Superlux HD681 Evo
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Superlux HD681 Evo is a highly-regarded budget semi-open headphone known for delivering sound quality that punches well above its price point, often compared to much more expensive models. It features a spacious soundstage and a bass-boosted profile that makes it a popular choice for FPS gaming and rap music. However, its high value is offset by a cheap build quality, a treble-heavy signature that some find piercing, and comfort issues related to clamping force and heat.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price, with some users comparing it to the Beyerdynamic DT 770.
- Spacious and airy soundstage, providing better imaging than many standard gaming headsets.
- Strong performance in FPS games and bass-heavy music genres like rap.
- Lightweight design that remains a favorite for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Cons
- Treble can be overly bright or sibilant, which may be fatiguing for sensitive listeners.
- Build quality feels cheap and fragile; the external cable jack is a frequent point of failure.
- Comfort issues include a high clamping force and ear cups that get hot during extended use.
- Lacks the fine detail found in slightly more expensive studio monitors.
Caveats
- The Evo version specifically has more bass than the original HD681 model.
- Users often recommend modifications, such as adding foam, to tame the sharp treble.
- Durability is a major concern; the headphones may not survive rough handling or frequent travel.
Best for
- Budget-conscious gamers looking for an edge in FPS imaging.
- Listeners who prefer a semi-open back design with boosted bass.
- Users looking for a low-cost entry point into high-fidelity audio.
Avoid if
- You are highly sensitive to sharp or 'bright' high frequencies.
- You require a rugged build for professional or outdoor use.
- You have a large head or are sensitive to strong clamping pressure.
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older, with a median source age of approximately 305 days, which is generally acceptable for stable audio hardware but may not reflect recent manufacturing changes.
Sentiment
11 positive (65%) · 5 mixed (29%) · 1 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted score: +63% · raw score 59%
What redditors said (10 of 17)
I found them to be pretty neutral and airy, lightweight, and decent build for a take on the AKG K240, with mildly better soundstage.
If the 9600 is still somewhat sibilance to you, buy get the superlux hd681 foam and put it between the 9600 driver and the earpad. It'll reduce the treble and bring a bit more bass
I guess something like a Superlux HD-681 with cheap boom mic add-on might beat many gaming headsets in that price range, but I think the upgrade in sound quality is not noticiable enough trade-off over the convenience of an all-in-one gaming headset.
The Superlux HD-681 has the best value for money in the world in terms of sound. The sound quality is similar to that of the Beyerdynamic DT 770.
As I know the Acer have 3500 ANSI but the Optoma is only 2400. ... Also, the Acer have a 10,000:1 contrast
Superlux HD681 Evo - semi-open and a good upgrade, especially for rap music and fps games
Superlux HD681:super affordable(around$40).If you're on a budget,these are definitely worth trying.
Superlux HD-681 (they're semi open back and so if you feel the Philips Fidelio X2HR don't provide good imaging/soundstage, I've never tried these, but you'll likely dislike them. They're under USD $40)
My go to used to be the Superlux HD681, but they died out from execive use. I found them out from a DankPods video, and I'm glad I did. The felt so spacious and that extra treble tickled my ears.
Superlux HD681 Evo
Compare
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