comparison: Which Is Better?
The comfort of the two headphones is an important factor to consider, and you’ll find that one of them stands out in terms of comfort.
When comparing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HiFiMan Sundara, it’s clear that the Sundara takes the lead in terms of comfort.
The Sundara features a mostly-metal construction, adding to its mass, but it also contributes to its durability. The ear pads of the Sundara are plush and soft, providing a comfortable fit even during long listening sessions.
On the other hand, the DT 990 PRO, while still offering decent comfort, falls short compared to the Sundara. The DT 990 PRO has a plastic build with a metal band and yoke for suspension, and its ear pads aren’t as plush as those of the Sundara.
Overall, if comfort is a top priority for you, the HiFiMan Sundara is the better choice.
Use-Case Comparison
When comparing the use cases of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HiFiMan Sundara, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
The DT 990 PRO is designed for audio enthusiasts and professionals, offering great sound quality and comfort. It is a popular choice for studio monitoring and mixing due to its accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The open-back design provides a spacious soundstage and natural sound imaging. The headphones are also known for their comfortable fit, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
On the other hand, the Sundara is geared towards dedicated listening, providing high-end audio quality at a lower price point. It features planar magnetic drivers that deliver a detailed and immersive sound experience. The headphones have a sleek and modern design and are known for their balanced sound signature with excellent clarity and accuracy.
Ultimately, your choice should be based on factors such as travel, sports/fitness, and gaming requirements. If you need headphones for on-the-go use, the DT 990 PRO may not be the most suitable option due to its open-back design. If you prioritize portability and versatility, you may prefer the Sundara. For gaming, the DT 990 PRO’s accurate sound reproduction and comfortable fit make it a popular choice.
Travel Comparison: Which Is Better?
If you frequently travel and need headphones that are portable and easy to transport, neither the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO nor the HiFiMan Sundara are ideal options due to their non-foldable designs.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a classic pair of headphones known for its affordability and great sound quality. However, its build is mostly plastic with a metal band and yoke for suspension, making it less durable for travel.
The HiFiMan Sundara, on the other hand, offers high-end audio quality at a lower price point, but it also lacks a foldable design. Both headphones have non-removable cables, limiting their compatibility with portable devices.
If portability is a priority for you, it would be better to consider other options that offer foldable designs and easier transportation.
Sports/Fitness Comparison: Which Is Better?
When it comes to sports and fitness, the question of which is better can be subjective. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and goals.
If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout that builds strength and endurance, sports like basketball or soccer may be more suitable. These sports require quick movements, agility, and teamwork, providing a full-body workout.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more individualized and focused approach to fitness, activities like weightlifting or running may be preferable. These activities allow you to target specific muscle groups and improve cardiovascular endurance.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your interests, fitness level, and goals. It’s important to find an activity that you enjoy and that aligns with your personal preferences to ensure long-term adherence and success in your fitness journey.
Gaming Comparison: Which Is Better?
The decision between gaming and music headphones ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. When it comes to gaming, you want headphones that provide immersive sound, clear communication, and comfortable wear for long gaming sessions. Gaming headphones often come with features like virtual surround sound and noise-canceling microphones.
On the other hand, music headphones prioritize accurate sound reproduction and a balanced frequency response. They’re designed to bring out the nuances and details in your favorite songs. Music headphones usually have a wider soundstage and better imaging for a more immersive listening experience.
Ultimately, the choice between gaming and music headphones comes down to what you value more: a competitive advantage in gaming or a high-fidelity audio experience.
Conclusion: Which Is Better Overall?
In terms of overall performance, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO may be a better option for professionals, while the HiFiMan Sundara offers high-end audio quality at a lower price point.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a classic pair of headphones designed for audio enthusiasts and professionals. It features an open-back design and comes with impedance options of 80 or 250-Ohm. The build of the DT 990 PRO is mostly plastic with a metal band and yoke for suspension. It has comfortable velour-wrapped ear pads, making it suitable for listeners with glasses. However, it isn’t foldable for transport and has a non-removable coiled cable, which isn’t suitable for smartphones or portable players.
On the other hand, the HiFiMan Sundara offers high-end sound quality and comfort. It has a mostly-metal construction and connects via a 3.5mm TRS cable with a 1/4-inch adapter. However, it lacks noise isolation due to its open-back design.
Overall, both headphones have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on personal preferences and usage habits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after comparing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and the HiFiMan Sundara, it’s evident that both headphones offer exceptional sound quality and comfort.
However, the Sundara’s mostly-metal construction provides added durability compared to the mostly plastic build of the DT 990 Pro.
Additionally, the Sundara’s open-back design offers a more natural sound experience.
While the DT 990 Pro may be less suitable for portable use due to its non-removable coiled cable, the Sundara’s 3.5mm TRS cable with a 1/4-inch adapter provides more versatility.
Overall, the HiFiMan Sundara is the better choice for those seeking durability, natural sound, and portability.
Composer & Audio Engineer
I’m a composer and audio engineer crafting sonic magic. Combining my skills in rhythm, harmony, and sound synthesis to create the ultimate auditory experience.
