Verdict: AirPods Max USB C excels for wireless ANC and Apple ecosystem spatial audio with 24-bit/48 kHz USB-C support while the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers superior open-back studio reference detail via 45mm Tesla drivers. The DT 1990 Pro requires a headphone amp due to 250-ohm impedance and lacks any wireless features. AirPods Max wins on modern convenience and features but trails in raw monitoring accuracy for mixing.
AirPods Max USB C lists at $549 while Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro lists at $599 — AirPods Max USB C undercuts Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro by $50 (9%).
Winner: AirPods Max USB C
AirPods Max USB C: 8/10
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: 7/10
| AirPods Max USB C | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back wireless | Open-back wired |
| Drivers | Custom Apple | 45mm Tesla neodymium |
| Impedance | — | 250 ohm |
| Features | ANC, Spatial Audio, USB-C lossless | Studio reference mixing |
Our pick: AirPods Max USB C.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro uses 250-ohm drivers with analytical studio tuning while the Sennheiser HD 660S2 employs 300-ohm drivers for a smoother midrange. Both open-back models target similar premium pricing and require amplification.
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