When comparing Superlux HD 681 vs Superlux HD 668B, the Slant community recommends Superlux HD 681 for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Superlux HD 681 is ranked 5th while Superlux HD 668B is ranked 111st. The most important reason people chose Superlux HD 681 is:
The HD681 will not put a lot of strain to your neck and head, even for long periods. Coming in at around 220 g, they are relatively light. This is due to the use of plastic as the primary build material, along with small metal tubes on the headband frame instead of large plastic or metal parts.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Not tiring to wear
The HD681 will not put a lot of strain to your neck and head, even for long periods. Coming in at around 220 g, they are relatively light. This is due to the use of plastic as the primary build material, along with small metal tubes on the headband frame instead of large plastic or metal parts.
Pro Bass and treble are emphasized
These headphones have what is called a V-shaped sound signature where the bass and treble is boosted while the mids take a backseat. The bass is powerful, deep and satisfying. Listening to bass heavy music will certainly be a good experience. The boosted treble makes audio detail up front, so nuances in the music can be clearly heard.
Pro Fairly wide soundstage
Due to the semi-open design, the sound is not completely trapped inside the ear cup housing. This gives the sound a wider, more natural feel.
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 May feel cheap and flimsy
The plastics used in the construction of these headphones are not of the best quality. They feel flimsy and will often flex and rattle.
Con Thin ear pads may cause comfort issues
The ear pads are made of cheap feeling synthetic leather which can get warm rather quickly. To potentially add more discomfort, the cushioning inside these ear pads is quite thin, and can hurt the area around your ears when worn for many hours straight.
Con Mids can be lacking
Some may find the mids to be inadequate. Vocals, guitars and other sounds in the mid-frequencies may sound distant or too soft.
Con Treble can be harsh
While the bass benefits greatly from the V-shaped sound signature, the highs are boosted by quite a lot, and can make the treble sound too harsh for some. Cymbal hits for example can be too washy and near distorted and can be fatiguing.
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.