Alessandro1
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2013
- Posts
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Headphones report-card: Let's judge them!
The idea is to collect as much data as possible about the performance of the headphones, as perceived by users. Determine the average and also build and post the various graphics depending on the voting receipts in the various selected parameters. It is obvious that the more we are the more realistic will be the result.
In this project there are no gurus, we are all equal. Let's vote and judge anonymously. This means that the Headphone community united to express an opinion on the headphones and the average on the various parameters.
At the end, the results will be posted with easy to read graphs and charts, and the raw data will be available for download (obvious that it's free without any subscription) to be used by everybody in different manners.
Simple instructions:
- Download the Spreadsheet template file .ods http://www.stereo-head.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Brand-Model-ENG.ods
- Rename the file with the brand and model of the headphone (i.e. Sennheiser HD600)
- Proceed to vote/judge by (1 to 10) the various parameters. If there are doubts about the terms there is the mini-guide.
- Send it as an attachment to headphone.statistics@gmail.com
- Use a file only for a headphone. That is, for 2 headphones 2 files, 3 headphones 3 files ... In the same email you can send multiple attachments.
- In giving the scores / judgements we should not think about the price, but only the sound quality. The value quality/price will be described later with the data coming out this statistics.
- For reference we think about HD600 and DT880 headphones, they can have an average about 6.5 to 7.5. *
*
Some people is asking me things such this:
"Ok, I would like to write a report card but I do not own Dt880 or HD600, how can I do?"
Referring to this "rule":
- For reference we think about HD600 and DT880 headphones, they can have an average about 6.5 to 7.5.
It is not mandatory! It's not so strict. It's just to give an example.
"Ok, I would like to write a report card but I do not own Dt880 or HD600, how can I do?"
Referring to this "rule":
- For reference we think about HD600 and DT880 headphones, they can have an average about 6.5 to 7.5.
It is not mandatory! It's not so strict. It's just to give an example.
Parameters:
Transparency: A window to the music. Can we clearly see through it?
( detailed, clear, not muddy. Wide flat frequency response, sharp time response, very low distortion and noise)
Extension: Extended frequency response, presence of sub-bass and upper harmonics with absent or very low distortion.
Balance: essentially tonal balance, the degree to which one aspect of the sonic spectrum is emphasized above the rest. Also channel balance, the relative level of the left and right stereo channels
Speed: Impulse response, fast transient. In fast passages everything is well defined.
Resolution: (detail, resolving, articulation) The ability of a component to reveal the subtle information that is fundamental to high fidelity sound. Easy to hear tiny details in the music in the original recording. Adequate high frequency response, sharp transient response and articulate bass.
Smooth / gentleness: Easy on the ears, not harsh. Flat frequency response, especially in the midrange. Lack of peaks and dips in the response. Every HP can be easy listening smooth, but often at the expense of detail retrival. In this parameter we have to judge how much a Headphone can be detailed and smooth at the same time, detailed without being harsh or sibilant or hot.
Dynamic: Ability to easily reproduce the variations in sound volume in the song. For example, from pianissimo to a full orchestra. "reproduce easily dynamics" is not synonymous of impact or slam (parameters that will follow), In judging this parameter we focus on ease and fluidity with which these “jumps” are executed. With very good dynamics there is a sense effortless. Obviously, considering an adequate amplification.
Impact/slam : The physical perception of power that the HP can give us. The more is speaker like, the better it is. (often a good HP near 100 Hz)
Body: Fullness of sound, can be even an emphasis on mid-bass or upper bass. (around 200-300 Hz) If this fullness does not overwhelm the mids clearness, the judgement should be high.
Imaging: Instruments or voices perceived in a well defined location, with particular attention on focus.
Layering / 3d: the way they are distinct and far between the various levels of sound. You can hear the orchestra as developed in depth and width from near to far. It's not just a matter of “size” but also of well distinctions.
Head-stage dimension: Just judge dimensions, extension, in depth lateral height.
Musicality: It's too subjective... everyone has his own notion of musicality, but you know what's your's. With that headphone you just think about the music. Everything it's OK. Pleasant.
Listening fatigue: If you do not feel tired after hours of listening, the judgment should be high.
Engagement: Funny Headphone to listen to. Not Boring.
Bass: Quality and quantity of bass (0-200 Hz)
Mids: Quality and quantity of mids (200-2000 Hz)
Highs: Quality and quantity of Highs (2000-20000 Hz
Examples:
List of Headphones considered by average of all parameters
or just about the parameter resolution / detail
or balance
example of a sinlge Headphone
the more we are the better will be