beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 4
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92 sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Focal Utopia 2022
96 sound 96
comfort 88
build 0
value 0
anc 0
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | Open-back |
| 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
Pros
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Cons
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
Focal Utopia 2022
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Focal Utopia 2022 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.