Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (49)
$37.49
Amazon
4.5 (7801)
$37.49 New
$31.87 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$37.49 New
$32.95 Used
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$37.49
B&H
4.5 (98)
$37.49

Average Price: $39

Budget/Beginner

$100

$301+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Samson SR850 Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the epitome of professional audio performance with the Samson SR850 Headphones. These semi-open-back studio reference headphones are your ticket to an extraordinary auditory journey, without breaking the bank. With the SR850s, immerse yourself in a world of deep, rich bass and sparkling, clean highs, all thanks to their oversized 50mm drivers that ensure exceptional sound reproduction and a wide dynamic range.

The semi-open design of the SR850s is not merely aesthetic. It has a critical function - it provides an enhanced ambient listening environment. This design allows for a suitable amount of bleed, giving you a wider sound stage and better stereo imaging. This means you'll be able to discern minor details in your tracks, making these headphones perfect for critical listening.

The SR850s promise comfort as much as they do quality. The self-adjusting headband offers a secure, natural fit, making these headphones ideal for long listening or monitoring sessions. You're not just getting a pair of headphones, you're investing in a listening experience that combines comfort with professional performance.

Key Features:

  • Oversized 50mm drivers for exceptional sound reproduction and wide dynamic range
  • Semi-open-back design for an enhanced ambient listening environment
  • Self-adjusting headband for secure and comfortable fit
  • Includes a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch gold plated adapter for convenience and flexibility
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz - 30kHz
  • 32 Ohm impedance

Product specs

Type Wired
Open/Closed Semi-open
Fit Style Circumaural (Around the Ear)
Driver Size 50mm
Frequency Response 10Hz-30kHz
Impedance 32 ohms
Connectivity 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter
Cable Type Straight
Cable Length 8.3'
Material Velour Earpads

FAQs

Are Samson SR850 headphones suitable for studio monitoring?

Yes, the Samson SR850 headphones are designed for studio reference monitoring, offering a wide frequency response and semi-open design that provides a natural soundstage, making them suitable for critical listening and mixing.

What is the sound signature of the Samson SR850 headphones?

The Samson SR850 headphones are known for their clear and detailed sound with an emphasis on mids and highs, making them ideal for analytical listening and mixing tasks.

How comfortable are the Samson SR850 headphones for long sessions?

The Samson SR850 headphones feature circumaural velour earpads, which provide comfort for extended wear, although some users may find the fit slightly firm initially.

What type of connectivity do the Samson SR850 headphones offer?

The Samson SR850 headphones come with a wired connection featuring a 1/8" plug and a 1/4" adapter, making them compatible with a wide range of audio equipment.

Do the Samson SR850 headphones require a headphone amplifier?

With an impedance of 32 ohms, the Samson SR850 headphones can be driven by most consumer audio devices without the need for a dedicated headphone amplifier.

BubVisuals

BubVisuals

STUDIO QUALITY HEADPHONES UNDER $50? Samson SR850 review

Video thumbnail for STUDIO QUALITY HEADPHONES UNDER $50? Samson SR850 review by BubVisuals

STUDIO QUALITY HEADPHONES UNDER $50? Samson SR850 review

BubVisuals

BubVisuals

Video thumbnail for Samson SR850 Review- Best Cheap Reference Headphones by Techkhamun

Samson SR850 Review- Best Cheap Reference Headphones

Techkhamun

Techkhamun

Video thumbnail for Samson SR850 Open Back & SR950 Closed Back Studio Headphones Review (Incredible Value!) by Real Home Studio

Samson SR850 Open Back & SR950 Closed Back Studio Headphones Review (Incredible Value!)

