[tak456t]

Hello,

I was satisfy until now to read the Head-fi forum to find answers to my questions, but today i would like to register and call on your help because i have a problem with my stereo headset.

I bought the AKG K702 1 month ago which i mainly use for gaming with a Chord Mojo amp / dac.
I loved this headset and the precision it delivers. But i am sure it's damaging my hearing. I don't understand why.. because i am not playing with loud sound. I've never experience something like this befor with my Hifiman Sundara or my old HD 650.

I've already tried :
- without my amp (directly to the motherboard)
- with the volume of the amp at min / medium / max level
But it's always the same.

The problem comes from me ? Or headphones ? Do you have any advice ?
In advance, thank you for your help and your time (and sory for my poor english).

Good evening.
Taky

 

[Amberlamps]

What are your symptoms ?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hello,

I was satisfy until now to read the Head-fi forum to find answers to my questions, but today i would like to register and call on your help because i have a problem with my stereo headset.

I bought the AKG K702 1 month ago which i mainly use for gaming with a Chord Mojo amp / dac.
I loved this headset and the precision it delivers. But i am sure it's damaging my hearing. I don't understand why.. because i am not playing with loud sound. I've never experience something like this befor with my Hifiman Sundara or my old HD 650.

I've already tried :
- without my amp (directly to the motherboard)
- with the volume of the amp at min / medium / max level
But it's always the same.

The problem comes from me ? Or headphones ? Do you have any advice ?
In advance, thank you for your help and your time (and sory for my poor english).

K702 is very strong at the 4000hz to 9000hz range while HD650 has a stronger, deeper bass plateau.

Depending on how you set the system output by ear, you might be listening to the K702 a lot louder. For example unless you equalize the setting for both using a 1000hz sine wave and instead base it on whether the bass you hear is enough, you're cranking up the K702 even more. And even if you used the sinewave method, you're still playing 6500hz at around 4dB louder on the K702 than on the HD650, fatiguing your ears.

 

[tak456t]

What are your symptoms ?

Hello, earache and slight whistling

 

[Infoseeker]

Time to put some cotton or felt inside.

 

[tak456t]

K702 is very strong at the 4000hz to 9000hz range while HD650 has a stronger, deeper bass plateau.

Depending on how you set the system output by ear, you might be listening to the K702 a lot louder. For example unless you equalize the setting for both using a 1000hz sine wave and instead base it on whether the bass you hear is enough, you're cranking up the K702 even more. And even if you used the sinewave method, you're still playing 6500hz at around 4dB louder on the K702 thank on the HD650, fatiguing your ears.

Thanks for your answer. I agree, the bass frequency are lower on these headset, I will try to up bass and lower hight frequency with equalizer and see if it helps.

 

[tak456t]

Time to put some cotton or felt inside.

I dont know if it's a joke or not, but it can be a good idea

 

[Raketen]

Hello, earache and slight whistling

Do these symptoms persist after putting the headphones down? If not you might be describing some kind of 'ringing' effect due to headphones frequency respnose & your own treble sensitivity. If it does persist earache may possibly be due to loudness, treble sensitivity, or comfort of the headphone. 'Whistling' may be describing tinnitus which the headphone could be aggravating. Tinnitus is very common (especially as we age) and can have many causes, constant use of headphones can be a contributing factor- It's a good idea to consult a doctor if you develop symptoms ( also to have your general hearing ability tested periodically ).

Personally if there were headphones like 650 that did not cause this issue I would only use those headphones, but I think EQ to reduce treble and being very attentive to your volume level is a good step.

If your location is accurate, FYI there is a french language forum similar to head-fi http://www.tellementnomade.org/

 

[SilverEars]

Here it is, there is a lot of upper frequency energy. I recommend first try shelving down 5k onwards a bit, and then if that doesn't work, try bell filter down at 2.5k. Try both, and see if it's both.

You can use this EQ. https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/

I use tonebooster on my Android phone.

 

[Amberlamps]

Hello, earache and slight whistling

Earache could be caused by the headphone putting to much clamping force on your ears, and the whistling sound could be caused by tinnitus, especially if it's started after listening to loud music.

Also some headphones need to break in, i.e the wearer getting used to them, also you might need to tame them by tweaking EQ settings. I was like that with my Mr Speaker Aeon closed, but now they sound really good.

 

[tak456t]

Thank you all for your help.

Do these symptoms persist after putting the headphones down?

Yes, I have this every time now.

earache may possibly be due to loudness, treble sensitivity, or comfort of the headphone

Earache could be caused by the headphone putting to much clamping force on your ears, and the whistling sound could be caused by tinnitus, especially if it's started after listening to loud music

To clarify, I feeling earache inside my ears, I don't feel any discomfort.

Tinnitus is very common..

It can be that but this is the first time I have this feeling with headset. I have 34 but maybe I am too old

As you advise, I will try to post on "tellementnomad" but I think I have all the informations I need thanks to everyone here

Thank you Raketen and Amberlamps.

Here it is, there is a lot of upper frequency energy. I recommend first try shelving down 5k onwards a bit, and then if that doesn't work, try bell filter down at 2.5k. Try both, and see if it's both

I take a break right now because I really hurt inside my ears when I use this headset, even on a short period. But I will try it, thanks SilverEars.