Aug 4, 2024 at 3:12 PM Post #76,666 of 78,720

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Aug 4, 2024 at 8:55 PM Post #76,667 of 78,720
Hi Folks,

I spent some time playing with some software to try to improve the sound quality of my earbuds and headphones. I would like to share some software that I'm using with good results:

1722795090482.png

First one is the is the Virtual Audio Stream (I'm a PC user with Windows). I use this guy to redirect the audio stream to the VST plugins. I use the following VST plugins:

1 - Ozone 11 advanced (awesome what this can do). There are a lot of configurations available. I use the following:

Imager (configuration of the soundstage, crossfeed, etc):

1722795271614.png

Clarity (makes the music shine without being harsh):

1722795354886.png

Dynamic EQ:

1722795564028.png

I use this 2 modules from SoundToys Effect Rack:

1722795699200.png

Also, I use the TubePreamp from DDMF:

1722795847687.png

It's unbelievable what this bundle of software can make with the earbuds and headphones.

Here is one example of what tubepreamp can do:

1722795836245.jpeg

It's possible to see the harmonics distortions that it can emulate. It allow you to change the values of each resistor, capacitor. With an spectrum analyzer you can see everything that changes in the harmonic distortions. For instance, changing one a few ohms can change the 1st harmonic. Very cool.

Here a small sample:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y60gaVFWJOrp2BlxN0cz2joYYAA471Ut/view?usp=sharing

Sorry for this bad recorded mp3. I recorded with my mobile. This can show what it can do. I need to say that it's not only equalization. These DSPs do much more than that.

Any questions, I'm here.

Cheers,

Marcos Fontana
Very cool. Is it a problem for you to not have the audio processing chain if you listen to music away from your PC / laptop or is this just for DSP experimenting?
 
Aug 4, 2024 at 9:13 PM Post #76,668 of 78,720
Very cool. Is it a problem for you to not have the audio processing chain if you listen to music away from your PC / laptop or is this just for DSP experimenting?
I work with IT. I spend most of my time in the PC. Normally, when I leave the PC, I need to give some attention to my wife and son. So, I only listen to music on the PC. But, I really don't care about the chain. I have some good headphones and the chain is not really important.

But I'm going to license everything. This is really fun.
 
Aug 4, 2024 at 11:08 PM Post #76,669 of 78,720
Hi Folks,

I spent some time playing with some software to try to improve the sound quality of my earbuds and headphones. I would like to share some software that I'm using with good results:



First one is the is the Virtual Audio Stream (I'm a PC user with Windows). I use this guy to redirect the audio stream to the VST plugins. I use the following VST plugins:

1 - Ozone 11 advanced (awesome what this can do). There are a lot of configurations available. I use the following:

Imager (configuration of the soundstage, crossfeed, etc):



Clarity (makes the music shine without being harsh):



Dynamic EQ:



I use this 2 modules from SoundToys Effect Rack:



Also, I use the TubePreamp from DDMF:



It's unbelievable what this bundle of software can make with the earbuds and headphones.

Here is one example of what tubepreamp can do:



It's possible to see the harmonics distortions that it can emulate. It allow you to change the values of each resistor, capacitor. With an spectrum analyzer you can see everything that changes in the harmonic distortions. For instance, changing one a few ohms can change the 1st harmonic. Very cool.

Here a small sample:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y60gaVFWJOrp2BlxN0cz2joYYAA471Ut/view?usp=sharing

Sorry for this bad recorded mp3. I recorded with my mobile. This can show what it can do. I need to say that it's not only equalization. These DSPs do much more than that.

Any questions, I'm here.

Cheers,

Marcos Fontana
I use the Tube Saturator Vintage, so I was interested to try the tubepreamp you mention here, but HEADS UP ON THE LINK from the DDMF Home Page because my system just detected a virus in the download.
 
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Aug 5, 2024 at 12:01 AM Post #76,670 of 78,720
Since you're an experienced earbud DIY'er, it will be such an easy build for you. Go for it bro!
I absolutely will bro!
How many of them are you going to effectively use after the honeymoon phase is over? Hope you can solve your dilemma pretty soon. 👍
Yeah, it's a bit problematic because most of them became long-term residents of my drawer lol, barely getting used. I might need to revisit some of them to retune them in the future, but until then, they will sleep in hibernation.
True. Not sure how often I will rotate once I found the one I like. However I'm guessing most of us often have that sense of curiosity to want to try more earbuds, iems, dacs, amps etc.
It do be like that haha.
 
