What is the correct term for when the treble hurts/pierces your ears and how do i avoid it?

[devhen]

You know what, there's probably software equalizers you could use. I haven't tried any myself but actually that should work, you'll just have to set the EQ program as your output device in your music programs and then set the E10 as the output device for the software EQ. Here's one I found just now with a google search, I'm sure there are others:
 
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2010/12/06/sir-elliot-18-band-equaliser-presentation/

 

[devhen]

Sorry that's just a plugin for another program. Haha. But you get the idea. This is why I gave up on a software equalizer but you could probably find one if you really need it.

 

[AndyDandy]

The Sony MDR-1a's are good because they have decent detail and a slightly rolled off treble. They are also fairly bassy.

 

[lunusx]

You know when the treble hurts/pierces your ears when someone sings a word containing an "s" or the drummer hits the cymbals (and often snare hits in electric music too)?

I have listened to a small number of headphones, but haven't been able to find someone i liked, mainly because of this problem. I have tried the HD 598, the DT770 80 ohm and the DT990 Pro 250 ohm, all powered by my Fiio E10.

All three of those headphones are popular choices on this forum full of audiophiles, so i do not understand why i (who wouldn't call myself an audiophile) have a hard time enjoying music using them. Some songs i find more enjoyable on my $35 Sennheiser VoIP headset because of this problem.

I know good headphones are often very unforgiving of bad recordings, but most of my music is 320 kbits MP3.

I have this problem too. I tried the dt990 which sounded amazing till snare drum hits pierced my ears after 30 mins or so of metal, industrial, 90s alt music listening. I ended up returning them and getting the hd6xx. They are better but what really helped was peace auto equalizer on the computer. I used harmen setting. By my bed I have a Fosi audio tube amp with bass and treble knobs. i use it to stream bluetooth off my phone. I put the eq on treble reducer and still have to turn the treble knob down some on the dac. I’m not an audiofile… just a music lover, but that’s my 2 cents. Hope it helps.