[ZippingPear]

Hi guys. I am relatively inexperienced in the world of audiophiles. I currently have a pair of beyerdynamic dt990 (600 ohms) and I have been using Fiio E9/E17 combo with it for more than a couple of years now. I have finally decided that I am ready to take the next step and upgrade my setup.
 
Currently, I am thinking about the beyerdynamic T90 which are only 250 ohms and thus easier to drive. Still, I have the suspicion that I might need better DAC and Amp and even my current DT990 might be underpowered even though I can get really high volumes. So my questions are:
 
-Should I upgrade my DAC/Amp first before thinking about new pair of headphones? If so what combo do you recommend for the T90 (below $1000).
 
-Are there any other headphones that you would recommend for less than $1000? I have listened to the T90 with M-DAC and good amplifiers and they sounded about as good as T1. I honestly had difficulty telling them apart. I have heard that HiFiMan HE-500 sound really good for the price but they are uncomfortable. Well, I sometimes use headphones for many hours at a time and comfort is a huge factor in my decision as well.
 
Thanks guys and any help here is greatly appreciated

 

[sinnottj]

  Hi guys. I am relatively inexperienced in the world of audiophiles. I currently have a pair of beyerdynamic dt990 (600 ohms) and I have been using Fiio E9/E17 combo with it for more than a couple of years now. I have finally decided that I am ready to take the next step and upgrade my setup.
 
Currently, I am thinking about the beyerdynamic T90 which are only 250 ohms and thus easier to drive. Still, I have the suspicion that I might need better DAC and Amp and even my current DT990 might be underpowered even though I can get really high volumes. So my questions are:
 
-Should I upgrade my DAC/Amp first before thinking about new pair of headphones? If so what combo do you recommend for the T90 (below $1000).
 
-Are there any other headphones that you would recommend for less than $1000? I have listened to the T90 with M-DAC and good amplifiers and they sounded about as good as T1. I honestly had difficulty telling them apart. I have heard that HiFiMan HE-500 sound really good for the price but they are uncomfortable. Well, I sometimes use headphones for many hours at a time and comfort is a huge factor in my decision as well.
 
Thanks guys and any help here is greatly appreciated

 
I recently picked up a T90 and, having previously owned both the 250ohm and 600ohm DT880, They are very easy to drive in comparison!
 
Your E9/E17 will have no trouble at all. The E17 on its own will be absolutely fine, too.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hi guys. I am relatively inexperienced in the world of audiophiles. I currently have a pair of Beyerdynamic dt990 (600 ohms) and I have been using Fiio E9/E17 combo with it for more than a couple of years now. I have finally decided that I am ready to take the next step and upgrade my setup.
Currently, I am thinking about the Beyerdynamic T90 which are only 250 ohms and thus easier to drive. Still, I have the suspicion that I might need better DAC and Amp and even my current DT990 might be underpowered even though I can get really high volumes. So my questions are:
-Should I upgrade my DAC/Amp first before thinking about new pair of headphones? If so what combo do you recommend for the T90 (below $1000).
-Are there any other headphones that you would recommend for less than $1000? I have listened to the T90 with M-DAC and good amplifiers and they sounded about as good as T1. I honestly had difficulty telling them apart. I have heard that HiFiMan HE-500 sound really good for the price but they are uncomfortable. Well, I sometimes use headphones for many hours at a time and comfort is a huge factor in my decision as well.

 
Your better off buying better headphones (T90?), then replacing the E9/E17.

 

[manbear]

   
Your better off buying better headphones (T90?), then replacing the E9/E17.

Agree. Headphones will make more difference. 

I haven't heard the T90. I personally found that the HE-400 was a great upgrade from the DT-990 while retaining a similar overall flavor.