Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO Open-Back Headphones Discussions | Drop

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Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO Open-Back Headphones

Audiophile

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TheNip73

Dec 15, 2020

This is currently my go-to set of headphones. I like them ALOT. The price isn't that great at the time of my comment - so not commenting on the value of this drop. Just letting it be known these are great headphones. I have the Focal Elex arriving later this week - it will be interesting to see who reigns supreme in that battle.

Dec 15, 2020

Boss302

Dec 15, 2020

TheNip73please report back when you get the elex I also own these and have wanted the elex but the QC issues have kept me from owning them. I'd like to hear what you think if they are better then these. thanks!

Dec 15, 2020

TheNip73

Dec 15, 2020

Boss302Will do! I was in the same spot as you before I ordered. If I don’t reply back, you know my wife saw the package before I did and I’m no longer around to respond 😁

Dec 15, 2020

SpeleoFool

676

Dec 15, 2020

Boss302I own both. 1990s are fantastic--one of the few headphones to really surprise me when I heard them. 1990s have an aggressive tuning--they are perhaps my favorite headphone for things like metal and old Industrial tunes because of their edge. While they do play well with all sorts of genres, the aggressive tuning can be a bit fatiguing, and they're not my first choice for something to wind down with at the end of a long day. They are also superior at soundstage and imaging. Separation between track elements is excellent. If you game, 1990s are one of my favorite choices for PVP because of the imaging. While they're not bass-light, the bass presentation doesn't interfere with tracking spatial sounds. Elex, meanwhile, are brightly tuned and very detailed, but a bit less aggressive sounding than 1990s. They also image well, but staging is more intimate. I find them a little better as an all-rounder for music than 1990 because of that. For gamine, Elex have a more cohesive, cinematic presentation. Ironically, they're a favorite headphone for immersive gaming and more casual, cinematic play. I used Elex for Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and they were perfect for that kind of gaming. Both are excellent headphones, both built very well, both well worth the price, IMO. I have also heard about driver problems; my Elex is a bit older and totally fine. The handful of times that I've had to deal with Drop support they have been excellent and took good care of me. Due to logistics, driver issues might be more of a problem for anyone outside the U.S. (I'd collect more opinions to see how common the driver problem seems to be).

Dec 15, 2020

TheNip73

Dec 26, 2020

SpeleoFool @Boss302 I mostly agree with the review from @SpeleoFool. Here are my thoughts after a little over a week of listening. Equipment Used: Mostly Topping D70 DAC into THX AAA789. Sometimes Topping DX7s DAC/Amp combo. One is connected to my work PC and the other to my personal PC. Music Source: Tidal (HiFi subscription) I listen to a wide range of music, so a few artist tracks I picked. A lot of listening was done to my regular playlist, so these are just a few tracks I picked to test various things. Take It From Me (iTunes Sessions) - The Weepies Bye Bye - Gryffin, Ivy Adara 3AM - Matchbox 20 Unframed - Ill Nino Gyroscope - In Flames Remember Everything - Five Finger Death Punch All To Well - Taylor Swift Do you Mean - The Chainsmokers, Ty Dolla $ign, Bulow The World I Know - Collective Soul White, Discussion - Live Positions - Ariana Grande Cry Dancing - NOTD, Nina Nesbitt Plowed - Sponge Here We Are - Ferry Corsten, HALIENE Worlds Away - 3LAU, Emma Hewitt Best I Can - Art of Dying Christian Woman - Type O Negative Stay the Night - ZEDD, Hayley Williams Elex (compared to DT1990)

More "spacious"
Bass level is more prominent, but does not hit as hard
Guitars are way more "forward" and in your face
Much more separation of instruments / wider soundstage
Vocals are not as forward/loud
Treble not as "harsh"
No noise isolation from the external environment, much more noise comes in
Much easier to drive
Sound better at moderate to loud volume levels, not as great at lower volumes (probably due to external environment noise coming in)

My current feeling is that I like both headphones a lot. They are very different and excel at different times and with different music types. Elex - rock, county, acoustic music, pop - the better pick. OK with dance and trance music styles and metal. DTC1990 - probably my pick for dance, trance and metal music style. Overall, I think I am leaning to toward the Elex taking the lead overall for the improved separation and more "neutral sound" for most listening. However, I think the DT1990 is the clear winner at lower volume levels. The increased treble and "harder hits" of the bass along with the better sound isolation are a big advantage when listening at lower volumes. Regarding the DT1990 treble. Never bothered me, still does not. However, I can say I notice it as I have been adapting to the Elex. I also have Senheiser HD6XX - DTC1990 and Elex both blow those out of the water. I do not dislike them, but the "veil" of the vocals is really prevalent to me. Sounds like people are signing through a piece of cellophane.

Dec 26, 2020

voo.hoo

Feb 8, 2021

TheNip73I appreciate the comparison! I have the HD 6XX and have been thinking about upgrading to either the DT 1990 or Elex. Most likely I'll go with the DT 1990 because the QC issues with Focal.

Feb 8, 2021

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TheNip73

Feb 8, 2021

voo.hooIt took me a while to get used to the focal’s. However, I have to say they are pretty awesome. I have no QC issues. I would not let that scare you away. If I could only pick one pair at this point, I think things have swung in the direction of focal. However, I got them at a discount for Black Friday. at full price they are a bit steep in price. If you can afford them, I would take the “buy once at a higher cost to save money later” (from not upgrading) approach.

Feb 8, 2021

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voo.hoo

Feb 10, 2021

TheNip73I was so so close to buying the Elex during Black Friday for the $550 price point but ultimately the number of issues popping up in the discussion thread unsettled me. I don't want to deal with driver coil mysteriously breaking down the line. It's interesting you say the Elex have a wider soundstage. I read somewhere else that the 1990 were wider. I'd like my next headphone to be have bigger and wider soundstage compared to the HD 6XX which is too intimate for me.

Feb 10, 2021

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