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HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White if…

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

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

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

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

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

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White more score per dollar ($499 vs $599).

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White 88
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White versus Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White

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

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

FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

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

Does HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro 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, HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

HiFiMan Edition XS · Arctic White — more score per dollar ($499 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.