There are plenty of high fidelity headphone options worth considering when your budget is in the $300-and-up price range. The Sony MDR-1A , the Master & Dynamic MH40 , and the Shure SRH1540 are all worth checking out for their unique sound signatures and dedication to providing detail and balance.

Superb audio performance with an accurate response across the board; Well-cushioned and comfortable over long listening periods despite its large frame

Hardwired cable; Bulky frame not for everyone

{{article.attachments['beyerdynamic_dt-990.jpg']}} • Durable. • Look good. • Customizable colors and cord style if you buy them from Beyerdynamic directly. ** Tour** The DT 990s are a set of open-backed over-ears from Beyerdynamic.

The new and improved Beyerdynamic DT990, complete with shiny metal grilles, tackles the high-end headphone world with a fun sound that is yet relatively less compromised by coloration than the most commonly known "fun/rockin'" headphones, Grados.

Great clarity, dynamic range and frequency response. The best deal I saw on the 32 ohm models. No problems with this unit.

I used them fot many years and still do, but they have to take 2nd place now to my latest addition: Sennheiser HD-600. The Beyer is less dynamic, less open, with a darker sound and the bass a little more undefined. Apart from that, still a good pair of cans, and very comfortable.

You can listen to them for hours without fatigue

It's lacking a bit in dynamics; bass is a little woollen

The ‘Premium' version brings improvements to the original model, delivering across the board with good sound, comfort and build

Big; open sound; Overflow with detail; Very comfortable and accommodating; Sturdy build quality

Rivals have more punch in lower frequencies

Great sound taught me what sound stage is, very quiet for headphones (tried various amps no luck) and by far the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn but due to volume levels and clipping at not even that loud of volumes they weren't right for me.

The sound is really good but the high treble is really spiky. I don't like sibilance sound and after a long period, I had some fatigue. The comfort is excellent and the clamping force is better then on the DT 880 Premium.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition will be a real hit with lovers of acoustics, classical music and dynamically mixed music. Whether its slight over-presence in the high-frequency range is perceived as too intense is a matter of taste and also depends on the preferred musical style.

As headphones become fashion accessories geared toward on-the-go use with mobile devices, pairs intended purely for home use are becoming a rarer sight. The $379 Beyerdynamic DT 990 (32 Ohm) is that even rarer beast, with an impedance designed for use with mobile devices home stereo gear (compared with its 250 Ohm sibling, which simply won't function with mobile devices without an amp). Listeners are rewarded with an enveloping experience; the DT 990's large earcups create a listening environment all their own, and like all good open headphone designs, the DT 990 provides an excellent sense of space. If you're looking for an accurate headphone pair that doesn't skimp on the lows, the DT 990 won't disappoint. The Editors' Choice Shure SRH1540 ($499.00 at Amazon)  is a better choice for studio recording thanks to its closed design, and the Sennheiser HD 558 is a top budget alternative. DesignThe metallic and black leather DT 990 look almost intimidating at first—it's a huge set o...

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 (32 Ohm) is a headphone pair for music lovers looking for an accurate, crisp sound signature that delivers deep bass without exaggerating it.

Superb audio performance with an accurate response across the board; Well-cushioned and comfortable over long listening periods despite its large frame

Hardwired cable; Bulky frame not for everyone