Low price - high fidelity

By: Jonathan Pearlman on 11 January 2022

Gratefully as it turned out, I stumbled across these headphones on a UK sound review site. And whilst my tiny budget just about stretched to a pair of Audio-Technica ath-m40x decided there and then to hedge my bets and spend as little as I could hoping to secure more bang for my bucks! So, today, my brand new and highly affordable headphones arrived in the post (thank you guys for the speedy despatch). The packaging: generally speaking, you can tell a lot from a product's presentation package. Superlux didn't disappoint! They have obviously given much thought over the years to the presentation despite the ridiculous price tag! Similarly, the inclusions belie the cost factor here: no cheap plastic add-ons, simply welcome accessories to what one hoped would not be an inferior product. The sound: for almost 50 years now (and counting) two of my go-to albums with which to test the mettle of any sound output are Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique' and The Beatles 'Abbey Road'. For what it's worth, here is my take: Berlioz: these cans reproduced the majesty and sweep of this magnificent symphony with such clarity and verve I could almost believe I was front and centre at a live concert! The soundstage is simply stunning especially with the timpani, cymbals and tenor drums which announce, with a measure of dread and horror, the 'March to the Scaffold'. Berlioz demands 90 instruments in total and so it can be a challenge with both the wrong baton in hand, a poor mix and an inferior sound system to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of his composition. So, for this exercise, the source was a much-treasured CD spun on an Onkyo player. I connected the Superlux to my Onkyo amp with only slight adjustments to bass and treble. I must admit to some apprehension as to whether the cans could handle each of the highs and lows without distortion or loss of quality. In short, the sound was pure as could be expected at this price range. Indeed, I would have been perfectly happy with the sound if the cans happened to be made by Audio-Technica! The Beatles: side two of the Giles Martin mix now being my preferred test. For this exercise, the source was a high-res lossless file direct from the Mac via a Behringer Audio Interface and its headphone input. In neutral, the reproduction was as good as any I had ever heard before and only slightly enhanced using a basic EQ. Ringo's only solo on record is simply stunningly reproduced here!! In short: don't hesitate if you're in the market for low-price headphones. Certainly low in price but not in quality.

Artist Guitars Response
Thanks for your awesome review! We really appreciate the support. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, we're always happy to help!

Absolutely Great Headphones and Service

By: Colin on 14 December 2021

Everything about them as stated in the product description is accurate and true . I am using them with my Jam Buddy for practice and very impressed with sound quality. To quote from the description " They present a bright and clear sound." and " Will surprise you with its breadth, clarity and dynamic presence." Of course reinforced with the usual awesome product delivery service the Artist team manage.

Artist Guitars Response
It is our pleasure and thank you so much for leaving us this feedback. We really appreciate the support!

Excellent sound quality for price

By: Mo on 5 October 2021

Excellent sound quality headphones for such a small price. Pretty balanced with a bit of extra bass. Also comes with a bunch of useful accessories such as 2 different length audio cables and spare cushioning. They are a bit plastic-y but for the price, not a big deal. Only real con in my opinion is the connection for the audio lead which is a male connector hanging down. This really should be a female connector built into the headphone. I can see this being a failure point if you are not careful.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We really appreciate the support!

Carlover

By: Alan Coutts on 3 June 2021

Great service, prompt delivery and very happy with the headphones.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you very much for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Cheers!

Wow! Amazing for the price.

By: Anonymous on 20 May 2021

I bought these headphones only a few hours ago and I have never been this rushed to write a review. These headphones are a great buy. At this price I was not expecting such great sound quality. I have been playing Psychedelic Symphony by The Church and hearing detail I don't pick up in my much more expensive headphones. I will be buying another set when they are back in stock!

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for the wonderful review and we're stoked to hear that you love your new headphones. Cheers!

HD681 headphones

By: Tom Lees on 29 January 2021

All in all very comfortable Great sound Great value for the price

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for leaving a review about the product. We really appreciate it. Please do not hesitate to contact us or shoot us an email at sales@artistguitars.com.au if you have any concerns or questions.

Amazing

By: Darren brown on 30 August 2020

The sound is very impressive and quality is fantastic Highly recommended

Good headphones, with a design flaw

By: David on 20 August 2020

This is the second pair of these I've bought. First pair was about a year ago. Their sound and construction are both good, except for one weakness. There is a little stub of cable that hangs from one earpiece, which you connect an extension to, so you can vary the length of the cable, or replace it easily if it breaks. BUT the stub cable itself is breaking where it connects to the earpiece. (It may be repairable, but I bought a second set so I have something to use while messing with the old pair).

Good value cans

By: Darren Lucas on 1 June 2020

I like these, the sound is good, the cable arrangement is smart and convenient, however they are a little uncomfortable after long periods, the ear pad options are a nice touch. Great headphones for the price.

Very rich bass for budget phones (but at the expen

By: meons on 18 April 2019

I bought these headphones after reading a glowing review on rtings.com. For budget phones they are decent, the bass is incredible, but the overall sound is very "scooped" and coloured meaning you get a far from flat response. I think high-mids and highs are really lacking detail and output. If you're looking for huge bass, and not much else, these are for you. Not suitable for recording purposes, etc.

Fantastic, especially for the money

By: Anonymous on 18 March 2019

I was looking for a decent pair of open back headphones for less than $100, and that seemed like a big ask, until I stumbled upon the Superlux brand. To be honest I wouldn't have considered it but for the fact that Artist Guitars stocks it, and I've bought lots of great gear from here, so figured "why not do a bit of research on them and see what other people think". Well, the reviews were positive, so I had to try them for myself. And let's just say they definitely lived up to the expectation. The clarity and soundscape are very impressive. You can hear a dip in the mids with a bit more bass and top end (I only really hear this when I compare them to my Audio Technica ATH-m50x's) but that doesn't make them worse, just a little coloured, which is still cool. Very happy with my purchase, would definitely buy this or any other Superlux product again.

Great for Mastering/Monitoring/Mixing

By: Anonymous on 16 February 2019

I Bought a set of these HD681 EVO cans for getting those multi layered midi mixes right before committing them to audio tracks. These are really great for the wide dynamic of a virtual drum kit. You spend a lot on good drums, you wanna get the mix right. I have both versions of the HD681series, and they are way more than what you pay for them. The lead options on this set are just what I needed. Got tired of running over the lead with my chair. The 1m lead took care of that. The longer lead allows for an extention of the other set. Plenty of room to move. I do like the two sets of paddings. In north Queensland, it gets real warm and the softer set are much more forgiving. If I was still a live engineer behind a desk, I'd be real happy to have a set of these for the task. Nice and full range and crisp. Very nice choice AG. Oh, and I might just add that the after support from AG is second to none. Appreciate all your support Jason, Ian, Molly and the crew. The HD681 EVO? 5 Stars!

Superlux HD681 EVO

By: Troy on 9 August 2018

Great detail sound, not the most comfortable around ear when new. Good quality cord and the clip to stop accidental disconnection is great. Artist Guitars are a pleasure to do business with super fast delivery.

Quality

By: Colin on 30 May 2018

Good quality monitoring and listening headphones. The two cable lengths are a great idea as are the extra pads. Comfortable to wear, clear sound and a great price.