beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800 S
Score breakdown
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92 sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95 sound 95
comfort 88
build 0
value 0
anc 0
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Sennheiser HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Sennheiser HD 800 S
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 Sennheiser HD 800 S
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 800 S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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.