Hearing loss and balance control (left/right) Qobuz

[OYV1983]

Hello all,

I have some hearing loss in my right ear and was wondering if there’s any way to compensate for it through software. I use Qobuz exclusively.

I own a Stax energizer and dac (both with balance control), but I’d like to upgrade my dac and Stax system. I’d like to go after market for the amp, but I definitely need a balance control to compensate for my hearing loss. Easiest would be if I can just use some software to slightly tweak it as a set and forget option.

Does something like that exist?

 

[Pictograms]

Hello all,

I have some hearing loss in my right ear and was wondering if there’s any way to compensate for it through software. I use Qobuz exclusively.

I own a Stax energizer and dac (both with balance control), but I’d like to upgrade my dac and Stax system. I’d like to go after market for the amp, but I definitely need a balance control to compensate for my hearing loss. Easiest would be if I can just use some software to slightly tweak it as a set and forget option.

Does something like that exist?

on Foobar you can use equalizer split which allows you to change the balance and independently adjust EQ for each channel.
Do you use computer or something else?

Edit: if you use mac you can just change your balance in the sound settings and on windows you can adjust in control panel don’t know if that will work for you

 

[OYV1983]

on Foobar you can use equalizer split which allows you to change the balance and independently adjust EQ for each channel.
Do you use computer or something else?

Edit: if you use mac you can just change your balance in the sound settings and on windows you can adjust in control panel don’t know if that will work for you

I use a MacBook Pro. I thought the Qobuz app would overrule Mac’s sound settings. I’ll definitely try it ! Thank you

 

[OYV1983]

on Foobar you can use equalizer split which allows you to change the balance and independently adjust EQ for each channel.
Do you use computer or something else?

Edit: if you use mac you can just change your balance in the sound settings and on windows you can adjust in control panel don’t know if that will work for you

That indeed does work, but it's difficult to set precisely, so if anyone knows another way like Audirvana, Roon, or some other way, please let me know

 

[Roseval]

Have a look here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ows-linux-macos-ios-ipados-and-android.18450/

difficult to set precisely

Maybe try a parametric EQ.

 

[OYV1983]

I found that Mac settings het overruled by an external dac. I was able to set the balance through Roon, so that works, but apart from that, I don’t have any use for Roon. I think it sounds worse than the Qobuz app

 

[Roseval]

I found that Mac settings het overruled by an external dac.

Highly unlikely. No DAC has control over what is send to it.
However, if you use a media player talking directly to the DAC (hog mode), the OSX audio stack is bypassed. In this case, you need a media payer with build in EQ.

A simple test, when Qobuz is playing, sart a second stream e.g. a local file or Toutube. If you hear both, you don't have an exclusive lock.

 

[OYV1983]

Highly unlikely. No DAC has control over what is send to it.
However, if you use a media player talking directly to the DAC (hog mode), the OSX audio stack is bypassed. In this case, you need a media payer with build in EQ.

A simple test, when Qobuz is playing, sart a second stream e.g. a local file or Toutube. If you hear both, you don't have an exclusive lock.

I see what you mean. It’s probably the Qobuz app doing it. When I connect the Dac through usb to the Mac, Qobuz has a selector. Mac speakers or RME dac. I have to select the dac or it won’t work. That bypasses the Mac settings.

Buying a Stax energizer would make things easier, but I have the idea that aftermarket amplifiers are better than the Stax amps. (Mjolnir, eksonic, etc)

 

[Roseval]

Mac speakers or RME dac. I have to select the dac or it won’t work. That bypasses the Mac settings.

Does it?
I'm not familiar with OSX but I won't be surprised if you select "Mac speakers" in the app, it will use the default audio device.
Now if you select this in the audio midi panel, can't you choose the RME as the output?
https://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/SW/OSX/AudioMidi.htm

Buying a Stax energizer would make things easier, but I have the idea that aftermarket amplifiers are better than the Stax amps. (Mjolnir, eksonic, etc)

Does it? I don't see any relation between buying a box that can deliver the bias voltage needed to drive a electrostat and the EQ needed to compensate your hearing issue.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

The RME DAC has EQ in firmware, it's quite a wonderful DAC.

 

[OYV1983]

The RME DAC has EQ in firmware, it's quite a wonderful DAC.

It has EQ and balance control, among many other great features. I do use those features, but I was wondering if I can get a dac that's a bit more analogue sounding. The new dac probably won't have balance control

 

[gimmeheadroom]

It has EQ and balance control, among many other great features. I do use those features, but I was wondering if I can get a dac that's a bit more analogue sounding. The new dac probably won't have balance control

As far as chipdacs go, the RME is supremely musical, at least the AKM version.

More musical than that then go R2R, and go Audio-gd.