SAMSON SR850G Professional Studio Reference Open Ear Headphones | Graphite Edition
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AI Verdict
A 32-ohm, semi-open headphone with 50mm drivers, designed for studio reference, but expect a bright treble response and a non-detachable 2.5m cable.
These headphones offer a situational fit due to their lightweight 1.34-pound construction and self-adjusting headband, which can provide initial comfort. However, the shallow circumaural earcups often result in ears pressing against the drivers, causing discomfort during extended listening sessions for many users.
If comfort for long sessions is a priority, look for headphones with deeper earcups or a weight under 0.75 pounds.
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Pros
- 50mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets deliver an extended frequency response from 10 Hz to 30 kHz.
- Semi-open design provides an open and airy sound profile.
- Velour circumaural earpads and a self-adjusting headband contribute to comfort for some users during long listening sessions.
- Low 32-ohm impedance means they are easily driven by most devices without an amplifier.
- Includes a 1/4" stereo adapter for broader compatibility.
Cons
- Treble can be harsh, piercing, and sibilant, particularly in the 8-10kHz range, causing listening fatigue for some.
- Build quality is largely plastic and feels flimsy, with reports of earpad tearing and small cracks.
- Non-detachable 2.5m cable can be prone to cable noise and is not replaceable if damaged.
- Shallow earcups may cause ears to press against the drivers, leading to discomfort after extended use.
- Semi-open design offers no noise isolation and leaks sound, making them unsuitable for recording or noisy environments.
Dimension Scores
The 50mm drivers deliver an open and airy sound with a wide 10 Hz – 30 kHz frequency response, though the treble can be harsh and sibilant, requiring EQ for some listeners.
As semi-open headphones, they offer no noise control and allow ambient sound in while leaking sound out.
The 1.34-pound weight and self-adjusting headband provide initial comfort, but shallow velour earcups often cause ears to press against drivers, leading to discomfort during extended use.
These are wired headphones and do not have a battery, so battery life is not applicable.
Best For
- Budget-conscious audio mixing and mastering in quiet studio environments.
- Critical listening for budding audiophiles who prefer a revealing sound signature.
- Casual listening at home where sound leakage is not an issue.
- Gaming where imaging is prioritized over soundstage expanse.
Not Recommended For
- Recording vocals or instruments due to significant sound leakage into microphones.
- Commuting or use in noisy public spaces, as they offer no noise control.
- Bass-heavy music genres, as the bass response is described as lean.
Watch Out For
- The non-detachable 2.5m cable is a single point of failure; if it breaks, the headphones are unusable without repair.
- Users report the stock velour earpads can be shallow, causing ears to touch the drivers and leading to discomfort after an hour of use.
- The treble can be overly bright and sibilant, requiring EQ adjustments for a more balanced sound.
- Build materials are mostly plastic, leading to concerns about long-term durability and potential for cracks or tears in earpads.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 809164227311 |
| ASIN | B0F496LZLH |
| Brand | SAMSON |
| Color | Graphite |
| Style | Graphite Edition |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Material | Fabric, Metal |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Generation | 1 |
| Model Name | SR850 Graphite Edition |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Item Weight | 1.34 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Samson |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | None |
| Control Method | Push Button |
| Earpiece Shape | over_ear |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Distinctive Driver Configuration, Self-adjusting Headband, 1/4" Stereo Adapter Included |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | SASR850G |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, Desktops, Music Production Equipment, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Telephones, Smart Speakers, Televisions, Car Audio Systems, Cellphones |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Package Dimensions | 9.29 x 8.74 x 4.61 inches |
| Included Components | Cable, Gold-Plated 1/4" Adapter |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the sound quality for the price, often comparing them favorably to more expensive studio headphones, especially for their open and airy sound. However, a recurring complaint is the sharp, sometimes fatiguing treble, which often needs to be tamed with EQ. The build quality, being mostly plastic, feels inexpensive, and the non-detachable cable is a concern for long-term durability. Comfort is a mixed bag, with shallow earcups causing issues for some after an hour or so of use, despite the lightweight design.
