He voices his complaints after using them for two years.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones have been a top seller in the gaming scene for ages, ever since they were popularized by the famous streamer Ninja. This led to a wide acceptance in the gaming community regarding how well the headphones help them improve their experience. However, a recent review by YouTuber Dagwummy has started a contrasting conversation.
The Complaints About DT 990 Pros
Dagwummy has been using the headphones in his streams and private gaming for more than two years. Throughout all this, he has kept the headphones as his main audio gear until he had enough and decided to replace them.
His main reasons? Their durability and tonality.
First, though the headset comes with plush ear cups and a padded headband for comfort during long gaming sessions, the YouTuber reported that there were significant issues with the durability of the cushioning for long-term use.
“The cushion is pretty comfortable, but they get worn down really fast,” said the reviewer.
Secondly, the gamer believes that the tonality of the headphones out of the box can be quite poor.
“While high-frequency audio might be good for gaming, it sounds super sharp, which is just not pleasing to listen to,” remarked Dagwummy.
What Are the Alternatives?
If there are complaints about the DT 990 Pros, which headphones could replace them?
Dagwummy recommends the HiFiMan Sundara, as “they are way more open-back and sound way more natural.”
However, the reviewer notes that the Sundara also come at double the price of the DT 990 Pros.
Luckily, there are several other options for headsets at similar price points without the same issues as the DT 990 Pro. This includes models such as the Sennheiser HD 660S2s or the EPOS | Sennheiser GAME ONEs.
The Community’s Reaction
Reactions to the review were mixed.
Some commenters agreed with Dagwummy’s points about the sound quality of the headphones and similarly recommended alternate headsets.
This concern about the sharp sound quality of the headphones are shared by many other users. Both audiophiles and gamers have complained of the headphones sounding sharp and sibilant, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for some people.
This also means using these headphones for music listening won’t be as satisfying as other options in the same price range. So, you may have to invest in separate headphones for gaming and music listening – which not everyone has a budget for.
Sure, some issues with sound balance can be fixed via EQ. But, many believe this level of user customization shouldn’t be necessary for the headset to work.
A user even stressed the possibility of the headphones’ sibilance resulting in hearing damage.
However, there are also others that defended the DT990s.
Why Are the DT990 Pros Popular Anyway?
While Ninja’s endorsement has certainly been a factor in their popularity, the headphones do have a lot going for them in the gaming department, especially for streamers.
The headphones are open-backed, meaning there’s plenty of airflow to the ears. This allows you to wear them for long periods without discomfort and also lets you hear your voice when you talk. This is important for streamers, as it lets them know what their audience is hearing.
Additionally, as the headphones are designed for audiophiles, the sound quality is clear and without lag. This is a major plus for gamers, as clean and accurate sound gives you an advantage when gaming competitively.
Most gamers who tested the headphones on various games, including FPS games, highlighted how the details and soundstage of the DT 990 Pro are very accurate and how it helped them have an advantage in their games.
While some audiophiles dub the DT 990 Pro’s sound profile as harsh, gamers believe this actually helps in making them hear everything they need to hear.
