beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

Let me tell you about my love-hate relationship with these Beyerdynamic headphones. I've been using them for about three years, and it's been quite the ride.

Let's talk about gaming first because that's where these headphones truly shine. People accuse me of using wall hacks because I hear them through walls and can track them. The sound positioning is that good. But here's the thing: once you step outside gaming, they're just... okay? The music experience is decent, but that treble can be pretty harsh. If you watch anime, be warned - high-pitched voices can be painful.

Now, comfort. Oh boy. Even after three years, I still wrestle with these daily. The clamping force at the beginning is no joke—imagine wearing a gentle vice around your head. I'm adjusting them as I write this review because they're bugging me. If you've used Sennheisers before, you'll feel the difference. The earcups, the weight, and the design never fully clicked with me.

Build quality? They're built like a tank... mostly. The headband on mine finally gave up the ghost, and now I'm facing a fun $40 replacement cost from Thomann (I live in the US).

Here's the thing, though—when I first got these, they were unmatched for competitive gaming. I've tried the fancy HD800s, the HD560s, and even the R70x, but these held their own. But if you're reading this in late 2024, I'd honestly point you toward the HD490. I've seen that it fixes everything I've complained about here.

Bottom line? If you don't want to splurge on the HD490s, these could be your jam if you're into competitive gaming and don't mind some comfort quirks. But for everyone else looking for an all-rounder for cheaper and potentially even better gaming performance, check out IEMS- (Fresh Reviews has good videos on this). However, you are set on headphones in this price range. The DT 900 Pro x gaming performance is stellar, but the comfort issues and so-so music performance make them a bit of a one-trick pony.

Quick hits: What I dig:
God-tier gaming audio (seriously, it's like legal wallhacks)
Built solid (except for that headband...)
Price isn't bad for what you get

What bugs me:
That treble can be rough on the ears
Never fully got comfortable
Replacement parts cost more than they should
Not great for much beyond gaming

As an average audiothusiast, the sound output is superb with the low volume setting giving normal output sound even for being open cans. As such, it can be comfortably repurposed as a subwoofer for the times you just don't want to wear them.
Smooth sounding. Not terribly bass-y which I like. Cushion ear padding and being detachable makes it great for cleaning and long use which I find true.

I would not necessarily recommend it for long hair or for only if you have your hair neatly tied because the design where the cans meet the handband has a button-like clip (gap and all) that easily catch any stray hairs. Small enough it just manage 1-2 strands but once caught it will take some careful prying to get it loose. Which either damage or lose the hair. That said if you are able to adjust to this small design flaw it's a good value headphones.