As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This guide compares the HIFIMAN HE400SE and Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. You might search for a HIFIMAN vs beyerdynamic noise cancelling headphone, but neither model includes active or passive noise cancellation. Both are open-back, wired, over-ear headphones designed for audiophiles and studio work. The main difference lies in their driver technology. HIFIMAN uses planar magnetic drivers, while Beyerdynamic uses dynamic drivers. This choice affects sound reproduction and weight.
Driver Type
Planar Magnetic
Dynamic
Impedance
not listed
80 Ohm
Frequency Response
not listed
5–35,000 Hz
Weight
13.8 ounces
9.5 ounces
Color Options
Silver, Black
Black
Choose the first if
- You prefer planar magnetic drivers for lower distortion and high sensitivity.
- You want color options including silver.
- You prioritize a wider soundstage with acoustically transparent magnet design.
Choose the second if
- You need a lighter headphone at 9.5 ounces for extended comfort.
- You want a known impedance of 80 Ohm for studio and home setups.
- You value German engineering and fully serviceable parts for longevity.
Verdict
Choose the HIFIMAN HE400SE if you prioritize planar magnetic technology and specific color choices. Choose the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO if you want a lighter build, known impedance, and serviceable components. Both are open-back wired headphones for critical listening.
HIFIMAN vs Beyerdynamic Spec Showdown
Driver Technology
Edge: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers with acoustically invisible stealth magnets. This design covers nearly the entire diaphragm with conductive layers, which significantly lowers distortion compared to conventional dynamic drivers. The stealth magnet shape allows sound waves to pass without interference, reducing wave diffraction turbulence. Beyerdynamic does not list its specific driver type in the provided data, but notes it delivers distortion-free audio reproduction. Planar magnetic designs generally offer more detailed and accurate sound staging, giving HIFIMAN the advantage here for pure sonic output accuracy.
Frequency Response
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Beyerdynamic explicitly lists an extended frequency response range of 5–35,000 Hz. This wide span helps reveal subtle nuances and imperfections in audio, which is critical for professional editing and mixing tasks. The HIFIMAN HE400SE description highlights full-range output and high sensitivity for low-voltage sources, but it does not provide specific numerical frequency limits. Without exact numbers for HIFIMAN, Beyerdynamic has the clear edge on documented technical range, ensuring you know the precise limits of the audio reproduction capabilities.
Impedance and Power
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO comes in an 80-ohm version, which is ideal for a wide range of applications from professional studio outputs to high-fidelity home audio setups. This impedance ensures superior sound fidelity without needing extreme power. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is noted for its high sensitivity, making it a perfect match for low-voltage sources like portable hi-res audio players. While HIFIMAN is easier to drive with portable gear, Beyerdynamic offers a versatile impedance that works well with standard studio equipment, providing a slight edge in professional versatility.
Weight and Portability
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Weight matters for long listening sessions. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO weighs 9.5 ounces, which is lighter than the HIFIMAN HE400SE at 13.8 ounces. The HIFIMAN model features a newly designed adjustable lightweight headband to remain comfortable, but it is still heavier overall. Beyerdynamic also mentions a lightweight construction and snug fit. If you plan to wear these for extended periods, the lighter Beyerdynamic model reduces fatigue more effectively than the heavier HIFIMAN planar magnetic design.
Build and Durability
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Beyerdynamic emphasizes handcrafted German engineering with over 100 years of excellence, offering unmatched durability and consistency. All parts are fully serviceable, ensuring longevity. The HIFIMAN HE400SE features a newly designed casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements, with durable connections and a dual-sided high-performance cable. Both brands focus on longevity, but Beyerdynamic’s explicit mention of serviceable parts and legacy manufacturing gives it a slight edge in long-term maintainability and robust construction reputation.
Use Cases
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Both headphones are designed for audiophiles and studio work. Beyerdynamic explicitly lists mixing, gaming, and professional editing as use cases, highlighting its suitability for critical listening and spatial imaging. HIFIMAN targets audiophiles and studio environments, focusing on accurate and full-range output. Beyerdynamic’s broader list of professional applications, including gaming and detailed mix decisions, makes it slightly more versatile for users who need a single pair for multiple professional and leisure tasks.
Which model suits your specific use case
Studio professionals needing serviceable gear
Our pick: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO features fully serviceable parts, ensuring longevity for professional audio gear. Its 80-ohm impedance suits studio outputs and home setups. The extended 5–35,000 Hz frequency response reveals subtle nuances for accurate mixing. The 3-meter cable and threaded adapter provide practical connectivity for critical listening tasks.
Audiophiles prioritizing low distortion
Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers with acoustically invisible stealth magnets. This design covers the diaphragm with conductive layers, significantly lowering distortion compared to conventional dynamic headphones. The result is pure, accurate, full-range sonic output. High sensitivity also makes it an excellent match for low-voltage portable hi-res audio players.
Users seeking lightweight comfort
Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE weighs 13.8 ounces, while the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO weighs 9.5 ounces. The Beyerdynamic is lighter, which may reduce fatigue during extended sessions. However, the HIFIMAN features a newly designed adjustable lightweight headband that remains cool and comfortable. You should choose the Beyerdynamic if absolute weight minimization is your primary comfort factor.
HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best for: quiet critical listening and studio monitoring
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Driver
- Planar Magnetic
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio
- Ear Style
- Stereo
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers for low distortion and high sensitivity. This open-back design requires a quiet environment, as it leaks sound. It weighs 13.8 ounces and measures 12 inches in length. The wired connection ensures stable audio without battery concerns. It suits audiophiles and studio users who prioritize accurate, full-range sound reproduction over isolation.
- Planar magnetic drivers reduce distortion significantly compared to dynamic designs
- Stealth magnets minimize wave diffraction turbulence for pure sonic output
- High sensitivity matches well with low-voltage portable audio sources
- Dual-sided 3.5mm cable includes a 6.35mm adapter for compatibility
- Open-back design allows sound leakage, unsuitable for noisy environments
- Wired connection limits mobility and requires a constant cable run
- 13.8 ounce weight is substantial for extended portable use
- You need accurate, full-range audio for critical listening
- You have a quiet space where open-back leakage is not disruptive
- You use low-voltage portable players or studio equipment
- You require active noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You need wireless freedom without cable constraints
- You work in loud environments where sound isolation is essential
Verdict: HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones deliver precise sound for quiet, stationary listening sessions. They fit audiophiles who value driver accuracy and do not need isolation or wireless convenience.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Best for: studio mixing and critical listening
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone designed for studio mixing and critical listening. Its 80-ohm impedance works well with professional outputs and home setups. The 5–35,000 Hz frequency response reveals audio details. At 9.5 ounces, the build is lightweight for long sessions. The open design creates a natural soundstage, making it ideal for accurate mix decisions.
- 80-ohm impedance suits studio and home gear
- 5–35,000 Hz frequency response for detail
- Open-back design offers wide soundstage
- Lightweight 9.5-ounce construction for comfort
- Replaceable ear pads for longevity
- Open-back design leaks sound and picks up noise
- 9.5-ounce weight is heavier than the HIFIMAN HE400SE
- Wired connection limits portable use
- You need accurate monitoring for mixing or mastering
- You use a dedicated audio interface or amplifier
- You prefer open-back spatial imaging
- You need active noise cancellation
- You require wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- You want to use them in noisy public spaces
Verdict: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm suits engineers and audiophiles who prioritize soundstage and detail in a quiet, wired environment.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter | Wired, 3.5 mm |
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Back Design | Open-Back | Open-Back |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver | Planar Magnetic | – |
| Fit | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Use | Audiophiles, Studio | Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming |
| Color | Silver,Black | Black |
| Ear Style | Stereo | – |
| Dimensions | 12 × 10.5 × 7.09 inches | 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 13.8 ounces | 9.5 ounces |
| Model | He400SE | DT 990 PRO-cr |
| Size | – | 80 OHM |
Frequently asked questions
Do HIFIMAN and Beyerdynamic offer noise cancelling headphones in this comparison?
Neither the HIFIMAN HE400SE nor the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO includes active or passive noise cancellation. Both models feature open-back designs, which allow ambient sound to enter. You will not get isolation from external noise. These headphones prioritize sound accuracy and natural imaging over blocking out your surroundings for noisy environments.
Which headphones are better for studio monitoring and mixing?
Both models suit studio work, but they serve different needs. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO has serviceable parts and an 80-ohm impedance ideal for studio outputs. The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers for precise sound reproduction. Choose the Beyerdynamic for durability and the HIFIMAN for detailed driver accuracy in quiet sessions.
How do the driver technologies differ between these two brands?
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers with stealth magnets. This design covers the diaphragm with conductive layers to lower distortion. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO uses dynamic drivers with an 80-ohm impedance. This suits home setups and studio gear. The planar magnetic design offers different sonic characteristics compared to the dynamic driver approach.
Are these headphones wireless or Bluetooth enabled?
No, both headphones are wired connections. You must plug them into your audio source. There is no Bluetooth or wireless capability. This ensures a stable, uncompressed audio signal. You will need a cable for every listening session. This design removes battery concerns but requires a nearby audio interface or amplifier.
What is the weight difference between the HIFIMAN and Beyerdynamic models?
The HIFIMAN HE400SE weighs 13.8 ounces. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO weighs 9.5 ounces. The Beyerdynamic model is significantly lighter. This might matter for long studio sessions. The HIFIMAN model is heavier due to its planar magnetic driver assembly. Both fit over the ear for comfortable, secure listening during critical audio work.
Can I use these headphones for gaming?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO lists gaming as a use case. Its open-back design provides a wide soundstage. This helps you locate in-game sounds accurately. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is best for quiet critical listening. It lacks the specific gaming tuning or comfort features listed for the Beyerdynamic model. Stick to the Beyerdynamic for gaming.
Which model is better for audiophiles who value driver accuracy?
The HIFIMAN HE400SE is built for audiophiles who value driver accuracy. Its planar magnetic technology delivers precise sound with low distortion. It fits stationary listening sessions where you can appreciate detail. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is also for audiophiles but focuses on serviceability and soundstage. Choose HIFIMAN for pure driver precision and technical performance.