Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii
82Great
$700
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii vs HiFiMAN Arya: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Arya comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Arya - Outstanding overall at around $769.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
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
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Mkii | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $700 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-40kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 30 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 376 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
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
HiFiMAN Arya
The HiFiMAN Arya is a premium planar magnetic headphone known for its exceptionally fast, detailed, and airy sound. Its bright-neutral tuning delivers a highly resolving, spacious presentation with excellent technical performance, making it a strong choice for critical listening, though it requires a good amplifier to shine. With a comfortable open-back design and a relatively affordable price for its class, it balances high-end performance with accessibility.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Fast and articulate planar driver response
- Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing for sensitive ears
- Con:Needs a powerful amp to reach full potential
- Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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