Real Home Studio

Real Home Studio

Video thumbnail for Samson SR850 Review | THE UNDERDOG? + K240/V6/9500 Comparison by Home Studio Basics

Samson SR850 Review | THE UNDERDOG? + K240/V6/9500 Comparison

Home Studio Basics

Home Studio Basics

Video thumbnail for STUDIO HEADPHONES FOR PC GAMING? Samson SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones by Toxicity

STUDIO HEADPHONES FOR PC GAMING? Samson SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones

Toxicity

Toxicity

Video thumbnail for Best Inexpensive Studio Reference Headphones Under $50 - Samson SR850 by Craig Neidel

Best Inexpensive Studio Reference Headphones Under $50 - Samson SR850

Craig Neidel

Craig Neidel

Video thumbnail for Samson SR850 Review - Best budget headphones by KhaledsTech

Samson SR850 Review - Best budget headphones

KhaledsTech

KhaledsTech

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent value for money, great for budget-conscious users

  • Flat response suitable for mixing and accurate sound reproduction

  • Comfortable for long listening sessions

  • Open-back design offers a spacious soundstage

  • Self-adjusting headband for convenience

  • Detailed and well-balanced audio quality

  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear

  • Does not overly isolate, allowing ambient sound awareness

CONS

  • Build quality feels cheap, despite durability

  • Original ear pads may need replacing for optimal comfort

  • Cord is non-detachable and only enters one side

  • Lack of low-end emphasis might not suit all listeners

  • Longevity issues, with some units failing after extensive use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samson SR850 Headphones.

Build quality

  • The SR850's plastic construction lacks creaking but benefits from aftermarket Brainwavs Hybrid pads for improved comfort over the stock velour pads.

    Source
  • A few users report cable durability issues, with internal fraying occurring within two years of use, leading to sound loss in one ear.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The permanently attached, long cable is praised for its quality, which surpasses those of more expensive headphones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Superlux HD681, the SR850 has more extreme treble peaks, making it less neutral and less comfortable for extended listening.

    Source
  • Compared to the Superlux HD681, the SR850 benefits from nicer pads and a better suspension system, improving comfort and usability.

    Source
  • Users suggest the SR850 can rival headphones like the Sennheiser HD599 in performance when paired with upgraded pads.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend Brainwavs Hybrid or AKG K240 velour pads to mitigate treble harshness and enhance comfort.

    Source
  • Inserting 1-3 sheets of tissue between the driver and earpads significantly reduces treble harshness, but overdoing it can make the sound too dark or muffled.

    Source
  • Some owners remove driver filters for a more open sound, but caution against dust exposure after this modification.

    Source
  • Users recommend using thicker earpads and the APO equalizer settings to significantly enhance comfort and sound quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Harsh treble causes discomfort during prolonged listening, especially with female vocals and cymbals, requiring pad modifications or EQ adjustments.

    Source
  • Some owners find the SR850 uncomfortable for more than 30 minutes due to ear cup pressure, despite its lightweight design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners consistently praise the SR850 for offering performance comparable to headphones several times its price, achieving about 70% of high-end headphone quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the SR850's lightweight design makes it ideal for long listening sessions without discomfort despite its plastic build.

    Source
  • The SR850 is favored for desktop activities like gaming and general computer use, benefiting from its open-back design for ambient awareness.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Samson SR850 Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Samson SR850 headphones offer a compelling blend of budget-friendly pricing and audiophile-oriented sound. Their semi-open design delivers a wide, spacious soundstage, making them suitable for those who appreciate detail in their music. However, the bright sound profile can lead to ear fatigue due to its harshness, and the build quality leaves much to be desired, with a non-detachable cable that feels fragile. Comfort is another downside, as they fit more like on-ear headphones and lack breathability. While they excel in sound consistency, they're not ideal for travel or office use due to poor noise isolation and leakage. Despite these drawbacks, they offer great value for their intended purpose as studio monitors.

positive

Review: Samson SR850 - On A Low Budget? - Audio Mentor

audiomentor.com

The Samson SR850 headphones deliver impressive sound quality for their $42 price tag, making them a great budget choice for mixing and monitoring. With a design reminiscent of AKG headphones and a robust build, they offer detailed treble and pronounced bass, though some may find the sound slightly "thin" compared to higher-end models. Ideal for editing and mix-checking, they fall short for recording due to their open-back design. While not suited for audiophiles or recording scenarios, they are perfect for beginners or those needing affordable headphones for studio work.

