beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
TieTuning, detail, and staging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 800SLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 88).
Value for money
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Sennheiser HD 800S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | Over-ear |
| Driver | 45 mm Tesla | — |
| Impedance | 250Ω | — |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | — |
| Cable | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm | — |
| Weight | 370 g | — |
| Release year | — | 2016 |
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
Sennheiser HD 800S
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Sennheiser HD 800S
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S? +
Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S 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 better for comfort, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S? +
Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on comfort (94 vs 88). Long-session wearability.
Which is the better value, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — more score per dollar ($599 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.