Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Superlux HD-665
Test & review: Superlux
Superlux
- Headphones for Drummers
- This is what customers who viewed this product bought
- Accessories & matching items
- 321Customer ratings
- Compare options
- Smart Navigator
Spec Sheet
- Circumaural
- Closed-back design
- 40 mm driver
- Sound pressure level: 102 dB at 1 mW
- Impedance: 68 ohm
- Frequency range: 10 – 20000 Hz
- Power rating: 200 mW
- Headphone contact pressure 10 N
- Detachable cable
- 3 m straight cable with 3.5 mm stereo jack
- Weight (cable included): 428 g
- Weight (without cable): 372 g
- Colour: Black
- Includes adapter to 6.3 mm stereo jack, cable clip and bag
Studio Log
| Available since | March 2015 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 343931 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 68 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 10 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Max. SPL | 102 dB |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB |
| Type Of connector | Mini Jack |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Weight | 372 g |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
[SUBTITLE]Technical assessment of the Superlux HD-665 by Superlux, ideal for studio monitoringOverview and Design
The Superlux HD-665 is an over-ear, closed-back headphone designed primarily for drummers and studio monitoring. Available since March 2015, it retails at approximately £48, offering a cost-effective solution with noteworthy features. The design is simple yet sturdy, weighing 372 g without the cable and 428 g including it. The headband is a dual metal wire with a transverse silicone strap for automatic adjustment, and the ear cups are circumaural with 40 mm drivers.
Build Quality and Comfort
The construction utilises strong plastic and metal elements which give a robust feel suitable for regular use. However, the headset applies firm clamping pressure (around 10 N), which ensures excellent sealing for noise isolation but leads to some discomfort during extended sessions. Users report pressure around the temples and ear area, often requiring breaks after prolonged use. The silicone strap can catch on hair when removing the headphones.
While the headphone adjusts automatically to head size, it lacks manual adjustment, potentially causing fit issues for smaller or extremely large heads. The ear pads are made of synthetic leather and are non-replaceable, which may affect long-term durability and comfort.
Cable and Connectivity
The detachable cable system is somewhat unorthodox. A short cable section ending in a 3.5 mm male jack protrudes directly from the left ear cup, connecting to a 3 m extension cable with female connectors. An included 6.3 mm stereo adapter allows compatibility with professional equipment. This arrangement secures the connection well but has raised concerns about cable durability due to bending stress near the headphone join. The removable cables facilitate easy replacement, an advantage for users moving between devices.
Technical Performance
Sound Quality
Featuring 40 mm drivers and a 68-ohm impedance, the HD-665 offers a frequency response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz and a sensitivity of 102 dB. The power rating stands at 200 mW, capable of delivering a maximum SPL of 102 dB at 1 mW. The sonic profile is relatively bass-heavy with a slight midrange warmth typical of drumming headphones designed to emphasise rhythm elements.
The soundstage is adequate but tends to lack the clarity and detail required for critical mixing or mastering tasks. Treble response is subdued, which can dull higher frequencies and reduce perceived brightness. After a slight tone adjustment, reducing bass and increasing treble, the headphones yield a balanced sound, suitable for monitoring live instruments and recorded tracks.
Noise Isolation
One of the strongest points of the HD-665 is its excellent acoustic isolation. The closed-back and firm clamping produce substantial passive noise reduction, with users estimating around 30 dBA attenuation. This quality makes the headphones particularly effective at preventing audio bleed into microphones during recording, which is essential for drummer monitoring and studio tracking.
User Experience and Practical Considerations
The HD-665 is a practical choice for musicians requiring isolation without the cost of premium studio headphones. The headphones allow monitoring at low volumes, protecting hearing while maintaining aurally accurate rhythm cues. The ample cable length and detachable design support versatile routing.
However, comfort is a notable issue. The tight fit can lead to fatigue and discomfort over long periods. Heat buildup is common due to the synthetic leather pads and closed design, making it less suited for warm environments or extended wear without breaks.
Durability concerns have been reported regarding cable failure at the connection point with the ear cups. While the build is generally robust, this vulnerability could affect longevity, especially with frequent movement or transport.
Conclusion
The Superlux HD-665 headphones deliver solid performance for their price bracket, with robust construction and excellent noise isolation tailored for drummers and monitoring tasks. Their audio quality is sufficient for live tracking and practice, though not refined enough for detailed mixing or mastering.
Potential buyers should weigh comfort and cable durability concerns against the benefits of isolation and sound quality. For those requiring economical solutions to reduce audio bleed during recording or offering clear, isolated monitoring for band rehearsals, the HD-665 represents good value. A slight EQ adjustment improves the listening experience notably.
- Pros: Strong noise isolation, robust build, detachable cable, affordable price
- Cons: Firm clamping pressure, cable fragility at connection, subdued treble clarity
