Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) vs HiFiMan Edition XS
A spec-by-spec look at two of the gaming headphones competitive players cross-shop. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) needs only ~25.1 mW for clean 110 dB peaks vs ~63.1 mW for the HiFiMan Edition XS — easier to run loud and clean off a modest amp or even a dongle. The HiFiMan Edition XS rewards (or needs) a real amp. The full breakdown — and which to buy for your style — below.
Specs compared
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) | HiFiMan Edition XS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Open-back | Even |
| Impedance | 250 Ω | 18 Ω | Even |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW | Even |
| Power for 110 dB peaks | ~25.1 mW | ~63.1 mW | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) |
| Price class | Value | Premium | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) |
Sound reproduction
Footstepsedge5/55/5
General use3/54/5 ✓
Music3/55/5 ✓
Only Footsteps is a competitive axis — and it saturates: any clean open-back clears the bar, so a higher score above baseline buys little advantage. General use & Music are comfort/preference.
Imaging notevery wide stage, sparkly imaging; V-shaped, treble can be harshwide, deep planar stage, precise imaging; clean, detailed, brightish
Which should you buy?
- Both are open-back — imaging comes down to tuning. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω): very wide, airy stage — a classic footstep favourite; 250Ω + low sensitivity needs a real amp.
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) needs only ~25.1 mW for clean 110 dB peaks vs ~63.1 mW for the HiFiMan Edition XS — easier to run loud and clean off a modest amp or even a dongle. The HiFiMan Edition XS rewards (or needs) a real amp.
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250Ω) is the more affordable class — Value vs Premium. Put the saving toward an amp that drives it properly before jumping a price tier.
Specs are sourced (each product carries a source + verified date in our catalog); buy links are affiliate links to your regional store — AimBench may earn a commission at no cost to you. Live pricing shows on the retailer page.
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