Samson SR860 Over-Ear Professional Semi-Open Studio Reference Small Headphones Headset - for Mobile Music Mixing, Monitoring, Recording & Listening - Large 50mm Neodymium Drivers Noise Cancelling

These are pretty much identical to the cheaper SR850s. The build quality feels the exact same and the audio quality sounds identical. The cord may be ever so slightly more flexible and malleable on the SR860s but it's not something I really noticed until I had both right in front of me and was searching for a difference in build quality. I consider the SR850s the kings of affordable audiophile open-back headphones, so naturally these rank highly as well. Keep in mind these are OPENED-BACK headphones which are the opposite of noise canceling (have no idea why that's in the listing). This basically helps the headphone's achieve a wider soundscape at a much lower cost than an equivalent closed-back pair.I will note, the earpads pictured in my review are NOT the ones that come with the headphones. They are twice as thick and made by TRANSTEK (marketed as compatible with the SR850s). My earpads that came with my SR850s (which feel identical to the ones included with SR860s) lasted about 3 years of heavy everyday use before they were no longer able to be cleaned properly. When that happens it's nice to know there are replacements available. (The replacements are also a substantial upgrade in comfort, though they can be difficult to put on)In short, I would compare the prices of the SR850 and this product and consider if the color swap is worth the extra premium. It was just $40 compared to the $34 at the time of my purchase which seemed justifiable, but I have often seen the SR860s go for $60 and the SR850s go for $45-50. At those higher prices, I would just snag the SR850s and treat yourself to some replacement earpads with the money you've saved.

I got these for my wife for listening to general music and spoken word audio. For that use, they are just OK. I think for mixing music, these headphones would be a great if you are on a tight budget. They do present lots of important detail to the ears of critical listener, for mixing decisions like amount of reverb and relative levels of different instruments, and placement in the stereo field. Even for mixing, if you can afford more, I'd recommend finding headphones that may cost a bit more, but which are less hyped in the treble frequencies than the SR860. These cans are very lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods. The velour earpads are super comfy, and the clamping force is just right, even on my large head. The open back design really creates a natural soundstage, and prevents that feeling that your ears are locked in a tight chamber. I carefully "broke in" these headphones before assessing them. I hooked them up for 24 hours to a PC playing moderate volume music with broad variations in dynamics and frequencies. Nonetheless, I found the pronounced high mids, and highs fatiguing, especially at mid to loud levels. Those same attributes actually improved sound quality at very low volume settings. The bass and mids, however were impressive, not underpowered or overdone. I did not mention my impressions to my wife, who is not a musician or recordist. I got these for her to use while listening on her PC. I let her try them for a day. She described the sound as too removed, distant. After the second day, I asked her her impressions again, and she said, "sorry, I just do not like the sound--they are OK, but not keepers." So both of us did not enjoy the sound from these headphones. Again, the price we paid was incredibly good. So it you are truly cash-strapped, and looking for a budget mixing headphone, I think you could make these work. They are great at revealing important details in the music. In that case, I recommend you keep the level down, and explore free headphone compensation EQ options like AutoEQ. Otherwise, for a bit more money (but still a bargain), I recommend trying to find Yamaha RH5Ma headphones. They have been around for decades, and are no longer widely distributed in the US, being still made for the Japan market. They are a little delicate, but super light and extremely comfortable for all-day sessions. They excel at mixing, without any sonic fatigue, and mixes on the RH5Ma translate great for playback on speakers and other drivers. The Yamaha RH5Ma are also phenomenal for general listening, with a natural, balanced sound, not overly bassy or hyped.

Good

Like a lot of you, I became interested in Samsons after hearing them copiously recommended on DankPods. Technically he recommended the SR850s, but I loved the red accents on the 860s, plus with a sale and coupon, I managed to grab them for the price of the 850s (about $35). Let me just say that I made off like a bandit at that price. These are a genuine bargain. I love the sound of balanced headphones vs. super bassy ones, and these truly let me appreciate every part of the music. It's hard to describe — you just have to experience it.Now, these are entirely made of plastic, which is why they're so cheap. But they feel well-built and all the moving parts work fine, so I don't really care about the materials. Also, just be aware that these are really headphones meant for listening at home, since they're open-back and don't fold up or anything. As long as you know that ahead of time, you'll be all set.Basically the only caveat is that, as some reviewers have mentioned, the cable is stupidly long and can't be replaced. I ended up having to bind it up with twist ties so it wouldn't drag on the ground. Other than that, these are absolutely amazing, and at this price, you have no reason not to try them out.

I have two different pairs of Senheisers and these earphones blow them away. Save some money and buy them. You will not regret it. I also love the material fabric on the ear cushions. I do not like the leather-like material they use for most other brands. They make my ears hot and uncomfortable. I am very happy I bought these. I will definitely purchase a couple of extra sets.

Good sound but no replaceable cable.

just completely blown away by how good these sound, even just straight from the box with no break-in period. the low end is very clear, though not as good as my dt 770 pros. high end is crisp, maybe a bit too boosted for my taste? super lightweight, can definitely wear these for long periods no issue. all in all, you really can't beat these for the price.