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Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro wins by 1
Sonos Ace · Arctic White — Over-ear · 2024
Sonos

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Over-ear · 2024

87
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro lands at 88 and Sonos Ace · Arctic White at 87. That puts Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sonos Ace · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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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.

Noise cancelling

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sonos Ace · Arctic White leads on anc (85 vs 0).

Comfort

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Long-session wearability

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro leads on comfort (88 vs 86).

Value for money

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Ace · Arctic White more score per dollar ($449 vs $599).

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 88
vs
87 Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Score breakdown

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sonos Ace · Arctic White
87
anc 85
sound 87
comfort 86
battery 82
features 83

Specs side-by-side

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro versus Sonos Ace · Arctic White — full spec comparison
Spec Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Sonos Ace · Arctic White
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2024

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sonos Ace · Arctic White

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 vs Sonos Ace · Arctic White

Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or Sonos Ace · Arctic White? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Sonos Ace · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $449, Sonos Ace · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in sound.

Does Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or Sonos Ace · Arctic White 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 noise cancelling, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or Sonos Ace · Arctic White? +

Sonos Ace · Arctic White — leads on anc (85 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or Sonos Ace · Arctic White? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — leads on comfort (88 vs 86). Long-session wearability.