Submitted by ChromicClaw2 t3_10nn7i8 in headphones
I see a lot of people in this sub never choose to use EQ when it can improve their sound, why?
Comments
guesswhochickenpoo t1_j69whn1 wrote
>I like EQ, but even I only use it on devices that save the EQ profile on them like Bluetooth headphones
This is what I love about the Qudelix 5K. I use it as a desktop and portable DAC/AMP and recently just set it up as an output for my Raspberry Pi network streamer. It's basically permanently attached to the end of my headphone cable and the EQ comes with me where ever I go, regardless of source.
hhafez t1_j6afui1 wrote
I'd love to do that but if you've got a handful of wired headphones switching between profiles becomes a chore.
I almost feel like buying q5k for each headphone.
I'm also experimenting with creating middle of the road EQ profiles that address multiple headphones that have similar characteristics at once so I do less EQ switching
gnarliest_gnome t1_j6aq4i7 wrote
The last Qudelix update wiped all of my EQ profiles and I haven't had the motivation to redo them. I love the thing but that kinda pissed me off.
guesswhochickenpoo t1_j6asj3t wrote
That sucks. One of the updates reset the names of my profiles but not the EQ settings themselves. Might want to see if that’s the case. Also, in case you’re not aware (I wasn’t at first) there’s a chrome plugin so you can modify the profiles and all other settings in a desktop browser. Still a bit tedious but better than using the phone app. They really need an export / import feature for profiles. That would serve as a backup method as well as making loading custom profiles much easier.
AlternativeParfait13 t1_j69ufik wrote
Because I listen across a phone, tablet, work laptop and personal laptop depending on context. Too much extra work to deal with.
guesswhochickenpoo t1_j69woa4 wrote
Devices like the Qudelix 5K are amazing for this. I use it across several devices and always have my EQ with me. Makes it easily to quickly pivot between sources with minimal compromises.
mcjasonb t1_j6a5hud wrote
Use all those things with the Qudelix 5K. Problem solved.
nanomerce t1_j69r16x wrote
personally I've found that the flaws of any particular headphones add to their personality. I find that I'm not really seeking the "best" just different flavors essentially.
Extrapaj t1_j69xjzo wrote
You could always EQ in more flaws to your liking.
RubenRag t1_j69u0e5 wrote
Absolutely, I always try my headphones and iems with eq, but variety is the spice of life, if anything I throw a small bass shelf in to my liking rather than go for a ten band peq, I like different sounding objects.
I also dont want to completely rely on software to make things agreeable
dimesian t1_j6acay2 wrote
I don't use it for a few reasons, I like to use a variety of IEMs and headphones for their individual sound signature, I want to hear someone else's idea of good sound. I also know for certain that if I started using it I would get obsessive about it and it would become a problem, I would never be satisfied with the outcome of my own use of EQ however adept I was at it. I want to spend as little time as possible tinkering with phone apps and settings, plus I'm really lazy.
717x t1_j6dnooq wrote
EQ doesn’t really change what makes a headphone unique. Properly EQing a headphone makes up for anomalies and shortcomings in the FR. You’re never going to get an LCD2 to sound like an hd800, if you get what I’m saying.
Chok3U t1_j69okkk wrote
Maybe some don't know how to use it. It can be a daunting task. If it weren't for wavelet and oratory's settings I would be kinda lost.
Chew-Magna t1_j6a0rqk wrote
I like my headphones for their own unique flavor, I didn't buy them to make them sound like something else.
EQ if you like, don't EQ if you like. There are no rules. Do what you enjoy.
Mysterious-Evening-7 t1_j6aa7gr wrote
The fact that you get downvoted is very interesting, because people are presumably offended by a different preference. That is super weird but at the same time doesn’t surprise me at all. All you say is that you don’t like to EQ your gear.
Chew-Magna t1_j6ai14g wrote
That's just Reddit for you. Hive mind weirdness. The really odd thing is you can never predict how it will go. Sometimes you'll get wildly upvoted, sometimes downvoted. If this same topic came up a month from now, and I wrote the same response, it could be totally different.
vivi112 t1_j6avvsd wrote
You expressed open-minded approach in your comment before and it's laughably kind of approach condemned by this sub for quite some time. People want to gatekeep ad nauseum here when they hear some "trigger-topics", even when the message is simply "do what you like, check for yourself" lol.
