PC as source, semi-noob question... iTunes EQ?

Are you running the EQ down for all of the other frequencies and just leaving the 32 Hz slider at neutral?  That is probably the best way to run the EQ.  Have you tried it through Foobar2000 yet?  Also, what version of iTunes are you using?   The latest version is the best sounding so far, but the last few versions had some serious audio issues.

iTunes EQ is by no means bad, it's just inaccurate(or hard to be accurate with). Doing something as broad as a bass boost shouldn't be too difficult with it, you're just not going to be able to do anything like tone down spikes.

 

If you're not willing to use any other media player, you would have to use something like VST host and the electri-q VST plugin. And you'd probably need a software like Virtual Audio Cable to make that work, but that's not free unfortunately. If anyone knows of a free alternative I would like to hear of it. 

That's the problem, it's really hard to say what the Q is.

 

Xnor made some measurements: http://www.head-fi.org/t/526507/audio-player-equalizer-resampling-measurements but didn't use those two sliders. It should give you a general idea of how accurate they are... The bands seem to be fairly accurate as far as position goes, but the Q seems to be narrow enough that it causes a stair-step like curve(when making minor adjustments, I'd imagine they'd bleed into each other more when they're made bigger). It can also be a bit unpredictable. But it's got no distortion at least.

 

 

I'm unaware of any iTunes plugins, sorry. But is there a reason you're restricted to this media player, is it just preference?

 

The best way to do what you're looking to do would be to create one band at 20Hz and bump that up, but you'd probably need a parametric EQ for that like electri-q. Not exactly compatible with iTunes unless you use VST Host.

Edited by chewy4 - 2/4/13 at 9:04am

Does dropping the preamp actually the same as dropping EQ on all other channels? I'd assume so as well, but maybe someone can confirm?

 

I'm actually running my iTunes EQ identical to yours right now (except pre-amp reduction), using a HeadRoom BitHead running USB audio in, USB power, and a brand new set of Senheisser HD449's.

 

Also, on a similar note, I'm using my windows volume slider to adjust music volume, not touching the BitHead volume. Should I instead be running my PC at 100%, and use the BitHead? I'm assuming that the BitHead has a good enough amp to cleanly power the headphones even with the input volume being reduced. 

Dropping the preamp is better than pulling down all the other sliders.

As others noted the apple graphic EQ's behaviour is a bit unpredictable; in particular, dropping down the preamp x dB would result in an even reduction at all frequencies similar to turning down the volume, while pulling down all the frequency sliders down x dB most definitely changes the frequency response. This is probably true of all graphic EQs.

I'd say that you are fine setting your volume at the PC. There is a theoretical drop in quality (less bit depth) but only theoretical in all but the most extreme circumstances. OTOH I learned from a DIY amp designer that it is best to set your amp to the lowest gain setting, (the gain switch, not the volume knob--not all amps have variable gain settings) because gain controls the actual amplification level while the volume knob is attenuation after the fact. An amp generally gives the best performance at the lowest gain setting so it's better to run your power hungry cans at low gain and 3 o'clock volume than high gain at 9 o'clock volume.

Yeah, from the very basic knowledge I have in electronics, I'd assume the same, and that is how I'm running my amp.

Thanks for the reply!

I use Pure Music with iTunes. It makes iTunes sound better, plus you can use high-quality EQs and other plugins. I use the FabFilter Pro Q EQ, which sounds great, but there are others.