Feb 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM Post #69,511 of 69,567
because I want better drives which also mean larger soundstage, better imaging and more details, and different tuning. I am not sure if that's a valid assumption though:thinking:
Unfortunately I don't think that those other properties will be unaffected by EQ.
But if you don't like the HP100 (which I love btw), maybe a PS2000e might fit the bill? In my memory that one is closer to the RS1 Button than the HP100.

And yes, sound stage, imaging and details is at least influenced by the frequency response (but FR alone doesn't tell the whole story, far from it). In short: its complicated ;-)

@Hypops You won't interact with the phase changes introduced by a filter network used in multi-driver systems, yes. But a filter itself introduces phase changes already, so I'd not say that's a free lunch. But as with tubes... as long as one likes the outcome, everything is fine.
 
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Feb 4, 2025 at 3:53 PM Post #69,512 of 69,567
Unfortunately I don't think that those other properties will be unaffected by EQ.
But if you don't like the HP100 (which I love btw), maybe a PS2000e might fit the bill? In my memory that one is closer to the RS1 Button than the HP100.

And yes, sound stage, imaging and details is at least influenced by the frequency response (but FR alone doesn't tell the whole story, far from it). In short: its complicated ;-)

@Hypops You won't interact with the phase changes introduced by a filter network used in multi-driver systems, yes. But a filter itself introduces phase changes already, so I'd not say that's a free lunch. But as with tubes... as long as one likes the outcome, everything is fine.
Allegedly the Mojo 2 EQ can work without phase shifting. No idea if i would ever be able to hear such anyway, it works very well for me in any case.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM Post #69,513 of 69,567
Allegedly the Mojo 2 EQ can work without phase shifting. No idea if i would ever be able to hear such anyway, it works very well for me in any case.
While BSS claimed to have infinite filters (i.e. not 12dB/octave or 48dB/octave but literally cut off) quite some time ago, I still have reservations. I can imagine modifying a bitstream to some effect, yet I still think transforming it back into the analog domain will again carry all the usual baggage.
That is not to say that EQ per se is bad or useless, far from it. I've used EQs a lot (both digital and analog) for live sound systems, its put to good use in studios and can certainly help with some things people don't like about their headphones. Wether phase effects are directly audible... hard to pin down when the sound is by definition changing. I'd say if one likes the outcome, why not. For myself, I prefer to keep things simple. And choose a different model of headphone in case I don't like what I hear.

My main problem with EQ would be that I'm then bound to a very specific chain, yet I like to switch around, add new components, take things with me etc. Taking EQs with me across devices would be too much hassle. I do have 4 headphones, 3 DAPs and a Lyr+ including a small tube selection with me on vacation though ;-)
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM Post #69,514 of 69,567
I can’t speak specifically to any Grado headphones (I’m still waiting on mine to arrive), but EQ is essentially “free” on single driver headphones since they are minimum-phase devices. You won’t run into the issues that happen on loudspeakers (phase smearing, etc).

However, “musical” is too vague a term to be able to EQ for it. It depends on what you mean by “musical” (dynamic, spacious, etc). And as a rule, EQing one driver to sound like another almost never works. Too many other factors in play that you can’t EQ (resonances, distortion profile, impedance reactivity, etc). That said, if the drivers are similar enough in their characteristics, it should be possible to get close. You’d need your own measurement rig to get there, though.

"Free" is exactly my point. When I buy a headphone, I’m paying for the effort that went into creating its sound signature. Since it’s hard to define a sound signature purely in quantitative terms, I trust the maker’s tuning—not just the frequency response, but also things like resonances and decay. That said, I still have my own preferences, and EQ is a flexible and free tool. In my opinion, swapping pads and cables isn’t a better approach to change frequency responses than simply EQing .

Unfortunately I don't think that those other properties will be unaffected by EQ.
But if you don't like the HP100 (which I love btw), maybe a PS2000e might fit the bill? In my memory that one is closer to the RS1 Button than the HP100.

And yes, sound stage, imaging and details is at least influenced by the frequency response (but FR alone doesn't tell the whole story, far from it). In short: its complicated ;-)

I don’t own an HP100 right now, but I’ll be going to CanJam New York this month. Hopefully, I’ll find a headphone I really like there!
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 6:53 PM Post #69,515 of 69,567
While BSS claimed to have infinite filters (i.e. not 12dB/octave or 48dB/octave but literally cut off) quite some time ago, I still have reservations. I can imagine modifying a bitstream to some effect, yet I still think transforming it back into the analog domain will again carry all the usual baggage.
That is not to say that EQ per se is bad or useless, far from it. I've used EQs a lot (both digital and analog) for live sound systems, its put to good use in studios and can certainly help with some things people don't like about their headphones. Wether phase effects are directly audible... hard to pin down when the sound is by definition changing. I'd say if one likes the outcome, why not. For myself, I prefer to keep things simple. And choose a different model of headphone in case I don't like what I hear.

