Basic technical parameter:
Dynamic driver, 50mm driver diameter
Semi – Open headphone
98dB sensitivity creates 1 KHz
Frequency range 10 – 30000Hz
Impedance 32Ohm
Earpad made of artificial leather
Quality of processing and associated accessories:
An improvement from the old HD681, this time Superlux gives us a more premium, more beautiful design. However, because Superlux is an OEM manufacturer, this product is still a bit of an AKG or Audio Technica product.
Overall, HD861EVO is made up of plastic, only the two upper fixed bars are metal. Material paint is glossy, easy to stick fingerprints. If it is rough paint, it will probably be more aesthetic and enhance the product value. The sound opening in the ear cup is beautifully made, the trim is neat and sharp. Leatherette earpad is very soft, the stitching line is not faulty. The headband follows AKG’s design, of course it is not smooth, but it is still very comfortable to wear.
Accessories come with a user manual, 1 jack from 3.5 -> 6.3mm. 2 separate wires (1m and 3m), depending on the needs of the user, which is suitable for use, 1 pair of replacement pad (note the material of this replacement pad is velvet, not leatherette), 1 headphone pouch. It must be said that the number of accessories of this device is too full. This is the score I highly appreciate at Superlux.
Sound quality:
Source: iPod Classic. Using some live recording tracks, OST of some Anime, Yao Si Ting to test sibilance and mid level details,….
Bass:
If in the old HD681, the bass is not deep, the amount is not much but it is not focused, the HD681 EVO has improved a lot. The amount of bass is more, the force is quite strong, just deep enough, not rampant, quite concentrated. However, it is a bit slow so it is difficult to perform rock and metal performances well. This type of bass makes the overall sound quality somewhat warmer.
Mid:
Still like the Superlux characteristic, the midrange is still extremely detailed, beating every headphone at the same price range, you can detect the smallest sound, which normally cannot be performed by other headphones. If in the old version, the mid tone was a bit backward, in the new Evo, the mid tone was pushed up, thicker, more emotional. And especially very little sibilance (hiss when singers pronounce “s”, “ch”). Completely different from the original, sibilance is very severe. With this neutral mid tone, it is suitable for listening to both male and female vocalists.
Treble:
With the two bass and mid bands that have performed well, I personally do not expect the treble strip of a product of this budget. But the treble strip of HD681EVO still performed very well, not being “flat” as the old version (partly because the overall sound of this new EVO has a tendency to be warm, not dazzling as the old version). No grit, if not too strict, this is probably one of the full size headphones with good treble in the price range.
Soundstage and sound:
Still the inherent identity of the Superlux headphones, the soundstage is very wide, partly due to its semi – open design. The image is also quite accurate, through testing with Live recordings, the writer can “guess” the location of the sound source of each musician. This will support very well in the FPS game genre.
Audio performance
1. Sound signature
a. Frequency response
Bass: The HD681EVO tends to land on a well balanced low end. those low frequencies show up with confidence, but they don’t steamroll the mids and highs… instead it stays composed. the bass feels controlled, with a bit of punch, and you still get that satisfying sense of depth for music and even for sound effects.
Mids: The middle frequencies come through clean and full of small details. Vocals, plus different instruments, can sit out front in a natural way. there’s enough clarity in the mids to keep male and female voices sounding true, not smeared or veiled.
Highs: The treble, or in other words the high end, is crisp and easy to follow. the highs extend nicely, so the whole sound profile gets extra sparkle and texture. that said, they do not turn overly sharp or sibilant, so it stays fairly balanced rather than fatiguing.
b. Soundstage and imaging
Soundstage: The HD681EVO gives you a roomy soundstage for the money. You get a feeling of distance, width, and space, so it’s easier to tell where things are happening across a track.
Imaging: Imaging is precise, with a solid sense of positioning. Audio elements land where they should, and that makes the listening experience feel more immersive. it also works well for both music sessions and gaming, since cues stay readable and organized.