Aug 5, 2024 at 12:06 AM Post #76,671 of 78,720
So I found this while scrolling through YTshorts and decided to get one on Ali; they're much cheaper there compared to these dropshippers lol. I used it to store my earbuds, and I think it looks pretty neat. I might buy some more for my other earbuds and IEMs.
2024-08-05-1.jpg
I also found this while I was out shopping. I believe these are used in food preservation, but I'm going to use them in tandem with silica gel to prevent oxidation of the brass shells used in Lrey grado.
2024-08-05-2.jpg
 
Aug 5, 2024 at 3:38 AM Post #76,672 of 78,720
So I found this while scrolling through YTshorts and decided to get one on Ali; they're much cheaper there compared to these dropshippers lol. I used it to store my earbuds, and I think it looks pretty neat. I might buy some more for my other earbuds and IEMs.
2024-08-05-1.jpg
I also found this while I was out shopping. I believe these are used in food preservation, but I'm going to use them in tandem with silica gel to prevent oxidation of the brass shells used in Lrey grado.
2024-08-05-2.jpg
Does the plastic shape stay like that (i.e. do we have to roll the cable and place it back the same way each time)?
 
Aug 5, 2024 at 4:29 AM Post #76,673 of 78,720
Aug 5, 2024 at 1:29 PM Post #76,674 of 78,720
Hi Folks,

I spent some time playing with some software to try to improve the sound quality of my earbuds and headphones. I would like to share some software that I'm using with good results:

1722795090482.png

First one is the is the Virtual Audio Stream (I'm a PC user with Windows). I use this guy to redirect the audio stream to the VST plugins. I use the following VST plugins:

1 - Ozone 11 advanced (awesome what this can do). There are a lot of configurations available. I use the following:

Imager (configuration of the soundstage, crossfeed, etc):

1722795271614.png

Clarity (makes the music shine without being harsh):

1722795354886.png

Dynamic EQ:

1722795564028.png

I use this 2 modules from SoundToys Effect Rack:

1722795699200.png

Also, I use the TubePreamp from DDMF:

1722795847687.png

It's unbelievable what this bundle of software can make with the earbuds and headphones.

Here is one example of what tubepreamp can do:

1722795836245.jpeg

It's possible to see the harmonics distortions that it can emulate. It allow you to change the values of each resistor, capacitor. With an spectrum analyzer you can see everything that changes in the harmonic distortions. For instance, changing one a few ohms can change the 1st harmonic. Very cool.

Here a small sample:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y60gaVFWJOrp2BlxN0cz2joYYAA471Ut/view?usp=sharing

Sorry for this bad recorded mp3. I recorded with my mobile. This can show what it can do. I need to say that it's not only equalization. These DSPs do much more than that.

Any questions, I'm here.

Cheers,

Marcos Fontana
My use for buds is on the go, so Android would be My platform. I use UAPP and Wavelet. I could use your advice for my Windows monitors though. I have been Using PEACE since forever
 
Aug 5, 2024 at 10:48 PM Post #76,675 of 78,720
:frowning2:

It seems that USPS lost my package where the DX7 was coming; it shows delivered to my freight forwarder's address, but they didn't actually receive the packge since they are not open on Saturdays. I'm not sure what to do, maybe I'll file a chargeback on Paypal, since I doubt the seller will believe me that I did not receive the package. I also sent them (USPS) an missing package email and another one inquring about who signed the package when it was marked as delivered.
 
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Aug 6, 2024 at 4:45 AM Post #76,676 of 78,720
:frowning2:

It seems that USPS lost my package where the DX7 was coming; it shows delivered to my freight forwarder's address, but they didn't actually receive the packge since they are not open on Saturdays. I'm not sure what to do, maybe I'll file a chargeback on Paypal, since I doubt the seller will believe me that I did not receive the package. I also sent them (USPS) an missing package email and another one inquring about who signed the package when it was marked as delivered.

Hope it gets sorted out, hope the chargeback goes thru!
 
Aug 6, 2024 at 4:47 AM Post #76,677 of 78,720
First Impression of the Shozy BK Special Edition

These latest PK earbuds from Shozy, the Shozy BK Special Edition, feature an imported Drivers from Japan. Paired with the Hiby FC6, the first notes played through these earbuds gave me goosebumps. It's hard to believe such an impressive sound comes from such a small PK shell. A flagship Level Sound quality

Link you can purchase: https://penonaudio.com/shozy-bkse.html

Sound Signature and Timber: Balance ,natural and organic sound.

