HEAR FOR YOURSELF AUDIO REVIEWS
What you need...I got it...
You will need some equipment to get the most out of this website:
A good set of headphones and a sound card with a Graphic Equalizer function.
There are an infinite number of combinations for hardware and software that can impact what you hear on this website. It is virtually impossible to correct for the differences in sound cards and headphones, let alone type of headphone and how you use it. In fact, almost everything is going to affect your experience including but not limited to:
1. Headphone type - Over the ear (Circumaural); On the ear (Supra-aural); In the ear (ear buds); In the ear - inserts (Canal phones): Closed back; Open Back; Semi-Open Back; Dynamic; Electro-static; Planer Magnetic; Balanced Armature; etc. Each of these have advantages and disadvantages. Some will provide isolation from the outside noise but others will let outside noise in... Follow this link to a Wiki-page on headphone types. Which is the best? Whatever works for you. My preference is Circumaural type that completely cover your ears and are closed back, blocking the outside noise.
2. Electronics - Sound cards have all sorts of settings and features. Some are purposely heavy on the bass (gaming) and others offer a flat response, low distortion and low noise floor. The better your sound card, hopefully the better your experience. BUT... you don't need an expensive sound card to make use of this website. I use a USB sound card from Creative Labs, that only cost me $35. Its 24 bit, and up to 96kHz sampling rate. Most cheap cards are only 16 bit and have 42kHz or 48khz sampling rates. I have an HP laptop, that when tested, showed the audio was flat only up to 8kHz!!! (Not good!)
But don't worry, you can get there very easily and without spending too much if you feel like upgrading your set-up. What I use cost about $105 total. Not only is that reasonable, it may very well be a huge improvement to your existing setup.
Here is what I use and recommend:
1. Headphone type - Over the ear (Circumaural); On the ear (Supra-aural); In the ear (ear buds); In the ear - inserts (Canal phones): Closed back; Open Back; Semi-Open Back; Dynamic; Electro-static; Planer Magnetic; Balanced Armature; etc. Each of these have advantages and disadvantages. Some will provide isolation from the outside noise but others will let outside noise in... Follow this link to a Wiki-page on headphone types. Which is the best? Whatever works for you. My preference is Circumaural type that completely cover your ears and are closed back, blocking the outside noise.
2. Electronics - Sound cards have all sorts of settings and features. Some are purposely heavy on the bass (gaming) and others offer a flat response, low distortion and low noise floor. The better your sound card, hopefully the better your experience. BUT... you don't need an expensive sound card to make use of this website. I use a USB sound card from Creative Labs, that only cost me $35. Its 24 bit, and up to 96kHz sampling rate. Most cheap cards are only 16 bit and have 42kHz or 48khz sampling rates. I have an HP laptop, that when tested, showed the audio was flat only up to 8kHz!!! (Not good!)
But don't worry, you can get there very easily and without spending too much if you feel like upgrading your set-up. What I use cost about $105 total. Not only is that reasonable, it may very well be a huge improvement to your existing setup.
Here is what I use and recommend:
These headphones are simply awesome! They have been one of Sony's best and also accurate headphones for some time. They are not too bass heavy and have some really crisp highs. They bring out detail and finesse like headphones that cost $1000 or more! They even closely match the optimum frequency response curve as developed by Sean Olive of Harman International... These headphones will serve as a good reference for all your serious listening needs and also will help you properly evaluate the products we review. They normally sell for under $100 and are a great buy for about $80. You can buy a set here:
This sound card has the features I was looking for:
1. 10 Band Graphic Equalizer 2. Headphone Amplifier 3. Upgrade compared to many low grade Laptop and computer soundcards. They normally sell for $49, but are a good deal for around $40. You can buy your own here: |
Any good set of headphones and a good soundcard should work. You will still be able to "Hear for Yourself" how each of the products reviewed on this website will sound like as recorded during my evaluation even if its just a comparison between models. If we use the same equipment then we have a better chance of success. Besides, every serious audiophile needs a good listening reference. Here is a review of the MDRv6 just in case you are interested. "It’s a mixing/reference can that proves to be very honest and neutral in it’s sound signature & presentation."
Mobile website users: i-phone - Android - Google Phone etc...
The best you can do if you have a mobile device is upgrade your headphones. A good set of headphones will improve your audio experience dramatically, especially compared to the typical cheap ear buds you get for "free." Many of those are designed to produce excessive Bass and Mid-range so that when used as a phone, you can better understand what is being said. That means they are not the greatest for evaluating the products we review. If you are on a tight budget, no problem. We can tweak your system with an equalizer with the proper settings.
Many modern smart phones have apps or add-ons that will give you some "Equalizer" functions. I recommend using one of those to tweak your audio experience. Many times, only certain EQ presets are available. Presets like "Flat", "Pop", "Classical" or "Voice" may be your only choice. Pick the one that produces the best sound experience for you. This isn't rocket science, so don't stress about getting a "perfect match." When you follow my instructions on how to equalize your headphones, you will get the most out of your equipment.
Press the "Next Step" button above to continue.
Many modern smart phones have apps or add-ons that will give you some "Equalizer" functions. I recommend using one of those to tweak your audio experience. Many times, only certain EQ presets are available. Presets like "Flat", "Pop", "Classical" or "Voice" may be your only choice. Pick the one that produces the best sound experience for you. This isn't rocket science, so don't stress about getting a "perfect match." When you follow my instructions on how to equalize your headphones, you will get the most out of your equipment.
Press the "Next Step" button above to continue.