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In Reply to: RE: Headphones & Equalizers posted by sisterray on September 06, 2023 at 12:55:37
I have a FiiO DAP that contains a 10-band graphic equalizer and there are times I would like to use it. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on DSD recordings and I listen mostly to DSD. However, I've tried it on some of my PCM recordings and it works just fine. I usually use one of the preset equalizations because it's time consuming to adjust it individually for each different recording. It's not like having simple tone controls. :-)
Happy listening!
John Elison
Follow Ups:
Equalizers can cause more problems than they solve. Too easy to overdrive the headphone when boosting a given frequency. That causes a very artificial sound. Plus, not easy to get a good set of curves for a given set of headphones.
Some headphones models (Audeze?) come with EQ curves. That would likely help a lot, as they would have both the source level and boost level set correctly.
Sonarworks offers curves for many headphones. You can also send a pair in for a set of curves specific to the headphone you sent in.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"
Satchel Paige
> Some headphones models (Audeze?) come with EQ curves.
Years ago I read that the size and shape of a person's ears can have a significant effect on a headphone's frequency response. Therefore, a manufacturer's supplied EQ curve might not reflect the actual frequency response you or I will hear.
I used to think that measured specifications were the key to optimum sound. Nowadays, I just listen and enjoy without paying much attention to all the numbers and graphs. If I like what I hear, I keep listening. :-)
Best regards,
John Elison
Especially with headphone setups.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"
Satchel Paige
I have so much processing going on in my chain I had to turn in my purist card. I wouldn't even use a balance control, now my chain has soundstage expansion with tubes followed by the BBE Sonic Maximizer, followed by my amps crossfeed and bass boost. Sure, I have a dac with a headphone with no processing, but the processed sound sound way better. Headphones though I need to be clean and neutral.
One poster made the point that recordings and the sound we listen too are all fake anyhow so pick the fake you like...
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Cut to razor sounding violins
I'm 75 year old now and I finally decided to splurge on headphones. I just bought a bundle set of STAX headphones and they're truly outstanding. They seem to have clean, tight bass without the need for any equalization. I still prefer listening to my Magnepan speakers with a Rythmik Servo Sub, but at night these new STAX headphones are very enjoyable and I can listen loudly without disturbing my wife. If you want a topnotch headphone experience, try STAX. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's just unfortunate they cost so much, but in my opinion, they're worth the price.
Happy listening!
John Elison
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