beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Over-ear · 2023
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 660S2 at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Pick Sennheiser HD 660S2 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 92).
Comfort
Sennheiser HD 660S2Long-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 660S2 leads on comfort (91 vs 88).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Sennheiser HD 660S2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 2023 |
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
Sennheiser HD 660S2
- +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 Sennheiser HD 660S2
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 660S2? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Sennheiser HD 660S2 worth the price? +
At $599, Sennheiser HD 660S2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 660S2 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 Sennheiser HD 660S2? +
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for comfort, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 660S2? +
Sennheiser HD 660S2 — leads on comfort (91 vs 88). Long-session wearability.