717x t1_j6dooq8 wrote
Nobody is offended. Saying eq takes the variety out, and that it messes up what makes a headphone unique is just completely untrue. You’re never going to get one headphone to sound like another and there are more factors than FR that affect this. Proper EQ is mostly used to slightly smooth out anomalies and issues from the factory tuning, and sometimes even bring out the unique qualities the headphone presents. While it’s not the “end all be all” some people think it is, It’s a very useful tool if you have the time for it. Try giving it a fair shot when you have the time 👍
Also, people seem to think you have to use someone else’s preset eq for the best results. This is also false. EQ is an art imo (which is why it’s so time consuming). You have a great amount of freedom to make your headphone sound the most enjoyable if that’s the route you want to go.
tachyon8 t1_j6azhx4 wrote
You’re never going to EQ a hd6series into a hd800 though for example.
[deleted] t1_j6culfl wrote
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blorg t1_j6dybv6 wrote
-8dB everywhere else
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tachyon8 t1_j6dz4ft wrote
Yet the distortion on the hd650 is a bit lower than the HD800. Also its a moot point because with the exact same frequency response they do not sound the same. Now throw the sundara in there with the exact FR, it will not sound like either of them. The unique flavor is derived from the over all construction and drivers despite having the same FR.
[deleted] t1_j6e0hrk wrote
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tachyon8 t1_j6fr6ir wrote
Ok, but measurements show the actual distortion and HD650 produces a bit less and they can both handle 10db bass boost just fine. Distortion in the lower frequencies is harder to hear and actually ends up sounding like more bass and its still only at 5% with a 10db boost. Also consider the fact a subwoofer that everyone loves to hear produces something like over 20%. What you're talking about is not really an issue.
[deleted] t1_j6hdbeh wrote
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covertash t1_j69urb6 wrote
If the issue you have is related to the tonality then you're right, EQ is one of the most useful tools to make minor corrections. The emphasis is on the word minor.
To be clear, I'm not against EQ. In fact, I do use it (sparingly), as a tool, rather than a band-aid for a gunshot wound.
This is where it becomes a bit philosophical, and in my opinion, if your EQ adjustments are well over 3 dB (or whatever your personal threshold is), across multiple bands, then the headphones themselves were probably the wrong starting point for you. I also find that if I am too heavy handed with EQ, it tends to swing towards being "unbalanced", and I end up going down a path of endlessly tweaking settings as my playlist goes on. For me, I have a broad range of what I consider tolerable and enjoyable, so I just listen to most things as they are - warts and all.
Some people may feel "who cares how the sausage is made, as long as I get to enjoy it?", and that is entirely valid. It's just different degrees of personal tolerances.
AnOldMoth t1_j6bgnvl wrote
> the headphones themselves were probably the wrong starting point for you
While I do agree with this in a vacuum, the sad thing is that I have literally never heard a headphone that was "the correct starting point" that was anything resembling affordable. As in, Summit-Fi stuff fits this bill, and anything lower always has a ton of tonal issues that I can't stand.
EQ was the only way for me to afford really good sound, haha. Though of course this is true if you do not have this problem, which I hope other people don't.
covertash t1_j6e1wp0 wrote
That's unfortunate. :(
I'm not nearly as bothered by tonal issues, as I find even if something sounds jarring to me, at first (i.e. stock Focal Elegia), given enough time, I always end up acclimating and normalizing the sound anyway. It just requires time to re-acclimate again when switching back to more "normal" sounding headphones, at a later time. But I can certainly understand others not wanting to undergo this arduous process.
Ezees t1_j6fwzg9 wrote
This^^^. The ear/brain hearing system has a way of adjusting/normalizing nearly any SQ over time. It's how someone could actually enjoy Grado, Bose, or Beats while not disliking more capable or balanced headphones. That is, until they've listened to the balanced HP for awhile - then, when they go back to Grado/Bose/Beats - they'll find them horrible until their hearing adjusts again.
717x t1_j6dqois wrote
Wishing more people could just have this take and we could all move along lmao. I’ve seen so many posts about EQ during the 15 years I’ve been into the hobby, and it’s crazy to me how controversial it is.
covertash t1_j6e3v8f wrote
Yeah, I feel that the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction to the point where the context for EQ usage is lost, and we're now overcompensating and over-correcting to cope with essentially a bad purchase.
pinkcunt123 t1_j69yqxj wrote
Without EQ there would not be a single open back that provides the bass shelf I like, with correct mids and treble, i.e. there aint not Harman tuned open back!
