Superlux HD-681 Evo BK Reviews

definitely worth a buy!

Compared to the non-EVO-version this is a real plus! The included extra pair of ear pads is very nice. In case you're playing longer gigs with your headphones you can choose the leather ear pads because they are not as warm as the included velour pads. At home just switch to the extra velour pads to get a very comfortable feeling! Another big plus is the detachable cable in combination with the two included cable lengths of 1m and 3m. The overall sound quality is very good. It is very musical and definitely worth a try for studio musicans and other enthusiants!

Everthing they were rumoured to be

These cans are the reward for anyone does a little research and try new things and the pricing means it was a low risk proposition.

If you read the reviews, you'll see that very few people find fault with the sound : it's revealing, untainted (no apparent bias) and no apparent weakspots. The sound is warmer after several hours use and they are comfortable for long listening sessions.

In the interests of balance, I should point out a couple of tiny points that i like less : they are a bit large (but not heavy) and they look odd anywhere outside the studio. They are also semi-open - so there is noise leak if you're thinking about office use.

For those seeking comparision, or a frame of reference, I've retired my Grado SR 80's because of these. I previously liked Sennheiser PX100s, and Equation Audio RP21 and AKG eth55. These have the better sound, they are the most pleasing overall, and the cheapest by a mile. I havent heard better and for a comparable sound, you'd have to spend around 150 quid for something like Sennheiser HD25s - and I notice other people here rate them even higher !

The fact that Superlux do it for this price makes me very cynical of more establish brands and their pricing. Well done Superlux.

An Improved HD681

I have the HD681 as well as the HD681b. The Evo is imo, the best vesrion of the HD681.

The bass is on about the same level as the HD681 but the treble seems more refined and less edgy.

The sound itself is wrapped on top of a big hearted bass. The bottom end is ramped up, very similar to the HD681 of old. However, the treble is less edgy so the headphone seems warmer and more bass focused. However, there is also a peak in the treble giving the top end a nice 'bite.'

The comfort is ok. I would suggest changing the pads for velour pads. A little more comfortable and less 'hot' for the ears.

I'm not keen on the shiny plastic finish on the sides. They are fingerprint magnets and I will be using a fine wet and dry cloth to rub this finish down to a matt look.

It comes with two cables that are easily attached to the headphone. One is nice and short for using with portable equipment and another to lengthen the lead.

For this kind of money, the HD681 evo is an absolute bargain if you like a bass led sound with good clarity and reasonable sensitivity for portables. It works exceedingly well with an amp and the bass is perhaps a tad more controlled.

Worth every penny.