The Samson SR850 has a cult-like following when it comes to budget headphones that sound much better than their price.
Whether you’re a beginner music producer, a casual listener, or just someone who loves crisp audio without burning a hole in your wallet, chances are you’ve heard about these semi-open reference headphones.
But with so many new models entering the market in 2025, the big question is: Are the Samson SR850 headphones still worth buying this year?
Pros and Cons
Let’s sum it up with the pros and cons to give you a quick reference:
✅ Pros
- Incredible value for money – performs like a headphone twice the price.
- Clear and balanced sound – especially the mids and highs.
- Wide soundstage – great for mixing and spatial listening.
- Comfortable headband system – auto-adjusting strap fits most heads.
- Good for studio and gaming – versatile use case.
❌ Cons
- Treble can be sharp – especially for sensitive ears.
- Shallow ear pads – may cause discomfort after hours of use.
- Non-detachable cable – not ideal for mobile or professional portability.
- Basic build quality – all plastic, not rugged for travel or abuse.
Design and Build Quality
The Samson SR850 doesn’t look like a luxury item at first glance, but its simple design works well for what it is.These are semi-open-back studio headphones, which means they combine some of the natural soundstage of open-back headphones with the isolation benefits of closed-back models.
Semi-Open-Back Aesthetic
The semi-open design isn’t just for show. It gives the SR850 a wider soundstage, making it perfect for mixing, mastering, and enjoying detailed music playback.
The exterior design features a mostly matte-black plastic frame with exposed vent grilles on each earcup—indicating the open nature of its acoustic design. While not flashy, it’s purpose-built.
Build Materials and Durability
Build-wise, the SR850 uses mostly plastic components, but the construction is surprisingly solid. There’s no creaking or weak points in the headband or earcups during regular use.
The adjustable headband features a self-adjusting leatherette strap, which feels a bit stiff out of the box but adapts with time.
While it lacks the premium materials of higher-end headphones, the SR850 holds up well over months—even years—of usage. Many users report no structural issues even after regular use in both home and studio settings.
Cable and Connector Details
The non-detachable 2.5-meter cable is straight and rubber-coated—not braided—and ends in a standard 3.5mm jack with a ¼-inch adapter included.
It’s a bit long for mobile use, but perfect for studio setups or desk listening. The cable can’t be replaced, which may be a downside for some, but it’s thick enough to feel durable.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a major deciding factor when choosing headphones, especially if you wear them for long hours—whether you’re editing a podcast, producing music, or just enjoying a late-night playlist.
The Samson SR850 makes a solid effort in this department, especially considering its budget price point.
Headband Suspension System
Instead of a traditional adjustable headband with notches, the SR850 uses a self-adjusting suspension headband. It features a thin metal arc on top and a leatherette strap below that automatically conforms to your head shape when you put it on.
This is a clever design for comfort, as it distributes pressure evenly and prevents the dreaded “hotspot” on the crown of your head that cheaper rigid bands often cause.
However, the leatherette strap can feel stiff when new and may take a few days to break in. Over time, it molds better to your head, making longer sessions more pleasant.
Earcups Padding and Pressure
The velour-style earpads are breathable, which is a big win—especially for those living in warmer climates or wearing them for long periods.
However, the depth of the pads is quite shallow, so if you have larger ears, they might press against the drivers. Some users upgrade to thicker aftermarket pads for improved comfort.
The clamping force is moderate—not too tight to cause headaches, but snug enough to keep the headphones in place. For smaller heads, it might feel a bit loose, but for most users, it hits a sweet spot after the initial adjustment period.
Long Session Comfort Test
In practical tests, the SR850 works pretty well for sessions that last 2 to 3 hours. Because the design is semi-open and the pads let air flow through, there isn’t much heat buildup.
But if you plan to wear them for more than five hours a day, especially in a studio, it’s a good idea to replace the stock earpads with memory foam or deeper velour ones.
Sound Quality and Performance
Let’s talk about what matters most: how the Samson SR850 sounds. If you’re expecting punchy, bass-heavy audio like mainstream consumer headphones, you’ll be surprised.
The SR850 is a reference headphone, meaning it’s built for accuracy, not enhancement—and that’s a good thing depending on your needs.
Frequency Response Breakdown (10Hz – 30kHz)
The SR850 features a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 30kHz, far beyond what the human ear can hear. While the numbers look impressive, what really counts is how it translates to actual listening—and it performs exceptionally well for its price.
You get tight, articulate mids, slightly emphasized highs, and a clean but not overpowering bass. This makes them great for hearing detail in vocals, instruments, and ambient effects.
Clarity, Bass, Mids, and Treble Explained
- Bass: The low end is clean and present but not thumping. You’ll hear bass lines clearly, but you won’t feel them like in bass-boosted headphones. Some users describe the bass as slightly “lean” or “neutral”—ideal for mixing, but maybe not for bassheads.
