Among all of their headphones, the Sennheiser HD 650 vs Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro are of special interest as they are both of the same pedigree and quality. It may even be hard for an audiophile to distinguish the difference but in quality, there is a huge difference factor.
The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro has a wider soundstage but also lacks height, forward depth, and layering unlike the Sennheiser HD 650. Moreover, the mid ranges are better and more pronounced than the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, however, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro also has a lot more treble.
These above facts are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to differentiating between the two headphones. We test very different aspects that make each of these headphones unique and we will talk about the major differences and even the tiniest details.
At a Glance Sennheiser HD 650 vs Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro:
| Features | Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimension | 8.7 x 4.7 x 9.1 inches | 12.4 x 10 x 4.33 inches |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces | 9.1 ounces |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Bass Amount | -4.53 dB | -0.66 dB |
| Treble Amount | -2.73 dB | -0.08 dB |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 35 kHz | 10 Hz |
| Noise Cancellation | No | No |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 103 dB |
| Impedance | 250 Ohms/ 80 Ohms | 300 Ohms |
A little about the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro: An Overview
By the robust looks and sturdy build quality headphone, like Astro A50, you might think that the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro is not that comfortable. However, once you put them on, it is definitely one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones you will ever own. These over-ear headphones fit perfectly and the foam padding wrapped in velour makes you feel like you have your head on a pillow!
No, this one not only about feeling comfortable it also performs exceptionally well. The Beyerdynamic 459038 headphones deliver superior sound quality along with fantastic bass and treble sound.
In fact, the wide stereo image and three-dimensional sound reproduction make this a perfect fit for studios! You know you made a good choice when a headphone is made for professionals as well.
The best part? They are super durable! Made of the finest quality, the Beyerdynamic Pro will be your best friend for any audio for a long long time. All of these amazing features and durability, yet it comes at a very cheap price. If you want good-quality headphones at a reasonable price, these should be your go-to!
Features of the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro:
- Spacious design and tonal depth allow a pleasant sound experience. Due to this feature, the bass is neither too loud nor too low for anyone.
- Three-dimensional sound reproduction gives it the power to provide fantastic sound for anything you listen to.
- Soft and replaceable velour ear pads make wearing them for long hours super comfortable.
- Adjustable spring steel headband that makes it right for any user.
- The single-sided cable makes it easy to wear without any hassle of wires getting tangled.
A little about the Sennheiser HD 650: An Overview
If we had to describe the Sennheiser HD 650 in one line, it would be a high-quality and comfortable pair of headphones within a reasonable price range. At first glance, this one might not look all that special, but once you use it, the fantastic sound quality will make you fall in love with it! It gives out a smooth sound and has a fairly deep bass given its price tag.
One of the biggest advantages of having a not-so-fancy headphone is the comfort and ease of using them. The Sennheiser HD 650 is easy to move around and made of very tough plastic. Not only is it durable, but it is also super simple to use for anyone! The build feels professional and that is not something you get with headphones at a reasonable price.
Overall, the Sennheiser HD 650 is a simple yet effective headphone that might not be too great on bass but is amazing on sound! The soft ear pads and the open-back design feels like silk touching your ears. It is easily adjustable for any head, thanks to the adjustable headbands, and has superior build quality, making it prone to easy breakage.
Features of the Sennheiser HD 650:
- Dynamic hi-fi stereo that gives out superior sound quality with narrow tolerances of (± 1 dB)
- Provides excellent response and right sensitivity because of the neodymium ferrous magnet systems.
- Can be connected to SACD, DVD-A, and CD players of the highest quality.
- A two-year warranty gives you nothing to lose when you purchase it.
Facts and Features: Sennheiser HD 650 vs Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
The requirement of an amp
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro:
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro has a similar outlook to that of the Sennheiser HD 650, which is in a sense that it is an open-back design. These powerful studio headphones will give you a great quality audio experience and the best part of it all, you get an amplifier-free headset.
You do not have to worry about getting a good amplifier for your headphones which is an additional cost. A decent in-built amplifier of any device will do the works and the great optimization of the DT990 Pro only adds to the performance.
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is a rather robust headphone with a set of functionalities that is on par with most other high-end headphones. With all this glory, there is one aspect that separates it from the rest, the need for an amplifier to run.
The audio needs to be passed through an amplifier to run the headphones. It sounds great but if you are going for this, you may need to factor the cost of a good headphone amplifier into your budget.
Bright Audio and Weak Soundstage
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro
While the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro may have bright audio, most users find it too fatiguing and often dislike the audio quality as it becomes too flat for them. For instance, while gaming, hearing footsteps may become difficult due to the bright audio quality and a mediocre soundstage.
The details and sound cues are less prominent with this headset when gaming and with games getting more critical, the audio sense is a major advantage which is not possible with the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro.
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 on the other hand has more relaxing and calming audio. The sound is not scattered all around and the soundstage is great for gaming, like Sony MDR-V6. It does not become too fatiguing upon elongated usage and the details and sound cues of any game are precise.
The HD 650 is more versatile when it comes to watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. The audio is clearer and sweeter which is appealing to laid-back users.
Sennheiser HD 650 vs Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro: Bass Level
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro
For the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro, the bass fronts are absolutely amazing. You get the best bass level with these headphones and the quality is mindblowing. The bass is deeper and stronger with the DT990 Pro.
This appeals to some of the users who appreciate a good bass and the DT990 Pro does a good job in producing that. However, too much bass can often annoy people and ruin the audio, making it almost illegible.
