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beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
beyerdynamic

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Studio reference · Open · 250Ω

92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…

  • ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
  • ✓Made in Germany build
  • ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,699).

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92
sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
sound 95
comfort 88
build 0
value 0
anc 0
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Sennheiser HD 800 S
Type
Open-back dynamic
Open-back
Driver
45 mm Tesla
—
Impedance
250Ω
—
Frequency response
5 Hz – 40 kHz
—
Cable
Detachable XLR / 6.35mm
—
Weight
370 g
—

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Pros
  • +Reference-class detail retrieval
  • +Made in Germany build
  • +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Cons
  • −Open-back leaks sound
  • −Needs amplification (250Ω)
  • −No wireless variant

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +

At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800 S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.