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DT 990 vs DT 770 vs ATH-M50x

The ultimate comparison between the most legendary headphones – Beyerdynamic DT 990, DT 770, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Find out which one suits you best!

Beyerdynamic DT 990 vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of headphones, the choice can be overwhelming. Among the myriad of options, three models often stand out: the Beyerdynamic DT 990, Beyerdynamic DT 770, and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Each has its unique strengths and characteristics, catering to different listening preferences and professional needs. Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison of these models to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Headphone Models

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the general design and purpose of each model.

Beyerdynamic DT 990

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed primarily for studio applications. Its open-back design allows for a more natural and spacious sound, making it a favorite among audiophiles and professionals seeking accurate sound reproduction. Available in various impedance levels, it caters to different equipment requirements. Check price of DT 990 on Amazon

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Beyerdynamic DT 770

In contrast, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 features a closed-back design, providing excellent isolation from external noise. This makes it suitable for recording environments where sound leakage must be minimized. Like the DT 990, it comes in multiple impedance versions, allowing compatibility with a range of audio devices. Check price of DT 770 on Amazon

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a closed-back, over-ear headphone renowned for its balanced sound and portability. With a collapsible design and detachable cables, it's a popular choice among both professionals and casual listeners who require durability and convenience without compromising on sound quality. Check price of ATH-M50x on Amazon

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Build Quality Comparison

Build quality is a crucial factor, especially for users who intend to use their headphones extensively.

Material and Durability of Beyerdynamic DT 990

The DT 990 boasts a robust construction with a metal frame and high-quality plastic components. The ear cups are cushioned with soft velour pads, providing comfort during extended listening sessions. However, its open-back design means it's less suitable for portable use, as it doesn't protect against environmental factors like moisture.

Material and Durability of Beyerdynamic DT 770

The DT 770 shares a similar build quality with its sibling, featuring a sturdy metal frame and durable plastic. The closed-back design adds a layer of protection, making it more versatile for various environments. The ear pads are also replaceable, which can extend the lifespan of the headphones.

Material and Durability of ATH-M50x

The ATH-M50x is constructed with a combination of metal and high-grade plastic, striking a balance between durability and weight. Its foldable design and detachable cables enhance its portability, making it a reliable companion for on-the-go use. The ear pads, while comfortable, may wear out over time, but replacements are readily available.

Sound Performance Evaluation

Sound quality is often the deciding factor for many users. Each of these models offers a distinct sound signature.

Sound Signature of Beyerdynamic DT 990

The DT 990 delivers a bright and airy sound, thanks to its open-back design. It emphasizes treble frequencies, providing clarity and detail, which can be particularly beneficial for critical listening and mixing. However, some may find the heightened treble a bit sharp, especially during prolonged use.

Sound Signature of Beyerdynamic DT 770

The DT 770 offers a more balanced sound with a slight emphasis on bass frequencies. Its closed-back design contributes to a tighter bass response, making it suitable for genres that demand punchy lows. The mids and highs are clear, but not as pronounced as in the DT 990.

Sound Signature of ATH-M50x

The ATH-M50x is known for its well-rounded sound profile. It provides a solid bass response without overwhelming the mids and highs. This balanced approach makes it versatile across various music genres. Some users might find it less detailed compared to the DT 990, but it's generally more forgiving for casual listening.

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Comfort Analysis

Comfort is paramount, especially for extended listening or studio sessions.

Ear Cup Design of Beyerdynamic DT 990

The DT 990 features spacious ear cups with velour padding, offering a comfortable fit that reduces heat build-up. The clamping force is moderate, providing a secure fit without causing discomfort. However, its open-back design means less isolation from external noise.

Ear Cup Design of Beyerdynamic DT 770

Similar to the DT 990, the DT 770 has generously sized ear cups with velour pads. The closed-back design provides better noise isolation, which can be advantageous in noisy environments. Some users might find the clamping force a bit strong initially, but it tends to loosen with use.

