Hi all, I have searched through related posts, but there doesn't seem to be a post about this topic directly. My question is simple: Why do cymbals sound so bad, like pin pricks, on most audio gear, particularly iems? Am I just unlucky? Am I overly sensitive to cymbals? Just listen to these...

Play the song "New Kid in Town" by The Eagles. Am I crazy, or are the cymbals like sharp needles shooting into my ears? I'm looking for an IEM that has that hardness to it that portrays this song such that the cymbals are tasteful, rather than fizzly. My Tia Trio is very bad at portraying that...

Let me elaborate. Our ears have wax. That wax naturally exits the ear. When we're listening for hours on end on our daily driver IEM, some of that wax can get deep in the nozzle. Sure, you can clean the sides of the nozzle with a brush, but some wax may get stuck. Don't people worry about this...

Hi all, What are some gripes you have with reviewers? Obviously, we want this to be a safe but fun space, and all of this will be jokes at the end of the day. So, don't name any reviewers, but have fun!

I tried to find the HE90 thread, but to my surprise, there isn't a dedicated thread. While I don't intend this thread to be the HE90 thread (see title), it may bring up discussions about its sound from a relative standpoint. All in all, I am looking for your opinion on headphones that sound...

Hi all, This will be a thread dedicated to those wanting to learn the theory behind audio. Topics can range from materials, electricity, etc. Andy

Moved to general https://www.head-fi.org/threads/looking-for-teach-on-electricity-30usd-per-month-casual-no-assignments-exams.946152/

Anyone tried this? Surprisingly little literature on this, especially for headphones. I am keeping it to hybrid tube amps to maintain safety.

Has anyone done it? After all, we expect, generally, wood to have better acoustic properties than plastic. I was thinking of buying some wood veneer, and cutting it, then taping bits and pieces to the inside so it's mostly covered. Of course, it won't be perfect, but the plan is to cover most...

The title says it all. The designer wanted the headphones to sound a certain way with stock pads. There are exceptions, and here I would say do your research. Don't blindly buy $70 3 inch thick pads for your HD600 is what I mean. I'm not an expert on the science, but the general consensus is...

Hey all, I am looking for songs that have extended guitar solos. I find this type of music magical, because just when you think it's about to end, the guitarist does another riff. Not some 3-minute wimpy song with repeated choruses, there's enough of those already. Some "popular" examples...

Can anyone recommend a warm tube amp that is clearly rolled off around the 8-10k brightness region? Not just by tubes, like very very warm no matter the tube. Thanks!

Hey folks, I'd like to chime in the audio community. I'd like to think of myself having a bit of audio experience, having owned over a dozen iems, including the ones in the title, earbuds, headphones (ANC, open-back, closed-back), and desktop speakers. I found the time to give a little...

Hi all, I want to begin to say that I am quite frustrated. Having spent several hours, I actually could not find a solid compact, powered speaker system besides the companion 20. The companion 20 is the perfect size for my desktop, but I am looking for something with two drivers. Now, before...

Hi all, After testing multiple IEMs, both expensive and cheap, I have found out what I want from an IEM, especially given my musical taste in classic rock. As strange as it sounds, I want something that has a good treble response for cymbals. The underlying strengths of an IEM that will give...

Hi all, after months of getting into this hobby, and owning quite a few pairs of headphones and iems, with ample listening time, I am quite confident that this is the ideal frequency response for classic rock. The reasoning is as follows: Sub-bass boost gives kick-drums a visceral impact...

Hi all, I am looking for a pair of commonly found vintage speakers with that vintage "twang". I have no experience with speakers, let alone vintage ones, but I am familiar with headphones. To those familiar with the HD540/HD250 from Sennheiser, you'll know where I'm getting at - they have a...

Hi all, I am looking for a headphone that: has inoffensive treble is dynamic third, but not crucial, not too colored not too heavy physically Any suggestions? My kph30i's fit the bill, but lack the technicalities to call it an all-rounder. HD518's also lack technicality. Budget ~300USD...

HI all, Not sure where to post this, but I feel this is the right space. I was just wondering whether discontinued headphones, like the HD800, are worth keeping. Why would people be so eager to sell their HD800's as I am seeing, even for a price which is actually LOWER than when they were in...

Hi all, Recently installed an air conditioner in my dorm, which of course has a drone when turned on. Hence, why I am looking for closed backs. Budget is <200. My priority is technicalities, in particular instrument separation. Soundstage a plus but not needed. I was kind of ruined by the...

Hi all, I was just wondering, for those with above-average head sizes, whether you have tried taking a heat gun to the headband to loosen it. I would probably take a thick textbook, lay it horizontally, and use it as a wedge to open my headphones. Now, I will take a heat gun for a few seconds...

Hi head fi community! I am just looking for a barebones, decent performer, best under $300, dac amp that has a 4 pin xlr + 6.35mm balanced outputs. I recently got the ve zen 2.0's with 4 pin from a friend, but don't have anything to plug it in! Basically, I just need to run the HD700's and ve...

Hi all, I recently figured out equalizer apo+peace, and it has opened my eyes to another world of headphones. In fact, I'm surprised why many don't incorporate eq'ing to their reviews. True, some say that headphones "eq well," but don't follow through with eq settings and comments, etc...

Hi all, I was just wondering whether there are cheap, passable custom IEMs, perhaps under $200? Reason is I can't stand silicone tips, and the idea of having a custom mold in the ear sounds like it can provide a long term solution. Insofar as the iem sounds good, of course. Feel free to just...

Good day all, I am looking for an iem sub 100 CAD that has the following qualities. -high technicalities, in particular, separation during congested tracks. -no peaky treble -somewhat comfortable. Based on the list above, I DO NOT care about tone, quality/quantify of base, signature shape...