LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones Review: Professional Performance at an Entry-Level Price?
I remember the first time I tried to record a vocal track in my makeshift home studio. I was using a pair of consumer-grade earbuds, and the result was disastrous. The “click” track leaked from the buds into the sensitive condenser microphone, ruining a perfectly good take. Beyond the leakage, I couldn’t actually hear the nuances of the mix; the bass was bloated, and the mids were non-existent. This is a common hurdle for every aspiring producer, podcaster, and musician: the need for professional monitoring that doesn’t cost a month’s rent. Solving this problem is crucial because, without accurate sound reproduction, you are essentially flying blind. You might think your mix sounds great in your room, only to realize it sounds thin and brittle everywhere else. The LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones promise to bridge that gap, offering a professional closed-back experience for those of us who need to hear every detail without the “pro” price tag. You can check the latest price and availability of these headphones to see why they are a popular entry point for many.
Critical Considerations Before Choosing Your Next Set of Recording Headphone Audio Monitors
A Recording Headphone Audio Monitors is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone serious about sound quality. Unlike standard consumer headphones that “color” the sound to make it more pleasing (usually by boosting the bass), studio monitors are designed for transparency. They allow you to hear the “truth” of your audio, which is essential for tasks like EQing a vocal, balancing a drum kit, or ensuring a podcast interview is crisp and clear. The primary benefit here is the ability to make informed decisions during the creative process, ensuring your work translates well across various playback systems.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a home or project studio, such as a musician recording at home, a voice-over artist, or a budding DJ. It’s also perfect for those who need sound isolation to work in shared spaces without disturbing others. However, it might not be suitable for high-end audiophiles or master engineers who require the ultra-wide soundstage found only in open-back models costing hundreds of dollars more. If you fall into that category, you might want to look at premium open-back alternatives.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While headphones don’t take up “desk space” like monitors, the physical footprint of the ear cups and the length of the cable are vital. You want a design that fits comfortably over the ears (circumaural) to provide isolation, and a cable long enough to allow you to move between your instrument and your computer without yanking your gear off the desk.
- Capacity/Performance: Look closely at the driver size and the magnet system. A 45mm driver is standard for this class, providing enough surface area to move air for decent low-end response. The sensitivity rating (in this case, 98dB) tells you how easily they can be driven by a laptop or audio interface without needing an external amplifier.
- Materials & Durability: In the world of budget studio gear, build quality is often where corners are cut. Look for metal components—like aluminum ear shells or stainless steel arms—rather than pure plastic. These elements significantly extend the life of the product, especially if you’re frequently taking them on and off during long sessions.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the “wear and tear” parts. Are the ear pads replaceable? Is the headband padded enough for a four-hour mixing session? Maintenance usually involves keeping the “pleather” clean and ensuring the cable doesn’t tangle, which can lead to internal wiring failure over time.
By understanding these factors, you can better appreciate where the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones excel and where they might require a bit of extra care. To truly understand the landscape of studio audio, it’s helpful to see how closed-back models like this differ from their open-back cousins.
While the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones is an excellent choice for isolation and tracking, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Open-Back Headphones for Professional Mixing and Mastering
Unboxing the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones: A Surprising Entry into the Pro Space
When we first pulled the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones out of the box, the initial impression was one of surprising heft and quality. At 295 grams, they aren’t heavy, but they don’t feel like toys. The aluminum ear shells give them a sleek, industrial look that mimics much more expensive “classic” studio designs. The telescoping stainless steel arms feel notched and secure, allowing for a precise fit that stays put once adjusted. This is a far cry from the flimsy plastic sliders found on most headphones at this price point. We also noticed the single-sided cable duct; having the wire come out of only one side is a massive quality-of-life improvement when you’re trying to play guitar or manage a cluttered desk. Before even plugging them in, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of how these compare to other budget contenders.
What We Like
- The 45mm dynamic drivers and NdFeB magnet system provide an impressive, punchy bass response.
- Excellent sound isolation due to the closed-back design and thick ear pads.
- Premium aesthetics with aluminum ear shells and stainless steel adjustment arms.
- Extreme value for the price, rivaling the sound quality of industry-standard $100+ models.
What We Didn’t Like
- The “pleather” covering on the headband and pads is prone to peeling after 6-12 months of heavy use.
