Beyerdynamic - DT 1990 PRO MKII

Depends how loud your keyboard is tbh. Closed backs for gaming are a lot better on PC. I had 1770 Pros for gaming/mixing before but there was a huge discount on 1990 Pros and the 1770 Pros had way too much bass for mastering I so went for those and gave the 1770 pros to my wife. I had to buy new keyboard because I had MX blues and gaming was horrible on open backs and loud switches. I still kinda prefer the 1770 for gaming tbh as they isolate better. For mixing and mastering the 1990 pros are perfect and for gaming as well after getting silent switches. But for budget I would go with DT 770 Pro 250Ohm and pair them with ifi zen dac v2. I made testing with 1770 Pros and 770 Pros on ifi zen dac V2 and the difference wasnt that huge I was expecting (the 770 were decade old lol). https://youtu.be/5nQ4Za2Qd6U?si=xCDnnywE-Gdw9lgS When it comes to gaming they are really good. I used to play a lot of competitive fps before (OW1, Cod, CS) and all games I played I reached top 1% so no complaining.

There is no best, it's subjective. Though I would generally prefer open-backs over closed backs, especially when you're just using them in your chair and not a noisy environment. "Audiophile grade" is also not a clearly defined term. There are a lot of good options available for under 1000$, I would recommend ordering a few different pairs and comparing them. Like, as far as open-backs are concerned, get a Hifiman Arya, Sennheiser HD 6XX and maybe a Beyerdynamic DT1990 (note that there's two versions, you can get some great deals on the older MK1 but it has a very spicy treble). If you really need/want something closed, your options will be more limited, you could try a Senny HD620 and Beyer DT1770. Personally, I think the AKG K702 (open) for 180 USD is an incredible deal, but some don't like the mid-heavy sound. And there's no doubt there are better headphones to be had for three or four times the price, but they won't really sound three of four times better, and whether it's worth it spending so much is up to you.

1990 pros have been serving me well for the past 5 years

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro They have steel housing. Built very well and very comfortable to wear This would be for a desk setup

I have the HD 6xx and DT1990Pros. If I drop the 6xx, I wouldnt sweat it. If I dropped the 1990s, I would be nervous whether the floor got damaged.

I got my DT 1990 Pros on sale for $530, and they're my favorite pair of cans, although they are quite sibilant and listening fatigue can set in pretty quick if you don't EQ

A lot of people praise the HD 800/S as the best but I prefer my DT 1990 Pro (OG). Unlike a lot of people, I like the treble spike as it brings out detail in the games I play. The mids and bass are good too. If you're gonna buy them, I recommend looking at these as well: For even an even better Beyer sound signature - [https://dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-beyerdynamic-dt-series-fenestrated-elite-sheepkin-ear-pad-set/](https://dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-beyerdynamic-dt-series-fenestrated-elite-sheepkin-ear-pad-set/) For extended bass and warmth - [https://dekoniaudio.com/product/elite-hybrid-ear-pads-for-beyerdynamic-headphones/](https://dekoniaudio.com/product/elite-hybrid-ear-pads-for-beyerdynamic-headphones/) For the OG - you'll need a DAC/Amp. For the newer versions, you won't.

Metal cased dt 1990 and I think there's a 7xx version too. Love them

I use the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro’s. I purchased mine for about $390, but they’re so worth it. I’ve been using them a lot lately as I’ve gotten into music production, so they are really handy. P.s. They have software for EQ settings and customization, but unless you find a bundle, it’s not included. Edit: My pair is open-back, but there is a closed-back option.

Interesting question. I own roughly 17 headphones from low to high end. It’s maybe an obsessive hobby for me that turned into a collecting endeavor. I’ve owned the older DCA Noire, the DCA E3, Audeze LCD2, HiFiman Arya V2 and HE1000V2, ZMF Atrium and Aeolus, Beyerdynamic T1 and DT1990 and DT880, Meze 99 Classic, both Aune AR5000 and SR7000, Sennheiser 6xx, and some bass cannons like the Modhouse Argon and Harmonicdyne Eris. And a bunch of others that don’t really meaningfully stand out. I tend to notice a disparity between my “best” headphones and the ones I listen to the most. The DCAs and HiFimans are objectively excellent, but I rarely pick them up. For me, personally, I’m in love with a rich, full-bodied and impactful sound. The ZMF Aeolus on an OTL Tube amp takes the win for me every time. It just makes every single song sound so enjoyable. It is soulful and “weighty”. Many of my headphones are technically better in many categories, but if enjoyment is the most important factor then the ZMF Aeolus hits the mark every time. It is just so well rounded and engaging with every type of music.

Got a pair of dt 1990 pro's which I use for music as well as gaming. If it's 10h a day, it's 10h a day- no issue. My glasses can get uncomfortable underneath, but that's not the headphones issue. When I got them the clamping force was too much, but since the earcups are held by metal arms I was able to slightly bend them and now they're basically always comfortable.