Yeah, good point Don. The Bell Curve for the mid band actually refers to the way I had it set up in Ozone 6. the built-in PEQ in JRMC doesn't allow for a Bell Curve but just using a general EQ adjustment for that one band results in exactly the same sound as with Ozone 6.
I can see how some might recoil at the idea of EQ'ing the 650's, after all many people buy them for precisely the area this EQ addresses. The thing is, perform the EQ I listed above and listen to a few favourite albums. Then remove the EQ and listen again. I couldn't go back to the stock sound. That upper-bass, low-mid hump adds a sort of cuppiness to the sound that's not particularly noticeable until it's removed. Still, as long as the user is happy with the sound I'm happy. Whatever floats your boat, as they say. I just thought I'd put that EQ out there for people to give it a try and provide some feedback. It may not be perfect but it lifts the 650 to a new level (for me). There's now even more detail in the mid-range, and as we all know, that's where the music lives.
As for the HW v SW debate..
Frans (Solderdude) says that the HW option is particularly beneficial in boosting the bass end of the FR. I don't know enough about the science to comment as to whether this is true or not & I've never had the pleasure of hearing a HW filter yet. However, Frans is the guy who designs all the Garage 1217 amps so he knows what he's talking about. We'll see when the filter is eventually available. I'll be buying one as soon as possible.
Also, I have
never, ever, been known as Highlander, lol. In fact I'm a Lowlander in Scottish terms.
edit - I should also point out that I use the crossfeed component (
subtle setting) in JRMC as well as EQ. I'm not hearing exactly the same thing as compared to someone just using EQ alone.