Well, there is the DCA Expanse, but 4700€ for the privilege do not have to use EQ? Nah, I think I am good :)
golfmd2 t1_j6b8g0z wrote
I demoed the expanse. It’s nice but it doesn’t have the soundstage of the hd800s I tried during the same session.
With eq the hd800s might be the closest thing to perfect I’ve owned. Believe it or not, the Sony mdr z1r is right there as well
Ezees t1_j6fw5bf wrote
IDK man - to me, HFM and Audeze planars have delectable bass and subbass - while still having excellent mids and treble......
pinkcunt123 t1_j6h76e6 wrote
Well, you have a different bass preference then. I need the Harman shelf in my life and thus I need EQ for open backs.
Ezees t1_j6j0ifr wrote
Of course, some people like more bass than others - especially if they're used to the boosted bass in consumer-level headphones as a matter of course. Happy listening......
pinkcunt123 t1_j6j0xcu wrote
Condescending much?
Ezees t1_j6ja5ro wrote
Not meant as a personal attack nor to be condescending - just stating a fact. Most consumer-level HPs are bass boosted. IOW, no lies detected. Look at professional HPs like the HD-600 and see that their bass isn't nearly as boosted as Bose, Beats, or Skullcandy - it's much more "reference" - yet most consumers like those latter brands' SQ more than the Senns. As a matter of fact, if I let a typical novice consumer hear Bose/Beats side by side with an Arya or HD-800S - they'd likely choose the former b/c of the name recognition/marketing along with the bass boost. Again, no lies detected.....
KiyPhi t1_j6bo85t wrote
The Expanse also won't have those features without a good seal. I'd had to buy those only to find out that I need to EQ them anyway because they don't sit right on my head.
Astrophan t1_j6as8x9 wrote
Personally I never liked the oratory (?) and such presets on every single headphone I own. I only sometimes use EQ if I want more bass, but could live without it.
717x t1_j6do0rq wrote
That’s why you EQ how you want (or not at all).
RB181 t1_j6aqdkp wrote
I find EQ to be a lot of work for very minor improvements. It's not as convenient as plug-and-play, and I also don't see the point in EQ-ing a headphone to a completely different tonality from stock (because if that's what you want, then you might as well, y'know, get a different headphone). I still fiddle with EQ from time to time but I won't buy a headphone that doesn't sound good enough without EQ to me.
717x t1_j6dqswe wrote
Solid take. A lot of headphones don’t respond well to EQ.
LyKosa91 t1_j69x9po wrote
I do use EQ, but only really to add a bass shelf to taste, or minor tweaks at the top end (DT1990 with fresh pads needs a small cut at 8Khz, with worn in pads it's fine).
I don't use presets because I've realised that they tend to destroy any unique character of the headphones, or that a preset created to someone else's preference most likely doesn't match mine.
The headphones that I actually use already have a frequency response that appeals to me, they don't need a major overhaul. I don't see much sense in starting with a headphone that you think sounds like shit and then digitally reworking every part of the frequency range until its acceptable. The possible exception to this might be if something offers an experience that nothing else can replicate, for example audeze's large diaphragm planar IEMs. Nothing else offers a true open back IEM experience, so if that's what you want, then EQing your way around the shitty tuning might be worthwhile.
GregTheTwurkey t1_j6a9bj7 wrote
Some eq’s that aren’t linear phase can actually shift the stereo image too much. But nowadays, most digital eq do not present this problem, so as long as you don’t drastically change the FR, there’s really no reason not to use it
Tanachip t1_j6aco7r wrote
Because there’s nothing wrong with the focal clear og and b2dusk that needs to be eq’d away. I like their stick sound so why bother?
c9898 t1_j6b01l4 wrote
I like to use the same headphones for everything and I'm too inexperienced to even begin playing with the 10+ bands there are in EQ even with oratory's harman curve as a starting point.
I am a total slut for my Zen Can's x-bass though if that counts
TheFrator t1_j69wbg6 wrote
I don't EQ IEMs since I use those exclusively on-the-go and my iPhone + dongle don't allow EQ. My openback headphones at home I EQ because I already have the equipment (computer as my digital source).
