[cmk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by muckshot Have you burned the new ones in yet? I found that my pre-2006 770s sounded much better after a good hardy burn in session, so maybe your new 990s will undergo some similar changes...?

Yes, they are burned-in. Initial not run-in sound is unlistenable.

 

[cmk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouLanooch I thought the 990s were open? If they are, is the noise leakage minimal? Could I use them on an airplane and not bother the person sitting next to me?

Yes they are open. Noise leakage I've never really compared, but I'm quite sure that even with closed cans, the guy next to you will be able to hear if its loud enough. If your concern is that, then I suggest you consider the DT770/32ohm version, which should be able to be driven straight from the plane's jacks. I'm currently testing out a 770, and it shares many of the 990's character, good clear mids/highs and strong bass. The only difference so far is that the 770 produces a smaller soundstage and the bass is slightly raised at that 80-120hz region, which gives a strong bass thump. Extreme bass (<40hz) is slightly rolled off compared to the 990. Again, this is preliminary impressions, I haven't had the time to do a critical listening session with both side by side. The 770 as a whole is a very musical closed can.

 

[lmilhan]

Had them, didn't like the mids (way to recessed). Traded them for Sony SA-3000s.

 

[vorlon1]

I have a pair I think I bought in 1989 or 90, I don't remember now. They are the 600 OHM variety and in those days I knew nothing about headphone amps, so I could never get them to play properly out of a headphone jack on an amp or CD player. They developed a short in the left ear and sat on a shelf for about 15 years. A couple of months ago I sent them to Beyer and had them recabled and modern velour pads put on them (the old pads were somewhat similar to the material on grado pads and had badly flaked away). With proper amplification they sound good, good bass, I'd say the high end is a little raw compared to the newer phones I own, but they are enjoyable regardless. I haven't heard newer DT 990's so I can't compare them.

 

[XXhalberstramXX]

for owners of old-school 990s, this link may be helpful/informative:

http://headwize.com/projects/showfil...=beyer_prj.htm

 

[vorlon1]

Quote:

for owners of old-school 990s, this link may be helpful/informative:

Thanks a lot for the info.

 

[Nigel]

I have an old pair of DT990 - 600 ohms but find them uncomfortable for wearing over long periods. I prefer the Sennheiser shaped 580/600/650 for long listening.

Nigel

 

[Capt. Z]

Do you still have the old, black pads on or the newer grey velour pads?

The new, grey velour pads should make the wearing of the DT990 much more comfortable and also change the sound into a more positive direction.

I have some tweaked DT990 - 600 ohm and they are the best headphones I have ever owned and heard.

 

[Nigel]

Strange you should mention that because when I bought my 'phones, second hand with crushed black pads, I immediately bought the new grey earpads. Personally, I think it could be the round shape on my ears. Maybe its the sound that eventually becomes tiring & not the wearing. It may be the amp however, maybe its not the best suited for 600ohms cans. I seem to recall its rated for 250ohms-600ohms cans however. I guess its different strokes & all that.

Best,

Nigel

 

[augustwest]

I have the pre-2006 version of the dt990's, and love them. It's the headphone I turn to when I'm looking for shear fun and comfort in a listening session. I much prefer them to the lower and mid end Grados. When I bought mine they were only $159.00 new, which made them an outstanding bargain.

- augustwest

 

[Skylab]

I had DT990's, and liked them quite a bit, but I felt the DT770/80's sounded better than the DT990/250, and I really need a sealed headphone for home listening, so I stuck with the DT770. But the DT990's are fun, comfortable, good sounding headphones for people (like me) who like a little punch to their music.

 

[Solude]

I personally would love to read a comparison of the Senn 650, Grado RS1 and Beyer 990/06. The Grado RS1 I have on route, the Senn 650 I have in house but the Beyer 990/06 and AKG 701 are cans I'd like to listen to at some point.

 

[Skylab]

Has anyone even reviewed the 2006 DT990? I (and several others) have reviewed the 06 DT770, and I've seen reviews of the 06 DT880, but since the DT990 is positioned now as their top of the line (at least price-wise), I have wondered about it's sound. I actually preferred the DT770/80 to the 2006 DT770/250 and 32.

My opinion is DT770/80 > 06 DT770/32 > 06 DT770/250 > older DT770/250.

So I wonder about the DT990. Any thoughts?

 

[cmk]

I did a review of the DT990 here, comparing it with the DT880. I'm currently listening to the 770/32ohm, but haven't compared these 2 yet. Is your preference closed/open?

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

I'm a current owner of the DT990 (Cardas rewired) and still think they sound fantastic. They make a great choice for electronica and movies. I'd like to add the new version to my collection at some point.