“Honestly, for like forty bucks, these sound way better than they have any right to, but man, that treble can just slice your ears after a bit, and the plastic feels like it'll snap if you look at it wrong.”
Common Praise
- Sound is open and airy, providing a revealing listening experience.
- Sound quality is comparable to headphones costing significantly more.
- Low 32-ohm impedance allows them to be driven by almost any device.
- The included 1/4" adapter is convenient for studio equipment.
- Lightweight design contributes to initial comfort.
Common Complaints
- Treble frequencies are often too harsh, piercing, or sibilant, causing headaches or fatigue.
- Build materials are predominantly plastic, making them feel flimsy and raising durability concerns.
- Earcups are shallow, causing ears to touch the drivers and leading to discomfort during long sessions.
- The cable is permanently attached and can't be replaced if it breaks.
- No noise isolation means ambient sounds are clearly audible and sound leaks out.
Ownership Tips
- The stock earpads might need to be swapped out for deeper, more comfortable aftermarket pads, especially if your ears are larger or you wear glasses.
- You'll likely find yourself using an equalizer to tame the harshness in the upper frequencies, particularly around 8-10kHz.
- Be careful with the non-detachable cable; it's a weak point, and a break means the headphones are done unless you're handy with soldering.
- Despite the 'studio reference' label, don't expect these to isolate you from your environment; everyone around you will hear your audio if the volume is up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these headphones suitable for recording vocals?
No, the semi-open design means they leak sound significantly, which will be picked up by microphones during recording. You'll want closed-back headphones for recording.
Do I need an amplifier to use these headphones?
No, with a 32-ohm impedance, these headphones are easily driven by most phones, laptops, and audio interfaces without needing a dedicated amplifier.
Can the cable be replaced if it breaks?
The cable is non-detachable, so it cannot be easily replaced. If the cable breaks, it would require a repair or replacement of the headphones.
Are the earpads comfortable for long listening periods?
While they come with velour earpads, many users report that the earcups are shallow, causing ears to touch the drivers and leading to discomfort after about an hour. Some users replace them with aftermarket pads for better comfort.
How is the bass response?
The bass is present and has some impact, but it's described as lean and not emphasized. If you prefer a strong, thumping bass, these might not be for you.
Buying Guide
When looking at headphones, especially for studio use, you need to think about how they're built and how they sound. 'Open-back' means they let sound in and out, which creates a more natural soundstage but offers zero isolation. 'Impedance' tells you how much power they need; lower numbers mean your phone can drive them, higher numbers usually need an amplifier. Driver size, like 50mm, generally indicates they can move more air for better bass, but it's not the only factor for sound quality.
Type: Over Ear, Semi-Open
This means the earcups fully enclose your ears, and the semi-open design allows some sound to escape and enter. It creates a wider, more natural soundstage than closed-back headphones, like listening to speakers in a room, but it also means no noise isolation and others can hear your audio.
Driver: Dynamic Driver, 50mm
The dynamic driver is the most common type, using a magnet and voice coil to move a diaphragm and create sound. A 50mm size indicates a larger driver, which can often produce a fuller sound, especially in the bass frequencies, compared to smaller drivers.
Connectivity: Wired
Wired headphones connect directly to your audio source with a cable. This means no batteries to charge, no latency issues, and generally higher fidelity audio compared to wireless options, but you're tethered to your device.
Impedance: 32 ohms
Impedance is the electrical resistance of the headphones. At 32 ohms, these are considered low-impedance headphones, meaning they don't require much power to get loud. You can plug them directly into a phone, laptop, or audio interface without needing a separate headphone amplifier.
Alternatives
If you need better noise isolation or a more robust build, look for closed-back headphones with a detachable cable. For a smoother treble response, search for headphones with a more neutral frequency curve, especially in the 8-10kHz range.
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