Aerathion
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2013
- Posts
- 391
- Likes
- 15
Alright thanks, what actually changes in the sound once you amp it properly?
Alright thanks, what actually changes in the sound once you amp it properly?
Amen brother !!I'm really glad that I get to listen to headphones, instead of just reading frequency response graphs...
I'm a bit concerned about the treble region. There is a big dip there, and certain parts of the treble are more emphasized than others (as most headphones are, but you'd think a headphone meant to be neutral wouldn't have this). And the entire treble region is basically recessed according to the graph.
My reference: http://i.imgur.com/TyoQG4e.png
Blue = MD 3.0
Green = MD 3.1
Red = MD 3.2
Why can't there be a headphone that is flat from bottom to top with no variance larger than a few dB? Let the music be fun, the headphone should be neutral. Is such a headphone too expensive for the average person, if it exists?
Either way, I bought the Mad Dog set and will let you guys know what I think. I want to keep them and thus do not plan on returning, but returning may be necessary if that weird recessed but sibilant treble does throw me off.
Edit: I've been doing some frequency testing with metal music through WMP and have found some interesting things. I found that a lot of the body of the electric guitar comes from the mid range, but the low end of the treble gives texture to that body. Testing with my Sennheiser HD 201, I found that the body of electric guitar comes from the 250hz to 1k range. Bumping 2K and 4K really brings out electric guitar texture.
Bumps in 8K causes general sibilence throughout the music, while bumps in 10K causes cymbals and vocals to sound cleaner and a bit sibilent, those not as sibilent as 8K causes. I'd definitely say an increase in 10K is more pleasing than for 8K as 10K seems to make certain aspects sharper without doing too much harm to the rest of the music. I'd still prefer a flat treble as that would be natural, of course.
I am starting to see why I may like the Mad Dog 3.2. One of the reasons why I disliked the DT 770 Pro 80 ohm was because of the 8K hump. The 8K hump in the DT 770 literally peaks over the entire mid range on that headphone, and remember, higher 8K causes sibilence and can harm guitar body. The Mad Dog actually has a dip in 8K, while bumping 4K and 10K. It isn't natural but definitely better than an 8K hump, and from my research into headphones, rarely does a set have a flat treble. Apparently it is hard to engineer a headphone that way. I think the reason why the Mad Dog works with metal well because the body is emphasized through the mid range while texture in both guitar and cymbals are enhanced through the 4K and 10K humps, all without causing too much sibilence. And really, I understand why companies like to bump 10K. It really cleans up things without making everything sound to sibilent, but in the end, it isn't natural for it to be bumped above the rest of the treble range.
And quickly, into the bass. I guess this is the simple part. A bump at 100Hz-200Hz according to the graph. That will make most bass punchier. Again, not natural, but since the hump isn't too exaggerated and spreads well into the mid range, I can see why people like it.
I am really looking forward to listening to this set. I have a feeling I will like it.
Edit 2: Just realized that the people who say these are amazing have good amps. In fact, pretty much everyone with these headphones has a good amp. I've read that they are only worth it if paired with a good amp. My interface (Firebox) runs 150 mW at 60 ohm. I had to cancel my order. Damn. I can technically afford a good amp, but damn, a few MORE hundred dollars just to upgrade my amp? Nah. If anyone knows of a closed headphone with a similar balanced frequency response but with a much smaller power requirement, let me know.
Make every day a fun day filled with music and friendship!
Stay updated on Dan Clark Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
|