Handcrafted in Germany, the T90 headphones are a very compelling product from a company with a history dating back to 1924, when it was founded by Eugen Beyer, who believed that the cinema presented a new opportunity in communication media. As the company evolved, they were quick to adapt to the ever-changing audio market, ultimately becoming one of the most recognized manufacturers of microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems in the world.

According to the company, “The T90 is the first high-end headphones with a completely open design utilizing our revolutionary Tesla technology.” This technology promises to bring together the feeling of closeness, transparency, and spontaneous listening enjoyment with the relatively affordable price of under $500. In other words, Beyerdynamic wants to produce audiophile-grade headphones for half of what most of their competitors would charge for them.

Build and Design

The T90 are a full-size, over-the-ear headphones made from premium materials, such as a textured fabric, and aluminum hinges that swivel in all directions. The earcups are made from velvet microfiber, instead of leather or vinyl, making the headphones much more comfortable for long-term use, especially when you find yourself in a room that’s slightly too hot for your liking.

Mounted on the left earcup is a 10-foot long, non-detachable headphone cable. Beyerdynamic’s intentions are clear: the T90, with their open-back design, are meant for home listening and not for portable use. The cable ends with a 3.5mm plug, which can be transformed into a 6.3mm plug using the included adapter.

Sound Quality

Beyerdynamic says that the “The T90 combines the neutral analytic sound of the Tesla transducer with a full, warm timbre and a joy of playing that brings pleasure with it from the very first note.” Our own listening experience confirms this to be true.

The open-back construction results in an astonishing loudspeaker-like sound quality with impressive, deep bass, excellent tonality, and out-of-body soundstage. In terms of sound quality, there’s hardly anything to criticize.

Just keep in mind that the Beyerdynamic T90 Tesla High End Audiophile Headphones has impedance of 250 ohms. A capable home AV receivers or a headphone amplifier is absolutely essential, in order to get the most out of these headphones.

What’s in the Box?

Apart from the headphones themselves, the luxurious box hides a nylon carrying bag and a 6.35 mm (1/4″) adapter. We wouldn’t trust the carrying bag to protect the headphones against everything that comes with an outdoor use, but it’s more than adequate home storage.