- The fixed cable (not detachable) means if the wire shorts out, the whole unit is compromised.
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Putting the LyxPro HAS-10 to the Test
Acoustic Precision and the NdFeB Magnet System
The heart of any headphone is its driver, and the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones utilize a 45mm driver powered by a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet system. In our testing, this translated to a “fast” sound. What I mean by that is the headphones respond instantly to transients—those sharp, sudden sounds like a snare drum hit or the pluck of a bass string. Many entry-level headphones suffer from “muddy” audio where the sounds bleed into each other, but the HAS-10 keeps things remarkably distinct. We found that the frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz is well-represented, though there is a slight emphasis on the lower end. This makes them a joy for contemporary music, electronic production, and DJing, as the rumbly bass noted by many users is definitely present without being overwhelming.
When listening to complex tracks with multiple layers of synthesizers and vocals, the HAS-10 managed to keep the soundstage relatively clear for a closed-back model. While you won’t get the airy “out of head” experience of an open-back pair, the instrument separation is impressive. We were able to pinpoint the location of different instruments in the stereo field, which is a critical requirement for mixing. For those who are used to standard earbuds, switching to these will feel like seeing a high-definition image for the first time. It is a feature that really sets it apart from other headphones in the under-$50 category, providing a level of detail that facilitates better creative choices.
Isolation and the “Closed-Back” Advantage
One of the main reasons we recommend the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones is their exceptional sound isolation. In a studio environment, isolation works two ways: it keeps the outside world out, and it keeps your audio in. During our vocal tracking tests, we cranked the backing track to a high volume, and there was virtually zero “bleed” into the microphone. This is thanks to the tight seal created by the large circular ear pads and the solid aluminum enclosure material. For podcasters or those recording in a room with a noisy computer fan, this isolation is a lifesaver. You can focus entirely on the audio coming through the drivers without distraction.
The “closed-back” design also makes these headphones a great companion for travel or office work. As one user mentioned, they effectively block noise from reaching the outside, meaning you can listen to your favorite tracks or edit a video in a quiet library without getting dirty looks from neighbors. The sound isolation isn’t active (like noise-canceling headphones), but the passive barrier created by the build quality is surprisingly effective. This isolation, combined with the lightweight 295-gram design, makes them a versatile tool for long sessions where comfort and focus are paramount. If you’ve been struggling with “bleeding” audio in your recordings, you might want to check the current pricing and consider adding these to your kit.
Build Quality, Comfort, and Long-Term Ergonomics
Comfort is often the deciding factor for studio gear. If a pair of headphones starts to hurt after thirty minutes, you aren’t going to use them, no matter how good they sound. We found the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones to be very comfortable for extended periods. The leather-covered headband is sufficiently padded, and the telescoping arms offer enough range to fit even larger head sizes without excessive “clamping” force. The ear pads are soft and encircle the ear entirely, which avoids the ear-crushing pain associated with “on-ear” designs. However, we did notice that because they are closed-back and use synthetic leather, your ears can get a bit warm during long sessions in a hot room—a common trade-off for good isolation.
Regarding durability, the HAS-10 is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the structural components—the stainless steel arms and aluminum shells—are incredibly robust. They feel like they could survive a drop or being tossed into a gig bag. On the other hand, we must address the “elephant in the room” mentioned in several user reviews: the longevity of the synthetic leather covering. After months of use, the thin “pleather” layer on the pads and headband can begin to flake off. While this doesn’t affect the sound quality, it is a nuisance. We recommend treating them gently and perhaps looking into third-party replacement pads if you plan on using these as your primary daily drivers for years to come. Despite this, for the price, the structural build quality remains a standout feature.
Cable Management and Connectivity
The HAS-10 features a straight, single-sided cable that is quite long—nearly 10 feet. For a studio setting, this is fantastic. It allows you to move from your audio interface to a keyboard or a rack of gear without being tethered like a dog on a short leash. The cable itself is a bit thinner than what you’d find on high-end Sennheisers, but it feels durable enough for home use. The 3.5mm jack comes with a screw-on 1/4-inch adapter, ensuring compatibility with everything from your smartphone and tablet to professional mixing consoles and audio interfaces. We found the screw-on mechanism much more reliable than “snap-on” adapters, which tend to get lost or provide a poor connection over time.
