beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2022
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black at 91. That puts beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII ahead by 1 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 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIITuning, detail, and staging
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII leads on sound (96 vs 91).
Comfort
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight BlackLong-session wearability
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black leads on comfort (90 vs 88).
Value for money
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | Over-ear |
| Driver | 45 mm Tesla | — |
| Impedance | 250Ω | — |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | — |
| Cable | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm | — |
| Weight | 370 g | — |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
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
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $699, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sound.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · 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.
Which is better for sound quality, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 91). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black? +
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 · Midnight Black — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Long-session wearability.