Sennheiser HD 650
As for the Sennheiser HD 650, the bass fronts are phenomenal as well. You get a good bass level and a relaxing soundstage but it does lack in the bass level category. Compared to the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro, the bass levels are not as punchy as you would expect.
It does not have a more real feel to it but it is decent enough to not annoy anyone. The audio is good and clearly heard due to this low bass which keeps the sound clean and does not let it go mushy.
Sennheiser HD 650 vs Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro: specialties
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro is best for listening to music with loud audio. For example, if you were listening to rock music. The bass in these headphones is high and alive enough to keep you on your toes.
It brings out the energy of the music that you are listening to due to its high treble. You can listen to any kind of music and it will not become boring. You can even use these headphones for watching movies as well.
The background music from the movies will give you a more realistic experience amplifying the thumps when needed. These are not the best for gaming but if you want to listen to music or watch movies, the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro is the right choice.
Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 is best for gaming where having details is crucial. With the Sennheiser HD 650, you get a good amount of mid-range which calls for a more pronounced, detailed, and natural audio.
Not only that but the soundstage is absolutely amazing, the sound is more layered and holographic extending the picture further towards you. Add a decent headphone amplifier to the headset and you have a great audio device capable of delivering all the footsteps, gunshots, and sound accuracy needed for better gaming performance.
If gaming is a priority, get the Sennheiser HD 650 and you will not be disappointed.
Why should you go for the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro?
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro is an amazing device. You can get the best audio quality, high treble, good bass meaning stronger punch. Why should you go for this? Because it is cheaper and has great sound quality.
At $130, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro is the best deal you can find. If you like punk rock music, these headphones are your go-to as they have bright audio and a thumping bass giving you a more energetic and realistic experience. To put it simply, the sound does not become boring.
Points for Praise about the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro:
- Provides the right amount of bass and treble without sounding too sharp.
- Provides high-quality audio for anything you listen to.
- Has in-depth detailing for highs and mids.
- Super comfortable to wear because of the foam, velour padding.
- Comes at a reasonable price compared to its fantastic features.
Points for Improvement about the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT990 Pro:
- Does not provide very high bass that takes out the full experience.
- Not portable enough and might break if put under too much pressure.
Why should you go for the Sennheiser HD 650?
If you are a gamer and value the audio performance that is anchored to gaming, the Sennheiser HD 650 is your headset to go for. This may not have the ideal bass level that is needed to listen to music or watch movies, it is just right that it does not fall short or overload the user with bass.
Every detail is heard and every sound cue is precise. With a headphone like this, you may even get to participate in the major leagues and win a match. It does cost a lot, at a whopping $315.99 dollars the trade-off may not seem worth it and there is also the additional cost of getting a headphone amplifier for it.
However, the quality and relaxing audio soundstage is something worth looking into.
Points for Praise about the Sennheiser HD 650:
- Gives the optimum sound without the trouble of mixing sounds.
- Versatile since it can be used for listening to songs, movies, games, etc.
- The open-back design makes it comfortable to wear for long hours.
- Gives amazing bass when paired with most amps.
- Mid-range sounds are smooth and are not distorted very often.
Points for Improvement about the Sennheiser HD 650:
- Bass is very neutral when not used with amps.
Alternative Products
Sony wh-1000xm3
Pros
- Extraordinary noise canceling
- Very comfort
- Generous battery life (30 hours)
- Lots of personalization options via the app
- Hands-free operations.
Cons
- Irritating LED status light flashing on the left ear cup
- A Google Assistant premium price is not very beneficial
Sennheiser Game One
Pros
- A crisp and well-rounded bass
- A detachable cord can be replaced if it gets damaged
- Prevents high temper and ear fatigue by allowing air circulation
- Balanced Soundstage
Cons
- Earcups might get damaged for long use
- Mics might make a weird sound while using
Final Verdict
Aside from the very obvious price difference, the Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 Pro and the Sennheiser HD 650 are absolutely stunning headsets. They are both nearly equal in performance and quality.
Sturdy build quality and a professional-looking headphone is something that you will definitely appreciate. Whether you choose one or the other, you will always get a good experience and the best audio. The best way to see which is for you is by testing it out for yourself.
Go to your local audio store and fire your jam. No matter your budget there is always one headphone that satisfies your needs. So what are you waiting for, grab yourself one of these and get vibing?
The Sennheiser and the Beyerdynamic both manufacture different budgets and quality headphones for gamers and music lovers. You can choose any headphones and optimize your gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Looking for some answers to your problems? well, worry no more as this section is going to solve some of your problems throughout this process.
Can you use the HD 650 effectively on an airplane?
The HD650s are not noise cancellation headphones and inferior to Bose, for instance, when using on a plane. In addition, the HD650’s can be heard by others because of the open design. They are superior to everything else for solo listening when you are not on a plane.
For studio recording and mixing, would I need to get a separate headphone amp and DAC? Or would a Baby Face audio interface suffice?
Not necessarily true Vincent. Out of a computer, then probably yes. But the question is about an external, fairly high-end RME Babyface audio interface. So it is not out of the computer directly. However, the Babyface is geared for 30 ohm and not 300 ohm, so a headphone amp would be beneficial.
Since there are vents on the sides does the sound leak? Can others hear it?
These headphones are a semi-open-back design. They sound much airier and natural compared to the closed-back kind design. However, on the downside, they do leak to some extent, especially on higher volumes. Others will be able to hear the higher freq. but will not be able to distinguish what is being played.
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