In today’s comparison review, we have pulled two phenomenal open-back headphones that come with spectacular features in them. They are the Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphones vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphones.
These gaming headphones are fantastic in their own way. Of course, these two models are not cheap or budget ones. So, if you are in search of a budget model, then please look away. However, these two brands signify luxury and top-notch materials.
The Sennheiser model comes with good audio reproduction. It is quite comfortably placed on your ears for a lengthy period of time. You can now listen to music and play games if you want to.
Our tester felt that there is slightly tight when compared to other Sennheiser models. Unfortunately, the headphones do not come with other users because they cannot block noise. You may want to consider using them inside your home.
On the other hand, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones come with exceptional design. They are ideal for critical listening. It comes with a premium look and feels to it. Besides, they are also quite sturdy, durable, and come with exceptional features infused in them.
They provide you with a well-balanced sound performance. However, they are slightly tight on your head, and the audio can be tricky when listening to pitched tracks. Similar to other open-back headphones, they may not be the most ideal for outdoor purposes.
The mid-range Sennheiser is taking on a luxury Beyerdynamic model. Though the DT 1990 Pro is expensive, they can be found as low as $500 if you look well during the sales period. These headphones cannot be termed as mid-range in any terms.
SENNHEISER HD 660 | BEYERDYNAMIC DT 1990 PRO |
PROS | PROS |
The model is light and easy for traveling. The sound performance is stunning, and everything can be heard in immense detail. It comes with enhanced transducers providing a minimum harmonic distortion. It has a detachable cable. The product comes with 2 connection cables. | The headphone is extremely comfortable for you to use. The unit comes with exquisite build quality. It comes with an elegant appearance. It has a great and open audio reproduction. There is a high-end extension to ensure it works well. |
CONS | CONS |
There is poor noise isolation. | It is quite expensive when compared to other models available in the market. |
CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Design & Comfort
The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphones come with a sleek look. They are very similar to that of the HD 650 and the HD 600 models. However, they come with a black matte finish. Additionally, you can see that it has oval earcups that are quite large.
It is infused with a microfiber fabric that gives them a luxurious appearance. Their earcups come open, and the grille design that is present on them enables you to see the drivers clearly. It might not be attractive, but they are definitely very elegant to see.
Sadly, our tester found them to be quite tight in the fitting. This is due to the clamping force that is slightly tight. You can wear them for prolonged hours. But when you have a large head, then you may find that they are quite tight.
Though it is a good thing, the headphones can be tight and similar than to that of the HD 650. The unit also comes with the microfiber kind of fabric that can be used on the earcups. They come nicely padded and soft.
It feels smooth on the head. Additionally, the earcups are quite large and are ideal for different kinds of ear shapes. The design of the headband is quite sublime and comfortable. They are quite similar to most of Sennheiser models headbands.
The breathability is good. They are able to offer you with a decent seal on the ears. Since they do not come with a noise-canceling feature, you can hear the sound from outside. This is a common feature among open-back headphones.
It is quite large, and you cannot fold them as you want. Overall, the design and comfort are good. We do not see any problem with them at all. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not given them with a case.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphones come with a polished design. They are also quite comfortable compared to most other units. Compared to other Beyerdynamic models, these are splendid.
It looks similar to the open-back design that is present in the DT 990 Pro and DT 770 models. The units have metal present that seems quite sturdy on them. Besides, the earcups are made from microfiber that comes softly.
You can also notice a matte dark gray color that makes it appear elegant on them. Additionally, we do not feel that they are ideal for outdoor purposes. They look quite heavy and are so. However, the earcups and the headband keep a low profile on them.
Most Beyerdynamic headphones are tight. You can see that it comes with some clamping force on it. The fitting of the headphone is good enough for all kinds of head sizes. They are capable of keeping your earcups breathable.
It is not portable, and you may not be able to take it around with you easily. The model is quite bulky with a compact design present on them. Unlike the Sennheiser model, the makers have provided you with a decent case.
You can use it to take your model with you safely because it protects your headphones. It can be heavy, but you can take it around with your inside a carry bag or your backpack. If you compare them to most other cases, you will notice that they are quite sturdy.
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Build Quality
The Sennheiser HD 660 S headphones are your typical Sennheiser units. They come with an exceptional build design. However, we did notice a few errors in the design. For example, the headband is quite thin.
The metal that is used on it can give away with few falls down. That was something quite surprising coming from a headphone of this kind. Next, the joints on the headphone are also quite weak.
Though they can hold weight, the plastic used in them is quite outstanding. You will want to be updated on the fact that the cables can be replaced. They can be detached, too, enabling for better durability.
It is not too tight on your head, but it won’t fall off because of the clamping force on the head. We are not confident that they are ideal for sports usage. Though the cable is detachable, it requires a force to disconnect, and the model can come out of your head.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 feels like premium headphones with a sturdy and durable design. That is not surprising because it is second to none when it comes to the build quality. The manufacturer has made use of some excellent quality materials in producing this model.
They come with audio cables that can be replaceable and earcup pads as well. The headband is coated with leather and is flexible. It does not break even though when you drop it several times.
