Recent comments in /f/headphones

RB181 t1_je26kdh wrote

Reply to What music service do you guys use? by dpalma9

I do both - purchase music that I want to keep (usually on Bandcamp or CD) and stream otherwise. It means I support the artists, I don't have to worry about network/regional/copyright availability when listening to my favourites, but I also don't miss out on high-quality audio in cases where storage is an issue, streaming exclusives, or long shipping delays when ordering albums on CD.

For streaming, I use Tidal, as it is the highest-paying option to artists available to me while also being lossless (or close enough in case of MQA). I tried a few others but found no real benefit to switching. I wish I had access to Qobuz though.

3

Aracari_LoA t1_je23ria wrote

Reply to Alternative to frequency response charts? by Petrovski_Valenko

So I have a theory that we could take tools commonly used in an audio mixing environment to gain more knowledge about how different headphones sound, but I don't have the gear to try and validate that. I have however done some listening in my DAW using various softwares and I think there's untapped potential there.

As an example it's common in mixing to have a mid/side EQ to independently adjust centered (mono) and side (stereo only) information. I tried simulating a typical sine wave sweep but for the mid and side signals separate and found both signals to have different peaks/dips from each other. My LCD-XC has a boost at 7-8k that is only present on the side signal whereas that region is slightly attenuated on the centered signal (for my hrtf anyway). Obviously I would need to do more thorough testing with actual measurement equipment to validate that, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless.

1

RB181 t1_je23m2c wrote

Reply to comment by CrelbowMannschaft in What music service do you guys use? by dpalma9

Volume normalization reduces dynamic range, which can only be a detriment to sound quality. I can't think of a reason to use normalization on any device which provides fine-grained volume control (although, Android is still lacking in this department). It's also not a Spotify-exclusive feature, AFAIK any streaming service I've tried had the option to turn on normalization (not that I've used it).

Spotify used to be king when it comes to catalog size and UI but at this point I find that the competition has very much caught up to them, and there's also the matter that they're one of the worst when it comes to artist payouts. Even if you don't care about audio quality, I find it hard to justify using Spotify in this day and age.

−4

DonkeyDumpling t1_je2208q wrote

Reply to Focal Clear OG's Headband by Icy_Earth_8611

Literally just posted today looking for information about a replacement headband. Had them about three years and treated them well. They still broke. It is a very real possibility even if they are taken care of.

Take a look at this thread for a look inside the headband and some discussion on why it's a common problem:

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/s8wo4x/why_focal_headbands_break/

They do sound great though.

2

ChildishRebelSoldier t1_je215j2 wrote

Reply to comment by VivaPlays in Dunu Titan S is actually open-back!! Why did Dunu not advertise it as such?! by Fantastic_Influence9

That’s the closest you’re going to get. Using them on discord / for calls is really nice because the occlusion effect isn’t as prominent. I’d have kept mine if the comfort was better. But they’re still in ears and they block a lot of sound compared to open back headphones or earbuds.

3

CertainlySomeGuy t1_je1zxfo wrote

Reply to What music service do you guys use? by dpalma9

I use Spotify and Bandcamp for the library and and if a song is available on tidal, I listen to it there. You might find everything you need on tidal - some of my favorite bands are just a little bit too obscure.

I don't use or pay for master quality though. MQA is a hoax.

I am very surprised that a lot of comments here say that Spotifys Sound Quality is enough. I can tell the difference as long as I am listening on my better gear...

7

-Chocki- OP t1_je1x15y wrote

Reply to comment by NahFaquuuu in I may have a flathead earbud addiction. by -Chocki-

No experience with those, sorry. I do have a pair of moondrop starfield’s and the experience with IEMs is just very different. Buds are a fun listening experience and have different fit you may enjoy, but your not going to get that extended bass without the seal IEMs provide.

1

-Chocki- OP t1_je1vpcm wrote

Reply to comment by KaosC57 in I may have a flathead earbud addiction. by -Chocki-

The ve monk has had the most time in my ear but they were the first earbuds I got since owning my originals in the 90s. They feel like home to me.

Iris ancestor are current favorites.

Price can vary but for most between $5 and $20. But you know… you can spend $200 on some tgx earbuds.

2