Sonarworks Headphone Calibration software

[Richter Di]

I can just completely bypass Sonarworks virtual audio device in Windows, I hear no difference other than the limiter.

Did you try the wet and dry button?

 

[the finisher]

Yes, I keep it about 80% with my Xs.

 

[derekphone]

Just learning about Sonarworks. My question is when you factor in headphone mods, amp and dac sound characteristics does that mess things up when using your headphone specific EQ setting? In other words, when the Sonarworks team made the settings for the headphones, are they using very neutral, well powered gear?

 

[the finisher]

I'd think so, you can email them and ask them. They're the only ones who can answer your questions on that.

 

[Shooter41]

Just learning about Sonarworks. My question is when you factor in headphone mods, amp and dac sound characteristics does that mess things up when using your headphone specific EQ setting? In other words, when the Sonarworks team made the settings for the headphones, are they using very neutral, well powered gear?

I would hazard a guess that the only one of those to be concerned about would be headphone mods. Since their software is designed to correct anomalies in specific headphone models, any modifications would throw that off. The other variables you've mentioned would continue to "flavor" the music just as they would without Sonarworks, but wouldn't interfere with the corrections that it's making. The good news is that with a free trial you can try it and see. You either like it or you don't, makes no difference if it's "correct" if it doesn't sound good to you.

 

[thebkt]

Just learning about Sonarworks. My question is when you factor in headphone mods, amp and dac sound characteristics does that mess things up when using your headphone specific EQ setting? In other words, when the Sonarworks team made the settings for the headphones, are they using very neutral, well powered gear?

It most certainly will. From what I've read, the sonarworks EQ corrections are based on an average of a number of headphones measured. Given that each headphone will have a slightly different FR compared to any other matching models, then this approach makes sense. Further, this means that mods will most certainly have an effect.

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned with the effect your other gear would have, as that'll affect any headphones and eq.

 

[derekphone]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely good points. There will always be variables.

Has anyone compared modded HD650 against Sonarworks?

I’ve ordered the HD6XX and just trying to explore options. Was going to mod it , but perhaps Sonarworks might work better for me.

Some of the mods are irreversible.

 

[thebkt]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely good points. There will always be variables.

Has anyone compared modded HD650 against Sonarworks?

I’ve ordered the HD6XX and just trying to explore options. Was going to mod it , but perhaps Sonarworks might work better for me.

Some of the mods are irreversible.

I had the HD6XX and from my brief time using it with Reference 4, I much preferred them stock. To my ears they were a very pleasant listen right out of the box, certainly not ruler flat, but enjoyable.

 

[groovyd]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely good points. There will always be variables.

Has anyone compared modded HD650 against Sonarworks?

I’ve ordered the HD6XX and just trying to explore options. Was going to mod it , but perhaps Sonarworks might work better for me.

Some of the mods are irreversible.

650 doesn't require a huge correction and it's native profile is quite pleasing on it's own but if your looking for reference flat that you can then profile away from to suit your preferences you cannot beat Sonarworks. One thing that would be nice is if they published the number of units used in the average profile to give a sense of it's stability.

 

[the finisher]

I use Ref 4 with my 6xx, but it's not the pronounced better experience I get with the X.
But I have tuned it and use it.

 

[derekphone]

650 doesn't require a huge correction and it's native profile is quite pleasing on it's own but if your looking for reference flat that you can then profile away from to suit your preferences you cannot beat Sonarworks. One thing that would be nice is if they published the number of units used in the average profile to give a sense of it's stability.

How do you think they'd compare to the physical mods people do on the HD650?

 

[derekphone]

I use Ref 4 with my 6xx, but it's not the pronounced better experience I get with the X.
But I have tuned it and use it.

What is the X?

 

[the finisher]

Audeze LCD X

 

[groovyd]

How do you think they'd compare to the physical mods people do on the HD650?

if flat is your interest sonarworks will beat any other mods. it just depends what you are after.

 

[Shooter41]

I realize this is one of the oldest cliche's in the audio book, so forgive me, but to me Sonarwork's main function is to lift whatever veil exists in your setup. The better your equipment the less veil there is to lift, obviously, but when I A/B it there's ALWAYS at least some that it instantly lifts. I'm honestly baffled by anyone saying they don't like it. To each their own, of course, and I can understand someone resisting it on purely "keep it simple" grounds, but man, once I heard it there was no going back for me. I just hope they're good stewards of their product and continue to improve/refine it over time.