Ear Cup Design of ATH-M50x

The ATH-M50x comes with leatherette ear pads that provide a snug fit. The ear cups are slightly smaller compared to the Beyerdynamic models, which might be a consideration for individuals with larger ears. The clamping force is firm, ensuring the headphones stay in place during movement.

Noise Isolation and Leakage

Depending on your environment, noise isolation and leakage can be critical factors. But at the beggining we need to say, those are professional headphones for not everyone. You not gonna get active noise cancellation (ANC) / removable cable etc.

Noise Isolation in Beyerdynamic DT 990

Due to its open-back design, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 offers minimal noise isolation, but as a user of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro I can say you will hear everthing, but because of that comfort wise is exceelent. It's best used in quiet environments where external noise is not a concern. Additionally, it does leak sound, which could disturb others nearby.

Noise Isolation in Beyerdynamic DT 770

Now, this is where things get interesting. The DT 770 is a closed-back model, meaning it does a much better job of isolating external noise. You get a tighter seal around your ears, which helps block out distractions—great for studio monitoring, commuting, or just zoning out with music. That said, it’s not absolute silence. The isolation is decent, but not as extreme as something like ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) headphones. Still, for a passive noise-blocking experience, it holds up well. The trade-off? A slightly more intimate, less airy soundstage compared to open-back designs like the Beyerdynamic DT 990.

Noise Isolation in ATH-M50x

The Audio-Technica M50x also falls into the closed-back category, but its noise isolation feels a little different from the Beyerdynamic DT 770. While it does a solid job of keeping external noise at bay, the clamping force is a bit stronger, which can enhance isolation but may cause fatigue over longer sessions. In comparison, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 feels a bit more natural in its seal. That said, the M50x is still a strong contender for those who need a more private listening experience—perfect for travel, office use, or casual studio work. Leakage is minimal, so unless you’re blasting your music at full volume, people around you won’t hear much.

Unique Features of Each Model

Impedance of Beyerdynamic DT 990

One thing to keep in mind with the DT 990 is that it comes in different impedance versions—32 ohms, 250 ohms, and 600 ohms. The higher the impedance, the more power it requires to reach optimal sound quality. If you’re planning to use it with a simple laptop or phone, the 32-ohm version is the safest choice. But if you have an audio interface or a dedicated amplifier, the 250-ohm or 600-ohm versions will give you better clarity and control over the sound. The difference is noticeable—higher impedance models tend to sound more refined, with tighter bass and smoother highs.

Impedance of Beyerdynamic DT 770

Like the DT 990, the DT 770 also comes in multiple impedance options: 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms. The 32-ohm version is more mobile-friendly, while the 80-ohm version is a popular middle ground—often recommended for producers and gamers. The 250-ohm variant, as expected, needs an amp to shine. The key takeaway? If you're going for the Beyerdynamic DT 770, consider where and how you’ll be using it. A studio setup with an interface? Go higher impedance. Need something plug-and-play for general use? Stick with 32 ohms.

Impedance of ATH-M50x

The M50x is much simpler in this regard—its fixed 38-ohm impedance means it’s ready to go with almost any device, no amp needed. This is one of the reasons it’s such a versatile choice for casual listeners, DJs, and professionals alike. You won’t have to worry about whether your source can handle it; just plug in and start listening. While it lacks the impedance flexibility of Beyerdynamic’s models, it makes up for it in convenience and ease of use.

Imaging and Soundstage

Gaming Performance with Beyerdynamic DT 990

Here’s where the DT 990 truly shines. Its open-back design gives it a wide, spacious soundstage—perfect for pinpointing enemy footsteps in FPS games or getting lost in immersive single-player adventures. Imaging is precise, meaning you can easily detect sound cues and directional audio, which is crucial for competitive gaming. The downside? That open-back nature means no isolation, so if you're in a noisy environment, external sounds can be distracting. But in a quiet space, this is arguably one of the best gaming headphones for spatial awareness.