One minor gripe we encountered—and a few users echoed this—is that the long cable can occasionally tangle if you aren’t careful. Since it isn’t a coiled cable, it can sprawl across the floor. However, the single-sided entry helps significantly in keeping the wire out of your way while you are working. For those using these for casual TV listening or gaming, the length is a major plus, allowing you to sit comfortably on a couch while connected to a receiver. You can find more details on the technical specs and view more images of the cable setup here.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among the community for the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones is one of “shocked value.” Most users, like us, were blown away by how much sound quality they received for a relatively small investment. One user noted that they “switch between these and my Sennheisers and get the same quality sound,” which is high praise considering the price difference. Another owner emphasized the comfort factor, stating they are “professional DJ-style monitoring headphones” that satisfy the need for long-duration listening.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and we believe in providing a balanced view. The most common criticism revolves around the “pleather” material. One user vividly described it flaking off “like skin after a really bad sunburn,” which aligns with our findings on long-term wear. Another user reported a break at a pivot point after five months of ownership despite gingerly handling them. This suggests that while the sound is professional, the manufacturing tolerances might occasionally vary. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of users, these remain the “perfect” headphones for the price, especially for those outfitting a whole band or looking for a secondary pair of monitors for the home office.
How the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones Compare to Industry Standards
When looking at the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones, it’s essential to realize they punch way above their weight class. However, if you have a larger budget, there are several “reference” level headphones that offer a different experience. Here is how the HAS-10 stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. AKG K712 PRO Reference Studio Headphones
The AKG K712 PRO is a completely different beast than the HAS-10. While the LyxPro is a closed-back headphone designed for isolation and tracking, the K712 PRO is an open-back reference headphone designed for the final stages of mixing and mastering. The K712 offers a much wider soundstage and a more “airy” feel, making it easier to judge depth and reverb in a mix. However, because it is open-back, it leaks sound like a sieve, making it useless for recording vocals near a microphone. If your primary goal is professional mastering in a quiet room, the AKG is the superior choice, but for general studio work and tracking on a budget, the LyxPro is much more practical and affordable.
2. AKG K 701 Reference Stereo Headphone
The AKG K 701 is a legendary headphone known for its clinical, flat response. While the LyxPro HAS-10 has a “fun” sound with a rumbly bass, the K 701 is strictly “by the books.” It’s designed to reveal every flaw in a recording. Many users find the K 701 a bit “thin” in the bass department, whereas the HAS-10 provides that punchy low-end that many modern producers crave. The K 701 also requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to sound its best, while the LyxPro can be driven easily by a laptop. Choose the K 701 if you are a purist who wants to dissect audio; choose the LyxPro if you want a versatile, all-around monitor that is easy to use and provides more “vibe.”
3. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 represents the modern, high-tech alternative. It combines studio-quality sound with the convenience of Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a 45-hour battery. While the HAS-10 is a wired, purely analog tool for the studio, the Shure is a lifestyle product that can transition from the mixing desk to a transatlantic flight. The AONIC 50 provides much better build materials and more features, but it comes at a significantly higher price point. If you need one pair of headphones to do everything—commute, travel, and produce—the Shure is an incredible investment. However, if you just need a reliable set of “workhorse” headphones for your home studio, the HAS-10 provides the core performance for a fraction of the cost.
The Final Verdict: Are the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones Right for You?
After putting the LyxPro HAS-10 Studio Monitor Headphones through their paces, our verdict is clear: they are one of the best value-for-money propositions in the audio world today. They offer a level of sound isolation and acoustic clarity that is usually reserved for headphones twice their price. The aluminum construction and stainless steel arms provide a premium feel, and the 45mm drivers deliver a punchy, accurate sound that makes them suitable for everything from tracking vocals to casual music listening. While the longevity of the ear pad covers is a concern, it’s a minor drawback when you consider the sheer performance you’re getting for such a low entry price.
We recommend these headphones to anyone starting their home studio journey, podcasters looking for clear monitoring, or even gamers who want a more “natural” soundstage than typical gaming headsets offer. They are a reliable, effective tool that solves the problem of “muddy” audio and microphone bleed. If you’re ready to take your audio quality to the next level without emptying your savings, we highly suggest you pick up a pair of the LyxPro HAS-10 today and hear what you’ve been missing.