My main problem with EQ would be that I'm then bound to a very specific chain, yet I like to switch around, add new components, take things with me etc. Taking EQs with me across devices would be too much hassle. I do have 4 headphones, 3 DAPs and a Lyr+ including a small tube selection with me on vacation though ;-)
YMMV of course. For me, I've never met a headphone that hasn't been improved by even just minor EQ. Some of that is down to fundamental technological limitations in headphone design, and some is down to individual HRTF. But IMO getting into EQ vs. no-EQ debates is about as fruitful as getting into headphone cable debates. Once someone makes up their mind, they generally don't change it again.

"Free" is exactly my point. When I buy a headphone, I’m paying for the effort that went into creating its sound signature. Since it’s hard to define a sound signature purely in quantitative terms, I trust the maker’s tuning—not just the frequency response, but also things like resonances and decay. That said, I still have my own preferences, and EQ is a flexible and free tool. In my opinion, swapping pads and cables isn’t a better approach to change frequency responses than simply EQing .
As above, a headphone designer can only do so much, even in the best of circumstances. And HRTF is literally impossible to account for other than through subdued treble tunings--which Grados are definitively not. But I also know (and completely respect) that folks who are anti-EQ aren't going to be persuaded by me or anyone else posting replies in an internet forum.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 7:14 PM Post #69,516 of 69,567
P.S: I also found a very good deal for open box MS1x, hopefully it will arrive soon and I could give you my honest opinion about it
Looking forward to it.

Just mentioning the MS1 in yesterday's post had me thinking about something else you posted:
To my ears there is no shame going down the ladder for something less resolving in order to have more jam.
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Edit: MS1x comes in at $56aud cheaper than SR125x.

Edit²: Looks like these are fitted with Comfort pads. $45 for a pad swap wipes out most of the saving.
 
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Feb 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM Post #69,517 of 69,567
Looking forward to it.

Just mentioning the MS1 in yesterday's post had me thinking about something else you posted:

**It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing**.

Edit: MS1x comes in at $56aud cheaper than SR125x.
**Duke Ellington ....... now, SR325x & Vali 3 clearly have that swing -- which is why they get 'active duty'!
IMG_0182.jpeg
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM Post #69,518 of 69,567
**Duke Ellington ....... now, SR325x & Vali 3 clearly have that swing -- which is why they get 'active duty'!
465hrs on the 325x now. I rarely touch the HE6SE or Audeze, especially after getting the Vali 3 (332hrs).
 
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Feb 4, 2025 at 10:55 PM Post #69,519 of 69,567
Do you use: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳? 🤣🤣
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 11:08 PM Post #69,520 of 69,567
Do you use: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳? 🤣🤣
I use the stopwatch and keep a notebook on my phone. Keep note of valve hours too. Something I started doing years ago to see just how long valves last.

Given the sheer volume of your collection, I imagine a spreadsheet and a part-time assistant would be required.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 11:42 PM Post #69,521 of 69,567
This is the ensemble:
IMG_0182.jpeg


This is the album:
IMG_0184.jpeg
[United Artists / Liberty: released 1975.] One of the best funking albums of 1970s.

This is the result:
🤪 😀 🙃 😀 🤪
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 11:48 PM Post #69,522 of 69,567
This is the ensemble: IMG_0182.jpeg

This is the album: IMG_0184.jpeg [United Artists / Liberty: released 1975.] One of the best funking albums of 1970s.

This is the result:
🤪 😀 🙃 😀 🤪
My favorite was Brass Construction 5
Stand out tracks:
Music Makes You Feel Like Dancing
Get Up To Get Down
 

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Feb 5, 2025 at 12:55 PM Post #69,524 of 69,567
Does anyone know if the Turbulent Labs XL headband generally more comfortable than the nyczaj wide comfort one? I'm looking to upgrade the hardware....
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 1:49 PM Post #69,525 of 69,567
Does anyone know if the Turbulent Labs XL headband generally more comfortable than the nyczaj wide comfort one? I'm looking to upgrade the hardware....
So Turbulent Labs XL is wider than Nyczaj Comfort, but it doesn't have memory foam like the latter one. They both are pretty good in terms of overall comfort. I do prefer Nyczaj headband, because it sits better on my head, especially difference is noticeable with heavier headphones. In my opinion, Turbulent Labs looks cooler and different coloring options is big plus, but I must say, Nyczaj memory foam padding is very comfortable and feels cozy.
 

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