To crossfeed or not to crossfeed? That is the question...

[TheOtus]

No, I don´t... Never even tried. I don´t see any reason really. I suppose the channel separation bothers some people, but not me.

 

[xnor]

Crossfeed is a step towards more natural, imo realistic sound. (If you've ever listened to speakers in a correct set-up, sitting in the sweet spot --> amazing stereo imaging, you should know what I'm talking about.) Also see http://www.linkwitzlab.com/headphone-xfeed.htm.

 

[littletree76]

There is always this doubt on my mind:
 
If the audio engineer in recording studio has done mixing correctly during production, in other words the recording is targeted at both speaker and headphone (subtle cross feed does not have much effect on speaker anyway), then post-production processing such as cross feed during playback of record become redundant. Then there will be no controversy whether cross feed is needed in any audio equipment for music playback.
 
Correct me if this statement is deemed to be unrealistic or not practical at all. I particularly like to hear opinions from practicing audio engineers.

 

[Shike]

Depends on certain implementations.  If it rolls off the treble or doesn't accentuate it I'm fine.  If it does however then I find it intolerable in most situations.  I have the same thing with my Dolby Headphone to some extent.  When using it with the K601 it's perfectly acceptable.  On my AD700's I get sibilance and ear fatigue after a short time.  Without it the AD700's don't seem to have it and are very listenable again.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yes, I like Dr. Meier's crossfeed implementation quite well.
 
Though I like dipolar radiation even better. 

 
Crossfeed is a funny thing.  People either like it or not, but it seems that no one knows what side they fall on until they hear it.  Give it a listen and find out whether you do or not.

 

[anadin]

Quote:

I like crossfeed in theory, in practice I have not found one that doesn't make a mess of the sound in some way.

I totally agree.

 

[GreatDane]

I've used crossfeed with portable amps from Xin, Meier,HeadRoom & Practical Devices. I currently only have the XM5 and use it 50% with Westone 3. I did have a Corda Cross at one time. I regret selling that now.

 

[xnor]

Quote:

There is always this doubt on my mind:
 
If the audio engineer in recording studio has done mixing correctly during production [...]

That's the problem: if.
 
I have many recordings that sound better (closer to what you hear with speakers) with crossfeed enabled. But most important, it kills fatigue!

 

[SP Wild]

The more I use crossfeed the more I need crossfeed.  The less I use it, the less I need it.  After a long session with the K1000s - most cans sound wrong without it afterwards...but if my session starts without crossfeed than I don't need it.  I will always have crossfeed available to me at all times.

 

[misc.]

I find it really is jsut dependent on the music you are listening to and the production.
 
For older music, especially stuff that went over the top with stereo bias I find it works fantastically and greatly reduces fatigue.
 
Otherwise for most modern or electronic recordings I find it is sort of redundant. It works a lot better with 'natural' sounds that come from instruments than it does with electronic and synthesized sounds.

 

[jasonb]

just bumping this up...

 

[Very Legal]

Tried crossfeed on my Rockboxed Ipod Video but the sound became monoish so i turned it off again. Since then i havent touched it.

 

[jasonb]

Some work much better than others. I used to love the crossfeed option I have on my HTC Incredible, that was until I heard HeadRoom's crossfeed. HeadRoom's is much more subtle, but still does the trick. I am really liking HeadRoom's crossfeed.
 
Quote:

Tried crossfeed on my Rockboxed Ipod Video but the sound became monoish so i turned it off again. Since then i havent touched it.

 

[Very Legal]

Still dont understand why a smaller soundstage is preferable, because thats whats happening when you use crossfeed, right?

 
Quote:

Some work much better than others. I used to love the crossfeed option I have on my HTC Incredible, that was until I heard HeadRoom's crossfeed. HeadRoom's is much more subtle, but still does the trick. I am really liking HeadRoom's crossfeed.
 
Quote:

Tried crossfeed on my Rockboxed Ipod Video but the sound became monoish so i turned it off again. Since then i havent touched it.

 

 

[jasonb]

not really. it makes it a tad narrower, but it's not cutting the width in half or anything. what crossfeed tries to do is simulate speakers in front of you, instead of headphones an inch away from your ear drums. crossfeed adds depth at the expense of a very tiny amount of width. it kinda makes the sound seem more in front of you than beside you. i think crossfeed greatly improves imaging and soundstage, HeadRoom's crossfeed anyway. i am a true believer in crossfeed when done right, and i actually think headphones sound very unnatural without it. i was never big into headphones until i first heard headphones with crossfeed.
 
http://www.headphone.com/learning-center/about-headroom-crossfeed.php
 
Quote:

Still dont understand why a smaller soundstage is preferable, because thats whats happening when you use crossfeed, right?