DT 990 Pro vs DT 770 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the DT 990 Pro rather than the DT 770 Pro.
Why Do I Recommend The DT 990 Pro?
- The DT 990 Pro features elevated treble response to reveal more high-frequency detail in vocals and instruments, compared to the smoother highs of the DT 770 Pro.
- DT 990 Pro includes a more natural and balanced bass for precise low-end monitoring during mixing and mastering, while the DT 770 Pro emphasizes boosted bass.
- It support an airier and more open acoustic experience to better simulate room presence and live performance space, compared to the DT 770 Pro’s more closed and compact sound.
- The DT 990 Pro has breathable earcup ventilation for cooler and more comfortable long listening sessions, compared to the DT 770 Pro’s sealed design.
- DT 990 Pro comes with a broader stereo image for more accurate panning and instrument placement, compared to the narrower stereo field of the DT 770 Pro.
- It features higher ambient awareness through its open-back design to stay aware of surroundings during studio work, while the DT 770 Pro isolates completely.
- The DT 990 Pro has an open-back design for a wider and more realistic soundstage, which enhances stereo imaging and spatial depth during mixing, compared to the DT 770 Pro’s closed-back build.
Maybe the DT 770 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the DT 990 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | DT 990 Pro | DT 770 Pro |
| Design Type | Open-back | Closed-back |
| Enclosure Style | Open | Sealed |
| Soundstage | Wide | Narrow |
| Imaging | More spacious | More centered |
| Sound Isolation | Minimal | Strong |
| Sound Leakage | High | Low |
| Bass Emphasis | Mild | Strong |
| Treble Profile | Bright, sharp | Smooth, less forward |
| Midrange | Slightly recessed | More present |
| Overall Tuning | V-shaped | U-shaped |
| Ambient Awareness | High | Low |
| Suitable Environment | Quiet/studio mixing room | Noisy environments |
| Recording Use | Not suitable | Ideal |
| Mixing/Mastering Use | Excellent | Moderate |
| Preferred Genre Types | Classical, jazz, orchestral, acoustic | EDM, hip-hop, pop, rock |
| Heat Build-up | Less heat | More heat |
| Long Session Comfort | Cooler over time | Warmer over time |
| Impedance Availability | 250 Ohm only | 32, 80, 250 Ohm |
| Mic Bleed During Tracking | High | Low |
| External Noise Isolation | None | Effective |
| Back Vent Design | Mesh grille | Solid housing |
| Studio Monitoring Suitability | Good | Excellent |
| EQ Adjustment Need | More EQ needed | Less EQ needed |
| Application Focus | Audiophile/mixing | Recording/live monitoring |
| Retail Packaging Variants | Fixed configuration | Varies by impedance |
| Price | Check DT 990 Pro Price | Check DT 770 Pro Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Brand & Series Consistency: Both headphones come from Beyerdynamic’s DT Pro line, ensuring professional-grade engineering and consistency in quality control.
- Driver Type & Sound Fidelity: They both use dynamic drivers, providing natural sound reproduction with solid accuracy across the frequency spectrum.
- Identical Frequency Range: Both deliver a wide frequency response from 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz, enabling them to reproduce sub-bass and high-frequency detail equally well.
- Studio-Level SPL: Each model has a nominal SPL of 96 dB, making them suitable for studio-level monitoring without introducing distortion under normal use.
- Durability & Build Quality: Engineered for studio environments, both feature robust plastic shells and spring steel headbands designed for longevity and professional wear-and-tear.
- Comfortable Design: The padded, adjustable headbands and soft velour earpads make both headphones comfortable for long sessions, reducing pressure buildup over time.
- Cable & Connectivity: Both come with a non-detachable coiled cable (with slight variations depending on DT 770 Pro model) and use a standard 3.5 mm plug with a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter, making them compatible with a wide range of equipment.
- Replaceable Components: Earpads and headband pads are replaceable on both models, which increases their lifespan and reduces maintenance cost over time.
- Target Audience: Designed primarily for professional audio work, they both meet the needs of mixing engineers, producers, and musicians in controlled environments.
- Manufacturing Location: Both are made in Germany, reflecting Beyerdynamic’s commitment to premium manufacturing standards and craftsmanship.
Common Features
| Feature | DT 990 Pro | DT 770 Pro |
| Brand | Beyerdynamic | Beyerdynamic |
| Series | DT Pro Series | DT Pro Series |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz | 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz |
| Nominal Sound Pressure Level | 96 dB SPL | 96 dB SPL |
| Build Quality | Robust, studio-grade | Robust, studio-grade |
| Headband | Padded, adjustable spring steel | Padded, adjustable spring steel |
| Earpad Material | Velour | Velour |
| Cable Type | Fixed, coiled cable | Fixed, coiled/straight |
| Connector | 3.5 mm jack with 6.3 mm adapter | 3.5 mm jack with 6.3 mm adapter |
| Weight (without cable) | ~250 g | ~270 g |
| Application Target | Professional studio use | Professional studio use |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Made In | Germany | Germany |
| Replaceable Parts | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check DT 990 Pro Price | Check DT 770 Pro Price |
