Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
beyerdynamic

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Studio reference · Open · 250Ω

92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 4
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
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
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $4,999).

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

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII versus Focal Utopia 2022 — full spec comparison
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.

Which is the better value, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Focal Utopia 2022? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — more score per dollar ($599 vs $4,999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.