Seal dependency is presumably just one factor but your head has bumps and variations and presumably your ears do too and presumably dependent on position variation you may or not bring some of those into play every time you put your headphones on as unfortunately you don't have a guide etched onto your head. Doesn't that mean its well nigh impossible to actually get any consistent readings - just a rough guide in the real world? That would suggest that in the real world you still need to listen (prob over a period of time) to be really sure that you like a headphone (and bear in mind I'm saying "like a headphone" rather than liking its neutrality because your taste might not be for neutrality). I find this all very complicated. I read the review on the Crinnacle iem's and thought that would be nice but then why do we need the Expanses/Stealths et al? They cost a fortune need careful driving and aren't as accurate. I think I'm going to go back and read all the total newbie stuff again - I'm missing something.meaning: headphone measurements say very little ?
There are quite a few headphones (all open) that are not very seal dependent. The supplied data (up to several kHz) is quite reliable for those headphones.
Also quite a few planars do not change the lows much with some small seal issues.
So one can form an opinion on quite a lot of (not closed) headphones based on headphone measurements.
With IEM's there are also seal and insertion depth/comfort issues.
That said... I do agree that one should audition headphones or be able to return them if they don't suit you (sound or comfort wise)
I tried an old hd800 last night vs my DCA Aeon Noire's. Each had small advantages but I must confess the one that made my toes tap was the hd800 (though it might be less accurate). That sound stage was something else. It sounded a little ethereal in comparison (is the word weight?). The base was definitely not as present but ithe headphone just had something (nmaybe it was the weight and comfort). Amusingly the old I heard things I haven't heard before phrase came to mind (how much was placebo or wishful thinking I don't know. Perhaps it was the lighter weight and the fact that my ears weren't as warm). Immediately swapping to the Noires meant I heard other things slightly more but overall I think I'd give the while experience to the hd800.
I've come to the conclusion that the idea of an endgame is utter rubbish. We will all be desperately seeking perfection for all time no matter how much most of us try to pretend otherwise.
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