The earcups are quite thick and dense. They ensure that the design of the model appears extreme and top end. We found them to be on par with the HiFiman Sundara and the Sennheiser HD 800 S build performance.
They are quite a tight seal on your head and can be used for several hours without feeling discomfort. However, our tester found them that they come with large earcups that can slide down your ears.
Overall, the build performance of the headphones is superb, and they come embedded with stupendous features in them that ensure they can last for several years at least. You would be happy using them.
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Audio Performance
These two models are open-back headphones. Should you consider spending so much money on open-back headphones? The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphone is designed to ensure that the audio quality is astonishing.
It is able to sound quite good. The model comes with amazing frequency response consistency. Thanks to the open-back design, they deliver on the bass. You might want to consider using them listening to rock songs and pop music.
The model is quite exciting with the thump in them. Likewise, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphones about listening to music. They are not only enjoyable by offering you with amazing practicality in them.
The frequency response consistency is good. Its bass is pretty stunning. You would want to beware that the maximum deviation amount of humans is around 4dB. It also comes with exceptional bass and LFE at 10Hz.
Its mids are also spectacular and come with a better response. The model also suggests that you have amazing clarity in the hearing options. Its treble quality is popular, and the highs come nicely stable, with is a detailed and balanced reproduction.
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Microphone Performance
The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphone does not come with any microphone embedded with them. Our tester could not be able to test the recording quality and the noise handling performance of the headphone.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open back headphone does not have the microphone feature. Though it is a wired model, you may want to verify with the Bose QuietComfort 25, SoundTrue Around-Ear II, and the Apple EarPods.
We were not able to check the noise handling and the recording performance of the model. We cannot point out the winner here. It depends on your usage and the fact that they both don’t come with the mic feature.
You can read through the entire comparison and decide which might suit your needs. The Sennheiser has a small lead here because it is much cheaper than the Beyerdynamic model. Consumers can think about that upon the requirement.
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Compatibility
The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphones cannot be compatible with Bluetooth technology. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a wireless Bluetooth model that comes with magnificent sound performance.
Because they are wired, they do not come with any latency. That is good when you want to watch videos or play games with your colleagues and friends. It is a wired unit that comes with a 1/ 4″ connector and the 1/8″ TRS adapter.
These can be used on your console. Sadly, it does not come with a microphone. You cannot use the chat feature because it is not supported. However, the 4.4mm can be plugged for receiving the audio.
It does not come with a dock feature too. All in all, the compatibility of the headphone was good. The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphones do not have active components and require a battery.
It does not come with the app or any software for customization options. It is not compatible with Bluetooth either. When you want a good wireless model, then Bose QuietComfort 35 II would be best.
They come with negligible latency that is good for home-theatre use. It comes embedded using the simple 1/8″ TRS audio cable. There is no microphone, and you cannot get the audio feature on the console.
Besides, it does not come with a dock. That means you cannot use it for watching movies with the wireless feature. If you want to use a wired headphone that comes with the dock for gaming purposes, you might want to use SteelSeries Arctis 7.
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Price
The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphone is priced under $500. At the time of writing, the model was priced under $350. The model has fantastic specifications like reference class open back and awesome headphones infused with enhanced transducers.
It has a precise (1 dB) left / right matching tolerance. There is also an exceptional accuracy and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics. You can find a 150-ohm nominal impedance that enables direct connection to the home and hires audio devices.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphone is priced under $700. At the time of writing, the model was priced under $480. The model comes with stunning features like 250 ohms, 45 mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers; it is also single-sided and has a detachable cable with mini-XLR connectors.
You can note that the earpads are replaceable, and the headband is suitable for long studio sessions. The headphone frequency response is around 5-40,000 Hz. There is a nominal sound pressure level of 102 dB SPL (1mW/500Hz).
Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: Verdict
We have concluded the Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphone vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open-back headphones. The Sennheiser HD 660 S model was not designed for being on par with the Sony or the Bose.
Yes, they are definitely right up there, but these can be used as a pair of regular headphones. They are ideal for commuting and listening to music at home. Since it is an open-back headphone, you will not be able to use noise-canceling features effectively.
The sound performance of the headphone is splendid. Additionally, they are also reasonably priced when compared to the high cost of the DT 1990 Pro unit. However, they are not cheap. You can receive your money’s worth from the headphone.
It sounds mid-range at the most. You can notice that the treble does not come with the kind of detail that you would want. Likewise, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro model comes with a sublime design and comfort fit.
The clamping force of the headphone floors us. They sound well for all kinds of songs & tracks. It comes with a spacious soundstage. You can use them for casual and neutral listeners, though most might want to use a cheaper model.
The Sennheiser HD 660 S open-back headphone could be ideal because it has exceptional features, including stereo speakers, 1500Hz higher high-frequency, and 6dB/mW higher sound pressure level.
You can also make use of the 108dB/mWvs102dB/mW, 100 Ohms lower impedance, and it is close to 110g lighter than the DT 1990 Pro headphone. Similarly, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro open studio headphone as it has 4Hz lower low-frequency, passive noise reduction, 3.5mm male connector, and an in-line control panel.
Users would love to use the tangle-free cable and the coil cable available for use on the unit. Our winner in this review between the Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic headphones was the Beyerdynamic model.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.