2. Performance in Different Use Cases
a. Music
Genres: The HD681EVO kinda holds up nicely across a variety of music styles. Like from classical stuff to electronic and rock, the headphones give a balanced tonal feel that really boosts the whole listening moment. Detail: what stands out is the way it can reproduce fine details in music , so it’s a good pick for critical listening, not just casual playback. It can surface those small, almost hidden nuances inside recordings, which helps you actually hear the full audio spectrum the way it was intended and not just “more noise”.
b. Gaming
Immersion: The spacious soundstage combined with accurate imaging makes the experience feel more immersive, if that makes sense. With the HD681EVO , gamers can pick up on faint environmental cues and also figure out where opponents are coming from more easily. Comfort: the design feels comfortable enough that you can wear them for longer stretches without getting that annoying fatigue. That matters for long gaming sessions where you dont want to trade comfort for audio quality, you know.
c. Movies and Media
Cinematic Experience: The HD681EVO brings a more cinematic vibe, mainly because the audio reproduction is clear and feels lively. It handles a wide range of sounds well ,so the headphones work for movie nights and media binge-watching. Dialogue: midrange clarity is strong enough that dialogue stays easy to understand even when the soundtrack and effects are doing a lot , at the same time.
Comfort and Ergonomics
1. Comfort when Wearing
a. Ear Cups
Padding: The ear pads feel soft and cushioned, so they make a snug little seal around the ears. In turn, this sort of setup helps in cutting down outside noise , and it also boosts that more “in there” audio immersion.
Breathability: The material on the ear pads has some breathability too. That means the ears stay cooler, and there’s less chance of excessive sweating when you’re using them for a longer stretch of time.
b. Headband
Adjustability: The adjustable headband lets you set the fit just how you prefer. Plus, the padding on the headband helps spread the pressure more evenly , so you don’t feel that pressure-buildup discomfort after a while.
Fit: The overall fit feels secure but still comfortable, and it works across different head sizes without putting undue stress in one spot.
2. Portability
a. Foldable Design
Portability: The Superlux HD681EVO does not have a foldable design, so it might be less portable than some other models. If you travel often, you may want to grab a proper carrying case , so the headphones get protected during transport.
b. Cable Management
Cable Length: The cable length is pretty decent for most situations. It reaches far enough for relaxed listening when you’re seated. Still, the cable is not detachable, which could matter if you want extra flexibility with replacements or cable swaps.
Connectivity and Compatibility
1. Connectivity Options
a. Cable
Wired connection: The HD681EVO uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack , so you get that “plug and forget” feeling. It also tends to stay stable and pretty interference-free which is nice, in real use and not just on paper.
Length: The cable length feels enough for most setups, meaning you can connect to different devices without constantly fighting the cord.
b. Compatibility
Devices: The Superlux HD681EVO works with a lot of devices, like computers, smartphones, tablets, and even gaming consoles. Because it’s a 3.5mm jack, it stays flexible for a variety of audio sources.
2. Adaptability
a. Impedance and Power Handling
Impedance: With 32 ohms , the HD681EVO is easy to drive and should be fine across many devices, without making you chase extra amplification.
Power handling: It can manage moderate power levels pretty well, giving decent volume, plus clarity , without that ugly distortion you sometimes get when things are pushed.
Conclude:
For 50 dollars, this model is one of those over full size headphones, with a really strong value per price.
The 681EVO sound is balanced across all 3 bands. The soundstage feels wide, the small details are there, and you can still hear the Superlux tradition. Because of that, it can do gaming too , especially if you care about detail and sound precision.
And if you’re after a headphone with a nice look, solid build quality, and the ability to play a variety of music while also covering casual gaming, the Superlux HD681EVO is a choice that you probably should not skip.
Superlux HD-681 EVO (Black): Buy it now
Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White: Buy it now
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
