Home Headphone Comparisons Samson SR850 vs. Superlux HD668B [With Video]

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Greetings friend and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into the Samson SR850 vs. Superlux HD668B, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

Today I will provide a no-nonsense comparison of these two, and then give my recommendation towards the end. 🙂

  1. Similarities & Differences
  2. Samson SR850 Video
  3. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Both are really good for gaming because of the immersive detail and positional sound. They both have a very spacious soundstage, especially for lower-end headphones. What is Soundstage?
  • Both are over-ear (Circumaural), and semi open back. Closed back vs. Open back headphones.
  • Both ear pads are replaceable, and both ear-cups have a rounded shape rather than an oval.
  • Both have a 3.5mm to 1/4″ adapter.
  • Both have the same frequency response of 10Hz – 30kHz.
  • Both have that AKG K240 studio look-alike thing going on. That was the first thing that struck me upon opening the SR850’s. They remind me a lot of the K240’s, although I think they are a bit heavier and seem more durable actually!
  • Both use 50mm drivers. What is a Headphone Driver?
  • Both have 98dB of sensitivity.

Differences

  • Bass. The 668B has more bass under 60Hz.
  • Impedance. The impedance of each is different. 32 Ohm for the 850’s vs. 56 for the 668B. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • Volume. The 850s are a bit louder overall than the 668B. Also, the 850s are drier and more analytical/edgy than the 668B. The mid-bass of the 668B is warmer, and the treble is a bit different. The 668B is more natural with a better Timbre. What is Timbre? I would say the 668B does better with genres in the vein of Jazz and Classical, while the 850 does better with more modern stuff. The 850 is very crisp to my ears and seems to do well with a variety of genres. It’s an extremely balanced and detailed can, with no added emphasis on any particular frequency outside of that treble spike which can be problematic.
  • Amp. Because the 850 is a bit louder, it really doesn’t need amplification, while the 668B could benefit from it but doesn’t require it. How to choose a headphone amp!
  • Mid-range. It’s more forward on the 668B.
  • Treble. There is a spike around 10kHz on the 850. I did find them to be pretty bright at times, and fairly essy sounding. Do note that this headphone will sound somewhat artificial in many instances.
  • Headband. The 668B has that weird winged headband thing that the Audio Technica ATH AD900x has. The Samson has the same hammock-style headband but without the wings. I find it to be very convenient and do not like the winged structure. You can find out why in the 900x review above. 🙂
  • Ear-pads. Samson’s velour/foam pads are more comfortable than the 668B’s pads.
  • Detachable cable. The SR850’s do not have a detachable cable, while the 668B’s do. The 668B also comes with a 1m and 3m cable, while the 850 only has a single non-detachable cable. The 668B’s have a rather odd presentation as far as the headphone jack. It’s a short cable with a 1/8″ stereo plug that sticks out of the left earpiece. You can then attach one of the provided cables. The 850s are your traditional outfit.

My Video Review

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Final Word

Which one of these you go for depends on the sound signature that you’re after. They are very alike in a lot of ways, but I much prefer the traditional headband of the 850. While I do appreciate a detachable cable, I don’t find it a deal-breaker. Both are great for gaming, but for music think about these things before purchase:

If you listen to more laid-back music like Jazz and Classical, and genres that don’t really demand loudness or excitement, the 668B is the way to go. It’s got more of a forward mid-range, and the treble is a bit less edgy overall with a warmer Timbre. What is Timbre? This basically means there’s more of a realistic sense about them, but that’s not to say the 850s aren’t. They’re just a little more intense. The 668B’s are definitely more of a “chill out” type of headphone. Interested?

SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!

If you like a brighter sound overall, and a headphone capable of working with many genres, the 850 is your boy. The ear pads are more comfortable, and the hammock headband is a nice convenience over the traditional mechanism. I really love the sound of these and was shocked at just how good they are especially for the price. I have to say these really do compete with headphones costing a lot more. The sound is crisp, alive, and has just the right amount of intensity to keep you excited. Interested in learning more?

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEWS ON AMAZON!!

OR

CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL SAMSON SR850 REVIEW!!


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Samson SR850 vs. Superlux HD668B comparison.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Looking for something else? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Which of these tickles YOUR pickle? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

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8 comments

Farhan April 19, 2021 - 11:03 am

Sweet. Great comparison of 2 headphones I have been really on the fence about. Just a few things: you keep mentioning that since the 668Bs have a better timbre, the 850s would be suited for more modern stuff. Well considering I listen to alot of electronic music (like daft punk, anamanaguchi, dorian, 100 gecs, Lorde), I really appreciate hearing the details separated. So would you still say I should go for the 850s?
Also, is the bass in the 668Bs textured, instead of boomy?
Thanks

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 22, 2021 - 4:02 am

Thank you! Yeah man, there is loads of detail present in the 850, but I think a lot of it is the brighter treble contributing to that. You will get a lot of separation and clarity though.

I mean, there’s a rise in the mid-bass on the 668B for sure, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it boomy. It’s more of a gradual, rounded-off curve and not really a jarring peak, so if you do want some extra meat, go with the Superlux. The 850 can sometimes sound kind of dry but it’s still a great headphone for its price. I would classify the 850 bass as more textured actually. It just doesn’t have a lot of slam.

Let me know if that helps!

Reply
Dori November 30, 2022 - 12:59 am

Hi Stu,
Long time passed since my last comment
(Tyll Hertsens was still doing reviews in innerfidelity 🙂
Anyway, great to see you are still with us.
I was wondering how do you compare both headphones to Superlux hd 681?
I had Superlux hd 688b which I really loved, but after 5 years the small cable got broken.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 30, 2022 - 6:26 pm

Wow! Which article did you comment on? Nice to see you back! Also just for clarification, are we referring to the 668B or 688? I thought you may have made a typo but apparently, there’s a 688? Lol. Without the B. That’s why I’m asking.

Gosh, I miss Tyll. 🙁 He was such an objective voice in a sea of shills.

Reply
Dori December 1, 2022 - 1:02 am

Oh, I am sorry. Yeah I made a typo. I meant
The HD668B 🙂
I had no I idea about 688 lol.
As for the article, it was was this one:
https://homestudiobasics.com/the-sennheiser-hd-600-review-gold-standard/
From April 3, 2016 .
We were 6 years younger 🙂
Btw, I miss him too.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 1, 2022 - 3:46 pm

Wow! It means a lot you came back after all these years lol.

As far as the 681 vs. 668B, the sound is very very similar but the 668B has a bit more mid-bass emphasis, more roll-off in the sub-bass, and the mid-range rise around 2-3kHz is slightly more. Aside from those things, these are very close in tuning.

As far as those 2 vs. the SR850, the main difference is that the 850’s bass rolls off considerably – perhaps even more so than the 668B.

It’s not a huge deal, but I always felt like the 850 could use a bit more thump although it’s still a very good headphone. The treble also may hiss a bit more than the 668B and 681, so keep that in mind as well.

Let me know if that helps Dori! Don’t be a stranger 🙂

-Stu

Reply
Dori December 1, 2022 - 6:08 pm

Thanks for the reply.
Actually I came back before a year or so. But I was just reading your reviews.
I never really left, I just forgot the name of your site and thought that you are done with headphones. So before a year when I discovered again your site I was happy to see you still doing reviews.
Anywhy, I ordered now the hd 681 and when I get it I will tell you my thoughts about it 🙂

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 3, 2022 - 11:11 pm

Thanks, Dori! Definitely keep me posted and thank you for your continued support! 🙂

Reply

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