beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Pick Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Driver | 45 mm Tesla | — |
| Impedance | 250Ω | — |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | — |
| Cable | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm | — |
| Weight | 370 g | — |
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +
At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.