Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii
82Great
$700
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii vs Focal Bathys: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $700 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 45 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-40kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 30 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 376 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MkII is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone that updates the classic studio design with a new 45mm dynamic driver and a lower 30-ohm impedance for easier use with a wider range of devices. It delivers an energetic, detailed sound with a noticeable treble emphasis and a spacious soundstage, though this brightness may not suit listeners seeking a perfectly flat or relaxed tuning. Built with premium materials and a detachable cable, it offers a serious, high-resolution listening experience for studio or home use.
- Pro:Detailed, lively sound with a wide soundstage
- Pro:Sturdy, premium build quality
- Pro:Detachable cable and useful accessories included
- Con:Elevated treble can be fatiguing for some listeners
- Con:No in-line microphone for calls
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers little isolation
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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