If you’re struggling to choose between the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones, look no further. This article will provide you with a comprehensive comparison of these two popular models.
Professionals and enthusiasts have long favored the DT 990 Pro for its exceptional sound quality and comfortable design. Meanwhile, the Fidelio X2HR headphones, known for their open-back design and impressive bass response, have received high recommendations.
Explore the differences in sound quality, build quality, comfort, and more to make an informed decision.
Philips Fidelio X2HR General Overview
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones are highly recommended for their wide soundstage, amazing bass, and great comfort. These open-back headphones are produced by Philips and are temporarily manufactured by Gibson.
The HR revision of the X2 model improved the headband shape and padding, ensuring a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. With a standard street price of around $160, they offer great value for their sound quality.
The X2HR headphones are hi-res certified, delivering natural and robust bass response with a rich and warm midrange. While there are minor missteps in the treble with some peaks, the overall sound character is similar to the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones.
In comparison to other headphones, the X2HR offers a greater sense of openness and excels in handling the stereo image, making it recommended for gaming. However, there’s a sound leak issue when using a third-party microphone.
The build quality of the X2HR is beefy and tough, with a combination of metals and plastic. The frame is sturdy, with no creaking or chatter, although there may be some minor cosmetic issues with the snap-on pad design.
The headphones are comfortable to wear, with spacious ear cups and memory foam pads. Overall, the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones provide an enjoyable home audio listening experience with their balanced and nuanced sound, excellent comfort, and solid build quality.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro General Overview
You’ll find the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro to be a classic pair of headphones beloved by audio producers and music enthusiasts.
Released on July 19, 2004, with the model number 459038, these headphones weigh 381g and come at an affordable price, less than $200.
The build of the headphones is predominantly plastic, with a metal band and yoke. They feature velour-wrapped ear pads for comfort and minimal gaps with glasses.
The non-foldable design and non-removable heavy coiled cable with a 3.5mm and 1/4-inch adapter make them less suitable for outdoor use.
With great sound quality, these headphones are a favorite among keyboard warriors and music professionals alike. They offer a comfortable fit and are considered a classic pair for audio producers and music lovers.
Sound Comparison: Which Is Better?
When comparing the sound quality, you’ll notice that the X2HRs offer a wide soundstage and amazing bass, while the DT990 Pros provide great clarity and separation.
The X2HRs excel in creating a spacious and immersive listening experience with their open-back design. The wide soundstage allows for a more expansive and realistic presentation of audio, making them ideal for gaming and movies. Additionally, the X2HRs deliver powerful and impactful bass that adds depth and energy to music genres like EDM, hip-hop, RnB, and rap.
On the other hand, the DT990 Pros prioritize clarity and separation, making them a suitable choice for audio professionals and music enthusiasts who value precise and detailed sound reproduction. With their balanced sound signature, the DT990 Pros excel in presenting instruments and vocals with accuracy and precision.
Durability Comparison: Which Is Better?
If you’re concerned about durability, the X2HRs and DT990 Pros both offer solid build quality and are made with high-quality materials.
The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro features a construction dominated by metals, with some plastic and a calf leather headband. There are no issues with creaking or chatter in the frame, although some users have reported a rough finish on one of the ear pads.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones have a beefy and tough construction, with steel tubes, real leather headband, and aluminum ear cups. The build quality is generally solid, with no major issues reported.
Both headphones are comfortable to wear, with spacious ear cups and memory foam pads.
Overall, when it comes to durability, both the X2HRs and DT990 Pros are reliable options.
Comfort Comparison: Which Is Better?
The X2HRs and DT990 Pros both provide comfortable wearing experiences, with spacious ear cups and memory foam pads. The X2HRs have a self-adjusting design that fits average to large heads, while the DT990 Pros have a solid build with steel tubes and a real leather headband.
Both headphones offer replaceable velour-covered ear pads and spread the weight nicely for extended listening sessions. In terms of style, the X2HRs come in a stylish black color with silver accents, while the DT990 Pros feature an all-black design with gray memory foam ear pads.
When it comes to comfort, both headphones excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for music lovers and audio enthusiasts.
Use-Case Comparison
When considering the use-case comparison between the Philips Fidelio X2HR and the beyerdynamic dt 990 pro, it’s important to analyze their performance in various scenarios.
Both headphones excel in different areas, making them suitable for specific use-cases. By examining their performance in travel, sports/fitness, and gaming, you can determine which headphone is better suited for your needs.
Travel Comparison: Which Is Better?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is more suitable for travel due to its lightweight design and foldable structure.
With a weight of 381g, these headphones are easy to carry around and won’t add extra bulk to your travel bag.
The foldable design allows for easy storage and portability, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go use.
Additionally, the headphones provide great sound quality, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite music or audio content while traveling.
The comfortable ear pads and adjustable headband further enhance the overall comfort and fit, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a practical and travel-friendly option for those who want to enjoy high-quality sound while on the move.
Sports/Fitness Comparison: Which Is Better?
If you’re looking for headphones to use during sports or fitness activities, the lightweight and portable design of the DT 990 PRO makes them a great option. These headphones weigh 381g, which means they won’t weigh you down during your workout.
The build quality is solid, with a mix of plastic and metal components. The velour-wrapped ear pads provide comfort and minimize any discomfort caused by glasses. However, it’s important to note that the DT 990 PRO isn’t waterproof, so they may not be suitable for intense outdoor activities in wet conditions.
Overall, these headphones offer great sound quality and a comfortable fit, making them a reliable choice for sports and fitness enthusiasts.
Gaming Comparison: Which Is Better?
For gaming, you’ll find that the wide soundstage and immersive experience of the X2HRs make them a great choice.
The open-back design of the X2HRs allows for a spacious and expansive soundstage, providing an immersive gaming experience.
The 50mm angled dynamic drivers deliver punchy sound and a wide soundstage, allowing you to accurately pinpoint in-game sounds and cues.
The X2HRs also have a V curve sound signature, with a bass-heavy response that’s ideal for genres like EDM, hip-hop, RnB, and rap.
However, it’s worth noting that the open-back design of the X2HRs does result in some sound leak, so they may not be suitable for gaming in public environments.
Overall, the X2HRs offer great sound quality, comfort, and an immersive gaming experience.
Conclusion: Which Is Better Overall?
When comparing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Philips Fidelio X2HR, you’ll find that both offer great sound quality and comfort, but the X2HR stands out with its wider soundstage and immersive bass.
The X2HR headphones provide a spacious and open sound, allowing you to experience your music in a more immersive and expansive way. The bass on the X2HR is rich and impactful, adding depth and excitement to your audio. With its V curve sound signature, the X2HR is particularly well-suited for genres like EDM, hip-hop, RnB, and rap.
Additionally, the X2HR doesn’t require an external amp, making it a convenient choice for music lovers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a headphone that excels in soundstage and bass performance, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is the better option.
Audio Engineer
You’ll never find anyone more passionate about audio as me. I love to share my knowledge with others and help people find the right equipment for them.
