Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Beyerdynamic's flagship open-back DT 1990 Pro MKII uses the TESLA.45 driver and an easy-to-drive 30-ohm load, built for analytical mixing and mastering where its open soundstage helps. As an open design it bleeds, so it's poorly suited to tracking, and its detailed presentation can read as treble-forward; listeners sensitive to bright highs may find it fatiguing. A reference-leaning can for critical work at the desk.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall75±3Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Tier 'pro', adjusted for in-class price position and source coverage.
No ecosystem requirements declared for this category.
3 independent/primary source(s) (marginal credit capped at 3), 4 cited in total; 0 field(s) flagged for verification.
Tier 'pro', adjusted for in-class price headroom, sourcing, and verification state.
Tier 'pro' baseline with 0 native ecosystem(s) carrying into higher-tier setups.
Priced in the 100th percentile of its pro-tier peers in this category.
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| design | openSourced | Sourced |
| impedance ohms | 30Sourced | Sourced |
2/2 detail specs sourced. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- Flagship open-back analytical mixing/mastering with the TESLA.45 driver
Who should skip this
- Tracking (open bleed); listeners who find the treble fatiguing
Where to buy
List price $700
$700 at one retailer — around list
Prices last checked Jun 13, 2026 — retailer prices change often, so click through for the current price.
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Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard music production setup.
Upgrade path
Buying today, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO scores higher for less — the smarter pick in headphones unless you specifically want this one. See it →