Short answer: the Capra Audio Satyr 4. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#123 and #97 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Capra Audio Satyr 4 costs $79.90 against $90.42 for the Sony MDR-ZX310, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Capra Audio Satyr 4: Tuned close to the Harman target that most listeners prefer in blind tests (preference score 81). The tradeoff: Treble about 3 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
The case for the Sony MDR-ZX310: A preference score of 82 is strong for a budget headphone, and the response stays within 2.4 dB of the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement. The catch: Sub-bass below 60 Hz is about 17.5 dB under target, so deep bass is effectively missing, and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is also 2.2 dB low.
Buy the Capra Audio Satyr 4. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $10.52 less than the Sony MDR-ZX310.
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Tuned close to the Harman target that most listeners prefer in blind tests (preference score 81).
West3D $79.90 eBay
A preference score of 82 is strong for a budget headphone, and the response stays within 2.4 dB of the Harman target in oratory1990’s measurement.
Amazon $90.42 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Capra Audio Satyr 4 | Sony MDR-ZX310 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.90 | $90.42 |
| Ranked | #123 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #97 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.69 dB standard deviation | 2.35 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.68 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 63 Hz (-21.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 2 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 30mm dynamic |
| Impedance | - | 24 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | - | 0.3 lbs (125 g) |
| Frequency Response | - | 10Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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