Beyerdynamic DT 770 (Pro/80) VS DT 990 2005 (250)

I'm not really the type to spend time writing reviews but this time I felt compelled to at least state my initial impressions here. Actually the main objective of this thread is to share opinions. Surprisingly (and someone else brought it to my attention in a PM), I haven't seen a whole lot of serious discussion on here between the 2 models.

Background: I've been using the 770's for a while now. I've really been enjoying them with the type of music I listen to which is mostly progressive electronic and ambient chillout type stuff. Both heavily bass reliant but well focused on a broad range of dynamics and reverb. I decided to go ahead and snag a pair of 990's to see if I'd like the sound even better! I figured the open design would be better at handling ambiance.

Initial thoughts: So the 990's just arrived in the mail and I've been listening for about 20 minutes. For starters (because some people may wonder), I'm powering them with a go-vibe through Novation X-Station. Immediately I can say for sure the bass on the 990's doesn't compare to the 770 pro/80's. The 770's are simply monsters (yet the monstrous bass doesn't make them sound necessarily bad). The 990's are more refined overall though. The highs are definitely more prominent. My ears are sensative to highs so I think I actually like the fact that they're a bit washed up on the 770's. Overall, I think for the money the 770's are the better value. 770's are more fun and easier to drive. They're sort of more in your face sounding but not as detailed as the 990's. Like I said though, it's only been about 10 minutes so my opinions my change drastically over time. I'm really interested in what others have to say who have heard between the two... particularly those who do not have their opinions based off listening with a rock music genre.

Here are a couple of sample files which should explain a little bit as to why I have chosen these particular headphones. Give them a listen.

Deep progressive trance:
http://www.all-set.net/02-vibrasphere_-_erosion-gem.mp3

Chillout:
http://www.all-set.net/09-vibrasphere_-_ensueno-gem.mp3

Actually, when i bought them I thought I was buying them used and assumed them to be already burned in. They actually came new in the box. So I'm sure things will change. I'm really enjoying them so far. It's hard to tell which I like better. I like them both for different reasons. The bass of the 770's is just so awing and the 990's have nice bass and are just more refined all around. The highs are waaay better.

I'm surprised there doesn't seem to be tons of interest in this thread....

yah, a lot of people are really confused about this... here http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=247373

Basically if you go for the 770's you want to get the ones I have up there in the picture. They're the best sounding according to most people on head-fi. They have the strongest bass, and since I know you're interested in them for electronic then that's what you want.

I guess my review is a little soft on the 770's heh. However, as I mentioned, I haden't been listening long enough. As I burn in more and listen more I am beginning to prefer many aspects of the 990's a lot more.

To the person who asked about soundstage, definitely the 990's. That's the main reason why I got them. I didnt necessarily have an issue with the soundstage of the 770's but I knew it wasn't as good as it could be. I figured the 990's would undoubtedly be better with their open design.

Okay wow.. I don't know if it's mainly due to the fact that I'm getting used to the 990's or that I've had them burning in since I received them yesterday but I don't even want to listen to the 770's anymore at this point. I thought the 770's were incredible since I got them.

Today it is very clear that the 990's are the winner.The 990's are much cleaner overall and sound pristine in comparison.

Nooo! Damnn youuuuuu! GET AWAY!

hahaha