CrimsonPidgeon t1_j69yeum wrote
'Cause I'm lazy. Every day, I use studio monitors, 2 different sets of headphones, and 2 different IEMs across multiple sources. It is just too much work to improve sound profiles I already like as they are. If I want something different, I just swap my gear, no need to mess with multiple profiles, and I never buy something I may need to fix to fit my tastes. Besides, I don't believe any target is objectively perfect or universally fitting, I WANT my gear to sound noticeably distinct when I swap them.
D_Welch t1_j6a87s2 wrote
If I'm listening for my own enjoyment I'll absolutely make use of EQ. If I'm mixing material, that's a different story altogether.
csch1992 t1_j6as63f wrote
i eqed my sundara and have no regrets. feelt like i got another new pair of headphones peace just made it so easy
OverL1ke t1_j6by8gt wrote
I think eq is amazing,for example i didn't like the stock tuning of the hd800s,but was blown away by their soundstage, imaging,detail and ofc comfort,with eq they become my true endgame for me.
Kydarellas t1_j6c12hg wrote
There’s only specific headphones I’ve had bad experiences EQing with. One is the HD8XX, where imaging went to shit the minute I tried to fix the grand canyon in the mids. Another is the Bose QC35, where no amount of EQ could fix its mediocre ass bass response because even with a brutal bass reduction it was a muddy mess. In general, I say “trial and error is the best guide”
Gamergtx_260 t1_j6c8bjf wrote
For me personally, I don’t EQ because I buy headphones for their unique sound signature. If I did EQ, then I would probably end up with just one headphone and I will have no reason to be in this hobby.
Freestalker_dot_fr t1_j6cpazd wrote
I think because of this : https://daystarvisions.com/Music/HE4-Headphone_Frequency_Response_Graphs.pdf
T3L3SIS t1_j6crnq5 wrote
I’m not super opposed to it but in my experience EQ never sounds better than stock. If I could perfectly EQ every headphone then there wouldn’t be any point in trying new stuff. It would be super boring.
sunjay140 t1_j6cy9t3 wrote
I buy headphones that I like the sound of.
LSG4M3R t1_j6degum wrote
Because I want to enjoy the signature sound of audio devices.
playtillyadrop t1_j6e08zd wrote
whats the point of buying headphones if you don't like the way they sound to begin with, only to EQ and make them sound "better"
No_Analysis6187 t1_j6a6310 wrote
Not all Headphones respond well to EQ. I'm not touching them with a 10 foot pole that's for sure (except for Audeze)
717x t1_j6dr3mx wrote
Properly eq’d LCD 2Cs and LCDXs are some of the best headphones I’ve heard at their respective price points. The LCD series in general responds very well to EQ.
[deleted] t1_j6abpll wrote
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Suspicious_Life_6846 t1_j6btovu wrote
Takes a lot of knowledge to use. You can use other people's EQ settings such as oratory's or crinacle's, but they will not always meet your exact preferences.
arey510 t1_j6bzhsu wrote
I almost always make some minor tweaks. Nothing crazy just some extra bass or cutting some sibilance & that’s about it. It’s your headphones & music, listen to them however it makes you the happiest
lowpewpew t1_j6crav9 wrote
I see some people say that they want to keep the unique sound of each headphone/Iem. Which I totally agree, but that is also the exact reason I use EQ!
For example, I feel like X headphone is suitable for female vocals, I would use EQ to further improve the strength and reduce the flaws of the headphone, from being great for female vocals to being perfect for it.
It does takes lots of work, especially when there is so much songs and genres. But to me, the ideal scenario is that I know which Headphone/Iem to pair with the right EQ for each of my favourite songs. It sounds crazy. I know. I am so obsessed with it, that I have at least 3 EQs for each of headphone and IEM. It's fun tho, and the music is awesome. :D
[deleted] t1_j6cw3qq wrote
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B0starr t1_j6dg20x wrote
More points of failure. Need it on each source I use and would want a custom profile for every output device.
Character_Record1232 t1_j6dzqli wrote
I only use EQ to fix something isn't right , if I enjoy the sound signature why messing with EQ ? I basically use AutoEQ with some IEMs I bought just because I want to try something different but didn't work for me
Ok-Change503 t1_j6jvms2 wrote
I realize this is probably not true, but for some reason I always feel EQ adds some kind of haze or distortion. I've tried multiple EQ presets on multiple devices for multiple headphones but for me it just never sounds quite as good as without.
