AKG K371 vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
A side-by-side look at AKG K371 and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
AKG K371
Closed-back reference headphone engineered to AKG's own frequency target - foldable for the road
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Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The open-back reference standard for mixing and critical listening
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| AKG K371 | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design | Podcast producers and mixers who want open-back reference headphones for critical listening and editing |
Key features
AKG K371
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- Closed-back, over-ear, foldable design
- 50mm drivers tuned to AKG Reference Response target
- 32 ohm impedance - no amp required
- Three detachable cables: 3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m straight
- Oval ear cups for passive noise isolation
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- 5 Hz - 35 kHz frequency response
- Open-back, over-ear design - NOT for recording
- 250 ohm impedance - amp recommended
- Velour ear pads for extended comfort
- 3m coiled cable
- Handcrafted in Germany with replaceable parts
Pros and cons
AKG K371
Pros
- Flat, reference-tuned response matched to the Harman target
- Three cable options cover all use cases
- 32-ohm impedance works from any interface or device
- Foldable for travel without sacrificing studio-grade accuracy
Cons
- Foldable mechanism adds plastic to the build
- Oval ear cups require adjustment to fit some head shapes
- Bass extension can sound slightly soft versus V-shaped alternatives
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Pros
- Wide, spacious soundstage ideal for mixing
- Comfortable velour pads for long sessions
- Durable and fully serviceable - designed to last decades
- Accurate German engineering with proven studio track record
Cons
- Open-back design bleeds sound - not suitable for recording
- 250 ohm impedance needs a headphone amp or quality interface
- V-shaped tuning is not perfectly flat - learn the curve
The verdict
Choose AKG K371 if
Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design.
The K371 is one of the most technically accurate closed-back headphones at its price, and the measurement community noticed it early - it closely follows the Harman target curve, which correlates well to what most people perceive as neutral and…
Choose Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro if
Podcast producers and mixers who want open-back reference headphones for critical listening and editing.
The DT 990 Pro is one of the most widely used reference headphones in home studios because the wide imaging makes it easier to hear stereo placement and spatial balance in your audio. The 250-ohm version sounds best with a…