The sound signature of these earbuds is remarkably well-balanced and open, reminiscent of high-quality headphones. The audio experience is spacious and immersive, providing an exceptional listening experience that feels much larger than the size of the earbuds suggests.
The layering of instruments is fantastic, allowing you to pinpoint each instrument with remarkable accuracy. This level of detail makes complex tracks more enjoyable, as every element is distinct and well-placed within the soundstage.
Vocals are crystal clear, neutral, and organic, offering a natural and lifelike presentation. The mids are perfectly balanced, delivering a smooth and realistic sound that enhances both speech and music.
The bass is tight and full, with a very natural response. Kick drums have a satisfying punch without being bloated, and there is no bleed into the mids. This ensures that the low frequencies are impactful without overpowering other elements of the music.
The highs are excellent, full of detail and while maintaining a natural sparkle. They are not artificially boosted, avoiding the harshness and digital sound that can sometimes come at the expense of clarity. This results in a detailed yet smooth treble performance.

Full review soon….
inbound5766187889953623617.jpg
 

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Aug 6, 2024 at 4:49 AM Post #76,678 of 78,720
First Impression of the Shozy BK Special Edition

These latest PK earbuds from Shozy, the Shozy BK Special Edition, feature an imported Drivers from Japan. Paired with the Hiby FC6, the first notes played through these earbuds gave me goosebumps. It's hard to believe such an impressive sound comes from such a small PK shell. A flagship Level Sound quality

Link you can purchase: https://penonaudio.com/shozy-bkse.html

Sound Signature and Timber: Balance ,natural and organic sound.

The sound signature of these earbuds is remarkably well-balanced and open, reminiscent of high-quality headphones. The audio experience is spacious and immersive, providing an exceptional listening experience that feels much larger than the size of the earbuds suggests.
The layering of instruments is fantastic, allowing you to pinpoint each instrument with remarkable accuracy. This level of detail makes complex tracks more enjoyable, as every element is distinct and well-placed within the soundstage.
Vocals are crystal clear, neutral, and organic, offering a natural and lifelike presentation. The mids are perfectly balanced, delivering a smooth and realistic sound that enhances both speech and music.
The bass is tight and full, with a very natural response. Kick drums have a satisfying punch without being bloated, and there is no bleed into the mids. This ensures that the low frequencies are impactful without overpowering other elements of the music.
The highs are excellent, full of detail and while maintaining a natural sparkle. They are not artificially boosted, avoiding the harshness and digital sound that can sometimes come at the expense of clarity. This results in a detailed yet smooth treble performance.

Full review soon….

inbound6946724863651899852.jpg
 

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Aug 6, 2024 at 10:27 AM Post #76,679 of 78,720
:frowning2:

It seems that USPS lost my package where the DX7 was coming; it shows delivered to my freight forwarder's address, but they didn't actually receive the packge since they are not open on Saturdays. I'm not sure what to do, maybe I'll file a chargeback on Paypal, since I doubt the seller will believe me that I did not receive the package. I also sent them (USPS) an missing package email and another one inquring about who signed the package when it was marked as delivered.
3 working days after marked as received, they actually received it! I cancelled the missing package search thingy.

I'm asking for my items to be shipped with UPS or any other carrier from now on; USPS is crap.
 
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Aug 6, 2024 at 7:40 PM Post #76,680 of 78,720
Hi, I hope everyone is doing well. I'm new to the world of Flat heads but have been a long time Headphone and IEM user, I recently decided to dip my toes in the waters of flat head earbuds, So far I own a set of EB2S Pros and think they sound decent for the money. Im an idiot who likes higher quality gear so was wondering if there were any recommendations for high quality flat heads in the $100-$300 USD range? I have heard decent things about Rikubuds what else is out there?

I prefer a vocal focused listening experience, Open to easy or harder to drive, I just want the best listening experience I can get for the budget, Budget can be flexible to some degree for something truly special(within reason, cant be double the budget, etc)

Sources:
Ipod - 3rd Gen, 2nd Gen Nano, 7th gen Classic, 5th gen Classic
Fiio M11 Plus LTD

Thanks!
 
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