Headphone Heights

RE: Headphones & Equalizers

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Freo-1

A

In Reply to: RE: Headphones & Equalizers posted by John Elison on September 08, 2023 at 20:50:10

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

Follow Ups:

RE: Headphones & Equalizers - John Elison 19:57:04 10/20/23 (3)
> 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
- Good Advice - Freo-1 08:24:42 10/21/23 (2)
  Especially with headphone setups.
  " Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"
  
  Satchel Paige
  - RE: Good Advice - Dawnrazor 12:36:25 10/22/23 (1)
    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...
    
    Cut to razor sounding violins
    - RE: Good Advice - John Elison 23:28:20 11/18/23 (0)
      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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