Side by side
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs FiiO FT1
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
32 positive (94%) · 2 mixed (6%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +96%
AI summary — not a quote
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is highly regarded as a precision-driven monitoring tool that improves upon its predecessor with a more refined tonal balance. It is characterized by its exceptional speed, transparency, and technical integrity, powered by updated 45mm Tesla driver technology. While it maintains a bright and analytical signature, users note it is highly scalable and sensitive to source equipment, allowing it to shift from a clinical monitoring tool to a more musical experience depending on the DAC/amp pairing.
Pros
- Extremely fast transient response and agile bass control
- High level of transparency and micro-detail retrieval
- Precise imaging and accurate spatial placement
- Low impedance makes it easier to drive while remaining highly scalable
Cons
- Energetic treble can be perceived as sharp or overly bright with analytical sources
- May lack the 'smooth' or 'musical' warmth found in consumer-tuned headphones like Sony
Top excerpts
With the Sony player, it becomes more musical and relaxed. Bass response gains a subtle sense of body compared to more analytical sources. The low end remains tight and controlled, but the Sony output adds a slight warmth that enhances perceived weight.
The DT1990 PRO MKII represents Beyerdynamic’s continued commitment to precision driven monitoring with a refined tonal balance compared to its predecessor. Built around Tesla driver technology, it delivers a highly resolving and dynamic presentation that is particularly sensitive to source characteristics.
It's a great experience, but for me, not as smooth and musical as a Sony. Both help you feel different emotional timbres for different music genres.
The DT1990 PRO MKII's low frequency response is an example of control and discipline.Sub bass extension is present and can reach low frequencies without artificial boosting. There's a clear sense of depth, especially in well recorded electronic and cinematic material.
The DT1990 PRO MKII establishes its identity through precision, control, and exceptionally well managed driver response.
FiiO FT1
577 positive (77%) · 110 mixed (15%) · 63 negative (8%)
Trust + time weighted: +69%
AI summary — not a quote
The FiiO FT1 is highly regarded as a top-tier value contender in the sub-$200 closed-back headphone market. It is frequently praised for a 'buttery' and punchy bass response that remains clean without bleeding into the mids. While it may not match the micro-detail of more expensive open-back models, it is widely recommended for general entertainment and specific genres like metal due to its engaging and 'alive' sound signature.
Pros
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio, often cited as the best closed-back under $200
- Punchy, high-quality bass that avoids being boomy or bloated
- Strong passive noise isolation for a non-ANC headphone
- Engaging sound signature that excels with metal and general media
Cons
- Lacks the precision and imaging required for competitive gaming
- Early production batches suffered from build quality issues, specifically loose or breaking screws
- Not as detailed as higher-end planar or open-back alternatives
Top excerpts
The FT1 is one of the punchiest headphones I’ve ever heard at *any* price, and it does it without ever sounding boomy or bloated. Absolutely amazing especially for metal. They’d still be an easy recommendation at double what they actually cost.
I'm shocked that we're eight comments in and nobody has mentioned the Fiio FT1. It's basically the bass-heavy closed back to get.
The FT1s aren't just a great-sounding budget set, they're a great-sounding set period, especially for metal. They slam like a truck without ever sounding boomy or bloated.
Save a bit of money and get a Fiio FT1; you're basically not going to find a better closed back for metal until you exceed your budget by a fairly significant margin.
The only name that’s worth trying in the under-200 range is the FiiO FT1, but I don’t like their fake pleather earcups and headband that disintegrate within 18 months.