Does it make sense to be an audio purist?

[mikeekim1024]

I have Beyerdynamic DT 1990s that need to be EQed since they have a flat-ish response. I don't mind, and having higher-quality flac files such as 24bit/96k or higher, you have more room for EQ before you start degrading the music. I "try" to keep the original sound, just bumping up the bass and trebble, lately using a W-shape to bring back some vocals. My latest 10-band MusicBee EQ is pre-amp -5, EQ +5 | +1 | -2 | -4 | -2 | -2 | -4 | -2 | +1 | +5. Some albums just need more punch, so I bring up the bass to +10 | +3. That may sound extreme, but there's no distortion, and it "feels" right. If I add more I can definitely tell it's too much.

I listen to rock/metal from the 70s/80s/90s, some sountracks (Bond 25, Inception, Interstellar, Blade Runner). I like to hear it like I was in the studio, so I can't just leave it flat. Most music just doesn't have the punch and dynamic range to feel "alive". I just bought a Schiit Asgard 3 with ES9028 module and like it so far.

 

[Barnstormer13]

I don’t think I’m a purist, even though I don’t typically EQ gear. My goal is always to maximize engagement and a sense of being there. Since every environment ads it’s own color to a performance, there is no absolute truth for me.

 

[Mhog55]

Can one be a purist if not listening to vinyl

 

[OnlySoMany]

Impossible. One person's perfect is another person's garbage. Makes no sense.

 

[Skev]

Any headphone EQ’d or not will have its own character so from the beginning it’s not entirely pure to the recording I would say.

Audio can never be pure unless you’re in front of the musicians live.

I’ve never been one to EQ and used to be bit-perfect or nothing! But now I just stream and enjoy the music.

My next buy will probably be a decent DAC with EQ ability.

Purity is getting lost in the music! (to me)

 

[Brandfuchs]

I'm not sure if you meant "purist" to refer to strictly adhering to a headphone's original tuning. If that's the case, my thought is that you don't have to force yourself to become a ‘puristist'

When I first got into this hobby, I bought a TH900. However, at the time, my equipment couldn't properly tame its piercing highs. I absolutely loved its bass, but the highs made it almost impossible for me to listen for extended periods (due to fatigue).

Later, I solved this issue through EQ and mod. In fact, mod can also be seen as a form of EQ, but it's on physical level lol. After all, the enjoyment you get from headphones is your own business. If there's something you're dissatisfied with, just solve it. It's that simple. Don't torture yourself by forcing yourself to accept something you don't actually like for the sake of 'purist'.

Of course, there's one thing to keep in mind: when exchanging opinion, don't take its post-EQ sound for what it was. After all, adaptation is a powerful force, sometimes making you forget what something originally sounded like.

 

[Conan1974]

Personally, I am a purist because I buy the headphones with their sound signature.

However, knowing that nothing is perfect in life, I also can see the perspective that it is impossible to be a purist because no headphone is gonna be 100% to your liking.

So, does it make sense to be a purist? I recently had to EQ my HD600 to add some more sub-bass and its working wonderfully for an open back after. Made my HD600s sound good with free software but kinda defeats the purpose of buying headphones for their preferred signature.

What's your thoughts?

Hi there.
I do not agree, that no headphone can be 100% to Your liking. If we are talking only about sound quality. Not the look or how comfortable the cans are.

I had Focal Clear as a first hifi cans, changed it for Denon AH D9200.
Listened everything On them and did like how it sounded. Changed it for ZMF Auteur Classic and do not see a reason for buying anything else. I listen to pop, classical, rock, metal, soundtracks, singer/ songwriter.
I think - like speakers - headphones are made to be able to play whatever You send through them. You just have to find the one.