Proof that great audio can be cheap

Recently, I’ve embarked on a journey to become a more active listener, even purchasing a dedicated MP3 player, a set of wired earbuds. The catalyst for this transformation was my secret (and budget-friendly) audio weapon: the Samson SR850 open-back headphones.

Cheap gear doesn’t mean low-quality sound

In most cases, good audio comes at a very high cost. Spending extra money can get you closer to your ideal sound, but even if you spend more money, it doesn’t always mean better sound.

There are trade-offs, of course, but if you just want to have fun and listen to different sounds and use different types of headphones, there are plenty of good, affordable audio gear out there. When my last PC headset broke four years ago, I quickly discovered the world and bought a used pair of Samson SR850s for less than $25.

Before I put on my Samsons, I listened to audio on cheap headphones or wireless headphones. Some sound different, some sound better, but the differences and nuances are mostly ignored.

When I first connected the SR850s to my computer, my low expectations were dashed. The sound is spacious, everything is well conveyed and positioned, and I could hear different instruments playing as if they were in different places. It was a wonderful listening experience and instantly changed the way I listen to music.

Samson SR850 is built for more listening pleasure

Thanks to the Samson SR850, I love listening to music on my headphones and hearing all the details and mix choices. I even turned off my headphones mid-song to compare and contrast the sound profiles. Needless to say, these cans sparked the interest of my inner audio geek.

Even four years after purchase, it’s hard to find headphones that come close to the quality of Samsons. For the new price of $40, you can get open-back headphones that, objectively speaking, sound good. They have an exciting soundstage and imaging, as well as a very different and more interesting sound configuration than their closed-back competition, so they’re worth buying for a true open-back experience.

Beautiful backless design

A quick summary of the specs: There are dynamic 50mm drivers in each cup, with a semi-open design (said to aid bass response). In the box there is a 2.5 m long cable with a 3.5 mm jack, and a 6.5 mm adapter. Unfortunately, the cable is not removable.

Design-wise, the Samsons are heavily inspired by the classic AKG 240 – a pair of semi-open-back headphones with an almost identical design and comfortable ear pads.

I would point out that the quality leaves something to be desired. Putting aside the ethics of imitating the AKG 240 very closely, the quality of the Samson’s is noticeably inferior, especially the ear pads. The foam and fabric themselves feel relatively stable, but the PU leather that holds the earpads to the headphones feels a little cheap—it gets looser and peels off with each wear. Although annoying, thankfully you can replace them with genuine pads from the AKG 240.

An open soundstage to beat

But for bass heads, be aware that the open-back design sacrifices thump, resulting in a calmer sound.

The Samsons excel at what good open-back headphones should do: create a sense of space in the audio.

That said, imaging and soundstage are standout features of the headphones. In general, open-back headphones are good at creating the illusion of space in the audio, so the music sounds all-encompassing and not just in your head. The Samsons accomplish this signature feature where you can clearly hear the separation between the instruments.

However, the SR850 favors high frequencies, emphasizing the treble and even the midrange. If you’re more accustomed to a V-shaped sound curve, you may find the Samson’s treble focus jarring. However, I prefer an open soundstage to heavy bass.

The perfect computer companion

Once connected to my computer, I use the Samsons to listen to music, play games, and watch YouTube videos. The wired design requires no charging or connecting to headphones, and the cloth earpads and open back design make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The sound profile is also great for watching movies and YouTube videos, with very clear speech and dialogue. Games sound great, too, as sounds like footsteps and gunfire benefit from the headset’s imaging capabilities.

Not for ANC lovers

Of course, their open nature also has some drawbacks. They had severe sound leakage issues which resulted in my wife needing to use her headphones to block out the noise from me.

They also don’t block any sound from outside, which means I can hear everything from the Roomba to the construction outside.

Whether my puppy has another creative idea for my flowers or my wife has new gossip, I instantly know what’s going on.

However, I love that the open design allows me to hear everything going on around me. So whether my puppy has another creative idea for my flowers or my wife has new gossip, I’m immediately aware of my surroundings.

judgment

The value proposition of the Samson SR850 is hard to ignore, offering great sound quality and a unique open-back experience that’s hard to find in budget headphones. They’re by no means noise-canceling, but they do promise great sound, even for gaming and streaming. They do have their drawbacks, such as harsh treble, dull low-end, and average build quality.

However, the Samson SR850 brought back the joy of listening to me with its unique sound. They show that you can enjoy music without the hefty audiophile price tag.