Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO vs Sennheiser HD 650

Quick answer

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the Sennheiser HD 650 are both open-back headphones.

The DT 990 PRO page lists 250 ohms for its 250 ohm variant. The HD 650 page lists 300 Ω impedance.

Beyerdynamic writes that the DT 990 PRO is for critical listening and precise editing. Sennheiser writes about velour pads for hours of fatigue-free listening.

Choose Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO if

• You check mixes or edit audio. Beyerdynamic calls it the open-back studio headphone for critical listening and precise editing.
• You want a coiled cable. The page lists a coiled cable for the 250 ohm version.
• You want a firm fit that stays in place. The page describes a spring steel headband and a firm fit for professional use.
• You want parts you can replace later. The page says the headphones are designed for long-term use with replaceable components.

Choose Sennheiser HD 650 if

• You listen for hours at a time. The page names comfortable velour pads for hours of fatigue-free listening.
• You want a cable you can unplug from the headphones. The page says the HD 650 comes with a detachable cable, and it lists a cable length of 3 m.

By use case

For mixing and editing, Beyerdynamic is the maker that names the job, with critical listening and precise editing on its page.

For long listening sessions, the Sennheiser page puts comfort first and names its velour pads.

Before you choose on fit, note that the DT 990 PRO page gives a headband pressure of 3.5 - 5.5 N and calls it a firm fit.

The DT 990 PRO page lists 250 g without the cable and 375 grams with it. The HD 650 page lists 260 g.

Wear each pair for a short session before you decide, since fit and clamp feel differently from person to person.

What the specs do not tell you

The two pages state sound pressure level in different ways. The DT 990 PRO page lists a nominal 96 dB, and the HD 650 page lists 103 dB at 1 V, so do not compare those two numbers directly.

The frequency response figures are 5 - 35,000 Hz for the DT 990 PRO and 10 Hz - 41,000 Hz for the HD 650.

The DT 990 PRO page does not state its driver size. The HD 650 page lists a 42 mm transducer and a 38 mm diaphragm.

Neither product page states a folding design, so check the shape before you travel with either set.

The DT 990 PRO page does not list what is in the box or a warranty term.

The HD 650 page does not state a rated input power in milliwatts.

Check the warranty and box contents with the seller before you buy.