Gaming Performance with Beyerdynamic DT 770

The DT 770 takes a different approach. It doesn’t have the expansive soundstage of the DT 990, but its imaging is still top-tier. Since it’s a closed-back headphone, it creates a more intimate listening experience—less natural reverb, but better isolation. For single-player games or general use, this can be a plus. However, in competitive shooters, the slightly narrower soundstage might make it harder to place distant sounds compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 990. Still, for a closed-back design, it performs exceptionally well.

Gaming Performance with ATH-M50x

The ATH-M50x isn’t as well-known for gaming, but it holds its own. Its closed-back nature means decent isolation, and imaging is fairly accurate, though not as pinpoint as the Beyerdynamic DT 770. The soundstage is noticeably smaller compared to the Beyerdynamic models, making everything feel a bit more confined. While you won’t get the same level of directional accuracy, the punchy bass and overall clarity still make for an enjoyable gaming experience. For casual gaming? No problem. But if you’re really serious about competitive play, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 or Beyerdynamic DT 770 might serve you better.

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Reference Quality in Music

When it comes to music production and critical listening, all three models have their strengths. The DT 990 is great for analytical listening, with its open-back design revealing intricate details in the mix. The DT 770 offers a more controlled, bass-friendly sound, making it solid for tracking and monitoring. The M50x, meanwhile, delivers a more consumer-friendly tuning, with emphasized bass and clear highs—ideal for DJing, casual listening, and general music enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these three models ultimately depends on your needs. If you prioritize an open, spacious soundstage, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 is a fantastic pick—especially for gaming or critical listening. Need a more isolated experience with strong imaging? The Beyerdynamic DT 770 is the way to go. And if you’re after a versatile, plug-and-play solution that works with anything? The ATH-M50x is hard to beat. Each has its own character, but all three are solid choices for different scenarios.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which headphones are best for gaming: DT 990, DT 770, or ATH-M50x?

  • The Beyerdynamic DT 990 is the best for gaming due to its open-back design, offering a wide soundstage and excellent positional accuracy. The DT 770 also performs well with strong imaging but has a more closed-in feel. The ATH-M50x is less ideal for competitive gaming because of its narrower soundstage.

2. Do I need an amp for these headphones?

  • The DT 990 and DT 770 come in different impedance versions (32, 80, 250, and 600 ohms). The higher the impedance, the more power they need, so a 250-ohm or 600-ohm version requires an amp for optimal performance. The ATH-M50x (38 ohms) does not need an amp and can be used with any device.

3. Which headphones are best for music production?

  • The DT 990 is excellent for mixing and mastering due to its open-back design, revealing more details in the sound. The DT 770 is ideal for tracking because of its isolation. The ATH-M50x is more of a casual listening/DJ headphone, with an emphasized bass that may not be the best for professional mixing.

4. Are these headphones comfortable for long sessions?

  • The DT 990 and DT 770 have velour ear pads, making them very comfortable even for long sessions. The ATH-M50x has pleather pads, which can get warm and less comfortable over time. If comfort is a priority, the DT models are a better choice.

5. Which headphones have the best noise isolation?

  • The DT 770 and ATH-M50x are both closed-back and provide good isolation, with the DT 770 offering slightly better passive noise blocking. The DT 990 does not isolate sound at all, as it is an open-back headphone.

6. Do these headphones leak sound?

  • DT 990 leaks the most sound due to its open-back design—people around you will hear your audio. The DT 770 and ATH-M50x do not leak much because they are closed-back.

7. Which model has the best bass response?

  • The ATH-M50x has the punchiest, most emphasized bass, making it great for bass-heavy music. The DT 770 also has deep bass, but it's more controlled and refined. The DT 990 has a more balanced, open bass, with less emphasis compared to the other two.

8. Are these headphones good for casual listening?

  • The ATH-M50x is the best for casual listening, as it has a fun, V-shaped sound signature (boosted bass and treble). The DT 990 and DT 770 are more reference-style headphones, meaning they aim for a more neutral, studio-like sound.

9. Which headphones are the most durable?

  • The DT 770 and DT 990 are built like tanks, with metal reinforcements and high-quality materials. The ATH-M50x is durable but has more plastic parts, making it slightly less rugged.

10. Which one should I buy?