Ezees t1_j6fv7r3 wrote
I don't EQ because my setup and headphones make EQ unnecessary - I've spent time and money so that I don't have to EQ. Plus, I like to hear my system as-is, not to some generic, homogeneous target that makes everything sound more similar than different.
***My laptop-based desktop system (w/ craftily chosen used pieces):
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Lenovo Thinkpad T-540p (bought used, upgraded RAM and OS); running Tidal HiFi w/ Audirvana Studio (or Foobar 2K when I feel like it);
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SMSL SU-9 MQA DAC (connected with true 90-ohm, quad-shielded, solid SPC USB cable);
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Gustard H20 discrete Class A headphone amp/preamp (bought used, w/ upgraded Class A Sparkos Labs or Burson discrete opamps);
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Hifiman Arya Stealth headphones; w/ upgraded 8-cores SPC XLR cable;
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Niles SI-275 stereo power amplifier (bought used, connected to the BAL XLR outputs of my Gustard HP amp/preamp through an XLR to RCA selector switchbox);
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Energy RC-10 bookshelf speakers; slightly modded w/ more damping material; bi-wired and connected with OFC speaker cable;
***All other interconnects are World's Best Cables BAL XLR interconnects using Canare L-4E6S Star-Quad cable with Amphenol connectors;
As you can see, I've taken care of choosing components that work well together (ie: synergy), that I don't feel the need to EQ at all. This still gives me "goosebumps" when I set up to listen - especially my headphone rig.......
ststairz t1_j69zmlw wrote
Too much of a hassle. I was using my Shure SE846 with oratory1990's EQ for a short while then no longer bother. I believe if you need to EQ your headphones in order to like them, then they're simply not for you.
AnOldMoth t1_j6bha99 wrote
That is entirely untrue. Several of my favorite headphones needed EQ, and were magical once I did. Without them they were decent at best, like the Ananda. Most headphones to my ears literally require it to not sound like hot garbage.
I have never liked a headphone without EQ, and I have tried dozens upon dozens... Well, except the Warwick Bravura, that thing actually just sounded good without anything done to them at all, but I don't have thousands to spend.
And if EQ spares me thousands of dollars, then why on earth would I not spend a few minutes setting it up? I'm not THAT lazy.
ststairz t1_j6blxpd wrote
My point is "it's too much of a hassle". Majority of people including myself, just wanna plug and play. I tested oratory1990's EQ harman target. Does it sound good afterwards? Yes. But stock tuning sounds good to my ears as well. There're different, but not for the worse or better. OP asked why people chose not to use EQ. That's my answer. I'm happy with my iem's stock sound signature.
AnOldMoth t1_j6bu45k wrote
I was responding to the last sentence, the rest is valid.
GnT_Man t1_j6as63d wrote
Because i trust the sound engineer who designed the sound signature more than my own or some audio reviewer’s ability to set a headphone’s sound up well. If i adjust bass i might be losing details in the highs, if i adjust upper mids i might be losing lower mids. Headphone tuning is more complex than 12 graphs. There’s a lot more that goes into good sound than whether a sound comforms to an arbitrary target or my preferences which are largely based on what i’ve listened to before.
miles971 t1_j6a49zr wrote
The essence of the hp, goes away with EQ
tachyon8 t1_j6azs50 wrote
No it does not.
SoNic67 t1_j6adwgx wrote
The fallacy is that EQ will improve the sound. Like in "better than the mastering engineer with the artist decided it should sound".
And no, the sound engineers don't master on unobtanium headphones or monitors. They use off-the-shelf devices.
AnOldMoth t1_j6bht55 wrote
As a recording engineer, everything about this comment is factually wrong.
EQ absolutely can improve the sound. That's why we use it in our mixes, and if your listening gear has odd tonality, then of course adjusting that can improve the sound. It's not debatable.
And we use studio monitors EQ'd (gasp) to flat at the placement of our heads when mixing and mastering, then listen to it on various common devices to ensure there's nothing horribly wrong on any of them.
Please don't spread misinformation.
purplehaze619 t1_j6c8da0 wrote
Mans a clown, dont listen to him, how tf is EQing a fallacy? lmao. That means no manufacturer is allowed to tune as it is EQing too, just not in software?
SupOrSalad t1_j69tosr wrote
Friction mainly. It takes extra work. For each headphone and cross different devices.
I think that's the main reason. Many prefer just plug and play. I like EQ, but even I only use it on devices that save the EQ profile on them like Bluetooth headphones