- Mids: This is where the SR850 shines. Vocals, guitars, and strings come through with stunning clarity. There’s very little distortion or muddiness in this range, which is why many producers love these for voice work or acoustic music.
- Treble: The highs are bright—maybe a bit too bright for some. Sibilance (harshness on “S” sounds) can be noticeable at first. But with a slight EQ tweak or pad upgrade, it becomes more balanced and natural.
Soundstage and Imaging – Wide or Boxy?
The soundstage is surprisingly wide for a pair of headphones that costs less than $50 because of the semi-open design.
You can easily tell where each instrument is, which makes it great for gaming, orchestral music, or mixing tracks with multiple layers.
At this price point, imaging, or the ability to place sounds in space, is much better than expected. Compared to regular closed-back headphones, it makes listening feel more “3D.”
Features and Specifications
While the SR850 doesn’t come with Bluetooth, ANC, or other flashy features, it has everything you need for honest, reliable listening.
Driver Size, Impedance & Sensitivity
The headphones house 50mm drivers, which are large enough to move plenty of air and deliver detailed sound. The impedance is 32 ohms, meaning you can plug them into a smartphone, laptop, or basic interface without needing an external amplifier. Sensitivity is rated at around 98dB, which is decent—not super loud, but enough for everyday listening.
In short: these are plug-and-play headphones, even for beginners with zero audio gear.
Compatibility with Phones, PCs & Audio Interfaces
Because of the 32Ω impedance, the SR850 works well with phones, PCs, tablets, and entry-level audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or Behringer UM2. You won’t get distortion or imbalance even at high volume levels.
However, for the best results, pairing it with a dedicated DAC or interface will improve overall clarity and depth. But it’s not mandatory—just a nice bonus if you’re an audiophile or producer.
Who Should Use It? (Gaming, Mixing, General Listening)
- Music Producers and mix engineers: The flat and honest response makes it ideal for critical listening.
- Gamers: The wide soundstage helps in spatial awareness—footsteps, reloading sounds, and environmental effects stand out.
- Casual Listeners: If you prefer a clear, natural sound over hyped bass, you’ll appreciate these for long playlists, podcasts, or movies.
What you won’t get are features like wireless connectivity, noise cancellation, or touch controls. But what you do get is a solid, accurate listening tool—rare at this price.
Price and Value in 2025
One of the biggest selling points of the Samson SR850 is its unbelievable price-to-performance ratio. In 2025, this headphone still holds strong as a top-tier budget option.
Current Price Breakdown ($35–$50)
Depending on the store or location, you can find the SR850 priced between $35 and $50 USD. On Amazon, it typically floats around $39. Some bundles include a 1/4″ adapter or a carrying pouch, which makes it even better value.
For a studio-grade headphone offering detailed sound and a semi-open soundstage, this pricing is impressive. Most headphones in this price range sound either too bass-heavy, muffled, or cheaply built. The SR850 defies that norm.
Competitors Comparison
Let’s compare it to a few rivals in the same category:
- AKG K240 – Costs around $60–$70, similar semi-open design, but requires an amp for best performance.
- Philips SHP9500 – Great clarity and comfort, but priced around $75+ now.
- Superlux HD681 – Similar sound signature, same OEM base, but slightly less refined than the SR850.
Bottom line: the SR850 wins in affordability, especially for beginners or anyone wanting accurate sound without investing heavily.
Budget Headphones: Hidden Gem or Overhyped?
This headphone is still widely recommended in audio communities and Reddit threads for a reason.
With minor tweaks (like earpad swaps or EQ adjustments), it performs on a level you’d expect from headphones twice its price. It’s not overhyped—it’s a hidden gem that’s stood the test of time.
Is the Samson SR850 Still Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely, yes. Despite being around for years, the Samson SR850 continues to outperform most budget headphones in its category. It’s not perfect—there are some flaws, like bright highs and shallow pads—but these can be managed easily.
Whether you’re a beginner music producer, casual audiophile, gamer, or someone who wants honest sound, the SR850 gives you pro-level monitoring without spending hundreds.
In a world full of wireless gimmicks, bloated bass, and overpriced branding, the SR850 stands out as a reliable, budget-friendly performer that gets the job done.
FAQs
1. Are the Samson SR850 good for mixing?
Yes! Their neutral response and wide soundstage make them excellent for mixing and mastering, especially for beginners or home studios.
2. Can I use SR850 with my phone or laptop?
Yes. With 32Ω impedance, they work fine with phones, laptops, and tablets—no amp required. However, an audio interface can improve clarity.
3. How do I improve comfort on the SR850?
Replacing the stock pads with deeper velour or memory foam pads drastically improves comfort. Brands like Brainwavz offer great alternatives.
4. Is there a wireless version of the SR850?
No. The SR850 is strictly wired and designed for studio/reference use. If you need wireless features, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
