Head to head · for music listening
HIFIMAN Sundara vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO
More people recommend the HIFIMAN Sundara overall (79 vs 38). None of the 69 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.
- Comments naming both
- 69
- Say they own both
- 6
- Choose the Sundara
- 0
- Choose the DT 1990 PRO
- 0
Counted across 17 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $179cheaper | $700 |
| Overall rank | #7higher | #17 |
| People who recommend it | 79more | 38 |
| Say they own it | 112more | 51 |
| Mentions | 806more | 470 |
| Type | open-back planar wired | open-back wired |
| Known for | Planar detailHomeAmp helps | DetailTwo pad setsNeeds amp |
| Best for | Best planar-magnetic sound under $200 for someone who already has, or will buy, a small desktop amp. | Detail-first listeners and home producers who want a headphone that will outlast several amps. |
| Buy | Amazon · $179 | Amazon · $700Direct |
#7 overall
HIFIMAN Sundara
11 of the 69 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Planar speed and detail that people say is unmatched at the price
- Good soundstage and imaging; responds well to EQ
- Frequently on sale or open-box direct from HIFIMAN, which is how many owners bought it
- Comfortable and clean; several owners say they stopped shopping after buying it
The complaints
- Needs a proper amp or DAC/amp; weak from a phone
- Older units had driver failures and some people call HIFIMAN build and quality control poor
- Tuning takes getting used to; a couple of listeners simply do not like planars
In their words
“I bought the Sundara on your recommendations and really love it”
A commenter under Sundara v 660S v 1990 (Under $500 Headphone Comparison) (Joshua Valour) · Feb 2020
“I got my Sundaras at a crazy price, and I love them”
A commenter under The Best Deal in Audio... Period. (Joshua Valour) · Nov 2024
“I use the sundaras and i would recommend them”
A commenter under Why Do All Streamers Use These Headphones? (Dagwummy) · Jul 2023
#17 overall
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO (now sold as MKII)
9 of the 69 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Build quality owners describe as the best in its class; metal, made in Germany, everything replaceable
- Detail and technical precision that producers and mixers pick it for
- Comes with two pad sets (analytical and balanced) that genuinely change the sound
The complaints
- Treble peaks: the reason most people who move on from it give
- Heavy and warm on the head after long sessions; pads flatten over time
- 250 ohm, needs an amp
In their words
“I got the DT-1990 mkiis and I love them”
A commenter under Almost all headphones are inaccurate. Only these are good. (AP Mastering) · Dec 2024
“These DT 1990 are worth every penny”
A commenter under Z Review - Beyer-Dynamic DT1990 [Like a German Porno...] (Z Reviews) · Mar 2017
“I love my DT 1990 Pros :)”
A commenter under Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Review: Big, Built, but TOO Bright?? (BadSeed Tech) · Oct 2019