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HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro wins by 3
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. That puts Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Sundara 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

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Tuning, detail, and staging

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro leads on sound (88 vs 85).

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 Sundara

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Sundara more score per dollar ($299 vs $599).

HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Sundara
85
anc 0
sound 85
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 Sundara versus Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Sundara Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

HiFiMan Sundara

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 Sundara vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +

At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — 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 Sundara 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 better for sound quality, HiFiMan Sundara or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, HiFiMan Sundara or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

HiFiMan Sundara — more score per dollar ($299 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.