beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 3
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800S
Score breakdown
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92 sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Sennheiser HD 800S
95 sound 95
comfort 94
build 0
value 0
anc 93
battery 82
features 91
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Sennheiser HD 800S |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 2016 |
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 800S
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Sennheiser HD 800S
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S? +
Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sennheiser HD 800S 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.