positive

Samson SR850 Review — Audiophile ON

audiophileon.com

The Samson SR850 headphones are a budget audiophile's dream, delivering sound quality that rivals pricier models. With a bit of DIY modding, these headphones offer impressive open sound for the price. While the build quality feels cheap and the vinyl pads can get sweaty, the overall durability holds up well over time. The sound is surprisingly airy and well-balanced, though initially a bit sibilant until broken in. Despite their plastic feel and basic accessory package, at $30-$40, they provide remarkable value for those seeking an entry-level high-end audio experience.

positive

Samson SR850 Review – Worth It In 2024? - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

The Samson SR850 headphones are a surprisingly strong contender in the budget headphone market. With a lively and detailed soundstage, they offer an impressive sense of space and depth, particularly excelling in gaming and film immersion. The build quality punches above its weight for the price, although the shallow ear cups can lead to discomfort over long sessions. The treble can be a bit harsh, necessitating some EQ adjustments, especially around the 8-10kHz range. Despite these minor drawbacks, the SR850 delivers a sound quality that rivals more expensive models, making it an incredible value for budding audiophiles seeking balanced audio.

positive

Budget Studio Cans - Samson SR850 Review - Page 2 of 2 - Headphone.ph

headphone.ph

The Samson SR850 headphones are a treble-heavy affair, often resulting in a "razor-sharp mess" without EQ adjustments. While they boast good bass extension and punch, the excessive treble can be harsh and uninviting. EQ adjustments can transform the sound into something more balanced, highlighting the headphones' decent soundstage and imaging. However, even with EQ, they fall short compared to higher-end models like the Focal Clear or Audeze LCD-2. The build and comfort also leave much to be desired, making the SR850 more of a budget choice that demands careful tweaking to shine.

negative

Samson SR850 Review: Best Budget Closed Back Headphones? - Produce Like A Pro

producelikeapro.com

The Samson SR850 headphones are a budget-friendly option for those seeking studio-quality sound under $50. With a semi-open design, they offer a neutral frequency response, clear highs, and a punchy bass. While the build is primarily plastic, it's durable if handled with care. The headphones are comfortable for average-sized heads, but may pose a fit issue for larger heads. The non-detachable cable and lack of accessories are downsides, yet the low 32-ohm impedance makes them easily drivable by most devices. Despite some headphone bleed, the SR850s are a convincing entry-level choice, though the AKG K240s might be a slightly better investment.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 37 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fastandfuriyash

Godawful POS

There’s an intolerable treble peak on these that feels like a pencil is penetrating my eardrum. If you’re broke enough to consider these go for a pair of IEMs or Koss.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

When they’re 10 ft away from me.

ghostxtatus

Best headphones I've ever had

These are my favorite headphones the right amount of lightness and clarity and most importantly they are cheap I've been using them for two years and now they broke internally only listen one side but I love it em!!!

tomdocker

Sound Great!

Been using these headphones for a couple of weeks at the time of writing. They sound great and seem well balanced. Can hear high ends very well, and being under $50 - I'd recommend them.

htunerz

BEST CHOICE FOR MIXIN

I HAVE A VERY GOOD RESPONSE IN FREQUENCY, THIS THING IMPROVED MY MIXING TECHNIQUES

mandriana

Used this for my Mixing

When i go for Mixing i also using SR850 to check the Differences.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Michael Cavanagh "Mickey Cavs" uses Samson SR850 Headphones

Michael Cavanagh "Mickey Cavs"

Drummer

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via YouTube

These or some other similar AKG 240 clone can be seen during the sessions for Fishing For Fishies, best visible at 10:05.

See how Powfu uses Samson SR850 Headphones

Powfu

Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

Powfu uses the SR850 cans in this video all the way through.

See how TSDX uses Samson SR850 Headphones

TSDX

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

TSDX uses the Samson SR850 Headphones as their primary choice for mixing, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Samson SR850 Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
1

Community setups

Show yours
pdanshv

pdanshv

Gear IQ 160

youssef_abusamra

youssef_abusamra

Gear IQ 61

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