Beyerdynamic DT 770's or 990's?
Nov 9, 2012 at 1:36 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 15

Woody1991

New Head-Fier
Joined
Nov 9, 2012
Posts
2
Likes
0
I am currently in the market for a pair of headphones that will run me about $200 dollars. Ive been looking at the Beyerdynamic 770's and 990's, but I am open to any and all suggestions.
Genres: Electronic, Rap, some rock, fairly bassy music all around. I will listen to most anything besides country music. So if anybody has any suggestions, they are welcome. It it helps, I will most likely be pairing the headphones with an O2 amp, with the ODAC to be added hopefully in February. Thank you all for your help in advance! If you need any more information, simply ask and I will supply it to the best of my knowledge.
 
Nov 9, 2012 at 2:10 PM Post #2 of 15
Quote:
I am currently in the market for a pair of headphones that will run me about $200 dollars. Ive been looking at the Beyerdynamic 770's and 990's, but I am open to any and all suggestions.
Genres: Electronic, Rap, some rock, fairly bassy music all around. I will listen to most anything besides country music. So if anybody has any suggestions, they are welcome. It it helps, I will most likely be pairing the headphones with an O2 amp, with the ODAC to be added hopefully in February. Thank you all for your help in advance! If you need any more information, simply ask and I will supply it to the best of my knowledge.

 
Heya,
 
Both are excellent. They differ in a few ways:
 
DT770 - Closed back, isolation, better sub-bass.
DT990 - Open air, more sound stage, more mid-bass.
 
I would suggest you get the 250ohm version of either, to match to the O2 amp. And to choose which one, simply figure out if you want privacy (isolation) or more sound stage (no isolation). That will be the easiest way to determine which to go for.
 
Very best,
 
Nov 9, 2012 at 2:42 PM Post #3 of 15
I'd go with the 990s if you feel like closed isn't a necessity. The 770s don't quite match the 990s in almost anything but having better sub bass.
 
Nov 9, 2012 at 5:50 PM Post #4 of 15
DT990 has better sound quality than DT770, but it is also brighter and more bass heavy actually. The treble on DT990 is right on the border between acceptable and excessive to my ears. To some people, the cans may easily seem too bright, while for many others the highs will be tolerable. It depends on how young and sensitive to treble your ears are, but also on your source, music and listening habits. DT770 is more neutral and less likely to assault your senses with excessive frequency extremes. Some report that the bass and/or treble are still excessive for them with DT770, but these are exceptions. As for sound quality, DT990 is quite a bit more open sounding than DT770 and has a significantly more refined and natural sounding treble. Actually, I find most closed back dynamic headphone suffer from treble issues and DT770 is no exception, although it is better than most. Overall, I would say go with DT990 first and if you find them too bright and/or bass heavy, try the more balanced DT770 instead.
 
Nov 9, 2012 at 9:29 PM Post #5 of 15
Currently Amazon is selling used DT990 600-Ohm for $188.27
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0024NK34O/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&colid=2MOLN1AV11M0&coliid=I176RCY7Y1653U&condition=used
 
Edit, just order me a pair, $215 with tax (CA) and shipping (3-5 day)
I have 15 headphones, now it's 16.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 5:00 AM Post #7 of 15
Quote:
Currently Amazon is selling used DT990 600-Ohm for $188.27
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0024NK34O/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&colid=2MOLN1AV11M0&coliid=I176RCY7Y1653U&condition=used
 
Edit, just order me a pair, $215 with tax (CA) and shipping (3-5 day)
I have 15 headphones, now it's 16.

May I ask,why did you go with the 990,rather than the 880--the 990's price is fantastic though
I've got my eye on a used 880,..cant seem to make up my mind ,between the 2 ?
 
Tnx
Mike
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 5:32 AM Post #8 of 15
The 990 has a more fun sound signature, with thumping bass. The 880 is more balanced and reserved in comparison. I know you didnt ask me, but I have a preference for fun over balanced, so I'd choose the 990 over the 880 almost every time.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 5:45 AM Post #9 of 15
Quote:
May I ask,why did you go with the 990,rather than the 880--the 990's price is fantastic though

 
He already has two DT880's, as you can see in the signature
normal_smile%20.gif

Although the OP has already decided to get the DT770, I would also have recommended the DT880 Pro as an option, it costs about $230-240 at amazon.com. It does sound better than the DT770 (which is lacking in the upper midrange), and is more neutral than the DT990.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 9:43 AM Post #10 of 15
Thanks for the replies
Is there any real difference between the 880 pro version,& the non pro version
I having a pending sale for the 880 600 ohm.
 
Tnx
Mike
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 10:13 AM Post #11 of 15
The Pro version is exactly the same as the 250ohm Premium, just with more clamp, different aesthetics, and coiled cable.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 10:15 AM Post #12 of 15
Quote:
May I ask,why did you go with the 990,rather than the 880--the 990's price is fantastic though
I've got my eye on a used 880,..cant seem to make up my mind ,between the 2 ?

I already own the DT880 600-Ohm.
 
Between the DT880 and DT990, I would would say to get the DT880, nice balanced sound.
The DT990 is a full bass & full treble headphone, so it overshadows the mids, a little.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 10:22 AM Post #13 of 15
I don't think it overshadows anything. It's more distant, sure, but the mids are clearly detailed. They're just obviously not as forward. Overshadowing would imply bleeding into the midrange like typical basshead cans, which these don't do.
 
Nov 10, 2012 at 10:27 AM Post #14 of 15
Quote:
I already own the DT880 600-Ohm.
 
Between the DT880 and DT990, I would would say to get the DT880, nice balanced sound.
The DT990 is a full bass & full treble headphone, so it overshadows the mids, a little.

I am definetly not a bass head.so,will get the 880's 600 ohm.
 
I'll be using the MJ /Gung combo,that will be enough to power  these-right?,I wont need to use my emo ,or will I?
 
Nov 20, 2012 at 9:26 PM Post #15 of 15
I'm using the 770/80ohms with the O2amp and ODAC. Very happy!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top