Superlux - HD-681 EVO

I vastly prefer the SuperLux HD681 EVO to the HD681.

Everything. More open sounding, better bass, more depth, now comfy. I should say I've done the two super easy "mods" - removing the down filters and switching to the supplied velour pads.

Best deal for me were the Hifiman Sundara that I got for about 110 on Aliexpress during 11.11 sales. Also have a pair of he400se but the Sundara just sound more correct out of the box and the headband is a lot more comfy. In the ultra budget realm, I'd say my KOSS KPH30i with headband mod are still a true gem, and so are the KPH40i and the hyper-cheap Shini S520. If one doesn't want a pair of on ear, then: - KPH30i with big grado pads mod - SHP9500 for about 35-40$ on AliExpress when discounted - Fidelio X2HR around 70-80 euros - Superlux HD681Evo for about 30 - Kiwi Ears Altruva around 65-70 but you gotta EQ them if you want a less warm sound and better gaming performance.

Price to performance wired Superlux HD681 Evo or HD330 Pro will do the job. Wireless, general purpose - whichever is in your budget between Edifier 820, Soundcore Space One or Momentum 4

Samson and superlux are kinda Like junior / mini akg k702. Good soundstage, decent frequency response but don't have that clarity k702 Has. But anyways they do sound pretty much like a k702 but k702 just does everything much more/better. I was suprised they are that good for its money. I can also recommend shp 9500 which are also kinda Like mini akg k702 but they sound like its somewhere on the middle od the road from Samson and superlux to k702. Clarity / detail ( NOT frequency response! ) of shp 9500 i would say its on same or similar level to sony's 1000xm series headphones.

Koss or used HD558 are so good for the price. Samson and Superlux headphones can sound surprisingly good though. Also I can't get rid of the modern retro because every now and then i just really want to listen to exactly that bass sound lol.

Open back headphones under $60 are pretty limited unless you shop used. Most are actually semi-open and don’t sound or perform as well as budget IEMs (in-ear monitors) The only real options are: * **AKG K240 Studio ($56)** neutral “studio” sound but weak bass * **Samson SR850 ($50)** bright and a bit fatiguing * **Superlux HD 681 / HD 681B ($37)** also bright, 681B has less bass Honestly, I’d consider IEMs instead. They sound better for the price, isolate noise, stay cool, and work both indoors and out. Any of these would be a great pick: * **Truthear Gate**, **Moondrop Chu 2**, or **7Hz Zero2** **($22)** Budget kings * **7HZ G1($31)** Fun V-shape with tons of bass * **Moondrop Lan** (**$46)** Clean vocals, all metal build * **Moondrop Moca ($60) / Space Travel 2 ($38)** Neutral true wireless buds with average ANC. These probably being the closest thing that match your needs.

Have my superlux hd 681 for like 4 or 5 years, and they are awesome, using them for music and with the threaded extension I can use them for my guitar amp too, top tier and dirt cheap.

Superlux HD-681, mainly because of how much they offer for being literally $30

Superlux HD681 and Samson SR850, but with velvet/suede earpads. Eh with stock shitty leather. 100-200$ sound with velvet pads. KSC75 if you don't mind the hooks. Moondrop Old Fashioned is really nice as well, sounds pretty similar to KSC75.

ath m40x are the worst headphones ever, I bought a superlux 681 and found out bass existed for the first time

I'm using the 681's right now with sonarworks ID it sounds pretty good better then the audio technica m40x