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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
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII wins by 2
Sony WH-1000XM4 — Over-ear · 2020
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM4 at 90. That puts beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII ahead by 2 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 Sony WH-1000XM4 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Tuning, detail, and staging

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 90).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM4

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM4 more score per dollar ($349 vs $599).

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs
90 Sony WH-1000XM4

Score breakdown

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92
sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Sony WH-1000XM4
90
sound 90
comfort 89
build 0
value 0
anc 88
battery 82
features 86

Specs side-by-side

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII versus Sony WH-1000XM4 — full spec comparison
Spec beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Sony WH-1000XM4
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
—
2020

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

Sony WH-1000XM4

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Sony WH-1000XM4

Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM4? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 Sony WH-1000XM4 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM4 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 sound quality, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM4? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM4? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 — more score per dollar ($349 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.