When comparing AKG K81 DJ vs Superlux HD 668B, the Slant community recommends AKG K81 DJ for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” AKG K81 DJ is ranked 68th while Superlux HD 668B is ranked 111st. The most important reason people chose AKG K81 DJ is:
Despite the compact size. the bass is full, has great impact, deep extension yet is not loose. The low end also has a natural quality to it that makes these headphones great for music that is performed using real instruments. The mids are slightly recessed, but also have a natural tone. The highs are the most recessed or rolled-off, but the detail and airiness of the music is not totally absent. This quality helps give the sound a smooth and pleasing tonality.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Full bass with adequate levels of mids and highs
Despite the compact size. the bass is full, has great impact, deep extension yet is not loose. The low end also has a natural quality to it that makes these headphones great for music that is performed using real instruments.
The mids are slightly recessed, but also have a natural tone. The highs are the most recessed or rolled-off, but the detail and airiness of the music is not totally absent. This quality helps give the sound a smooth and pleasing tonality.
Pro Ear cups can swivel facing outwards
The K81 can be used “DJ style”, wherein only one ear cup is in contact with the head. The cups have a smooth swivel action so they can be rotated to face outwards. A user can choose to hold one ear cup up to his or her ear while flipping switches or turning knobs on the mix board with the other hand.
Pro Easy to travel with
While these are already quite compact, the ear cups can be folded into the headband to reduce their size even further. This makes them easy to stuff inside a bag and travel with.
Pro Comfortable to wear even with extended use
The clamping force is not too much at all, so acceptable levels of pressure will be applied on the ears. Also, the ear pads are thick with ample pleather padding on the surface. This combination provides adequate cushioning between the ear cups and sides of the head.
Pro Can fit a wide range of head sizes
The aluminum headband itself has some good flex. Combined with the sliding mechanism of the ear cups, K81 can be adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes. Also notable are the numbered steps on each side of the headband, which allow for accurate and consistent ear cup positioning.
Pro Feels high quality
Although it's mostly made of plastic, the materials don't feel cheap at all. Aside from feeling sturdy, the plastics have a smooth rubber coating which makes them feel premium to the touch. Also, the headband is made out of aluminum which is significantly more durable than an all plastic one.
Pro Good sound quality with nice, full bass and lively highs
The low end is powerful and punchy, adding a lot of thump to the music. Explosions from movies and games really stand out. Hip hop and EDM genres will also work well with these headphones.
Highs are forward, so audio details can easily be appreciated.
The mids on the other hand are recessed, which results in a V-shaped sound that many consider to be fun-sounding.
Pro Wide sound stage
The semi-open design results in a wide and natural sound stage. Combined with the great sound imaging, these headphones can give an immersive audio listening experience.
Pro Soft and comfortable on the head
The ear pads and headband are cushioned with thick foam which can help give a comfortable listening experience.
Pro Cable can easily be changed
Connected to the left ear cup is a 3.5mm breakaway male jack, where you can attach a 3.5mm female to male cable. Changing and replacing cables should be easy because of this feature.
Pro Comes with two headphone cables
It comes with a 1-meter cable and a 3-meter cable out of the box. Not only does this give you the option as to the the cable length that suits your needs, but you also have a spare cable available in case one gets damaged.
Cons
Con On-ear design can still be uncomfortable
While the ear pads are thick and give a lot of cushioning, some may still find this to be uncomfortable. Being on-ear, some pressure is applied onto the ears.Those who are sensitive to this may still feel some discomfort, especially when worn for several hours straight.
Con Highs may sound too recessed
People who prefer their music with sparkly highs and utmost clarity likely won't find these headphones to be a good listen.
Con Lengthy cable can be a hassle
The cable is 2.5m which is fairly long. Since it is not detachable and the cable tends to tangle quite easily, it may cause some problems with regular home use or when taking these headphones on the go.
Con Clamping force can be a bit too tight
While this is somehow mitigated by the thick foam on the ear pads, users who are sensitive to clamping pressure will very likely find these to be a little too firm.
Con Highs can be harsh
The highs are clear and forward, but at times can also be too much. The sound can get fatiguing to listen to, especially if the user is sensitive to treble.
Con Feels flimsy
The 668B's build is primarily made of plastic, and the fit and finish is not that great. You will hear and feel a lot of rattling and the plastic will flex often. These are budget headphones and it shows in the build quality.
Con Heat can build up quickly around the ears
The vinyl material that covers the ear pads may feel soft and comfortable on the skin, but it also traps heat pretty well. Heat can build-up quickly around the ears, which can be uncomfortable for most.