For starters, the 990s are open and the 900s are closed. They will have different characteristics. From what I've read when I was researching the 990s, is the 900 has a little more bass (in the 60-100 hz range) and is perhaps slightly warmer overall than the 990s. I've never listened to the 900s, so you can tell me to go fly a kite, but that's what I read. I own the 990s, and I personally consider them to wide open with good detail, but not overly warm. However, the highs are on slightly on the sweet side rather than bright side.