Vini darko
Major Contributor
Thanks for the review Amir. Looking forward to the 2021 SE version. Thats one I'm considering buying currently.
I believe a study on the actual effect of EQ on headphones vs predicted is due. It may be somewhat cumbersome, but a one time shot at it could at least answer some questions many have regarding this issue.
Was there a suspicion that they changed the headphones or drivers in some way?
Yes.You mean if the frequency response changes like the EQ graph indicates?
Yes. After all, this site is about communicating with objective measurements, so simply reporting on subjective improvements without at least giving a clue about what's actually going on is a little bit mystifying. Since it would be cumbersome and time consuming for Amir to do it on every headphone, I think one article with actual measurements on the subject would probably suffice.You mean if the frequency response changes like the EQ graph indicates?
Great review! I own a set of Drop 4xxi headphones that I enjoy (unequalized). My main use is when I am working outside my home, as I my laptop will easily drive these. Mainly for meetings and music while working (not exactly critical listening).
I'm excited to try EQ'ing mine and doing rough compares to my Drop HD 6XX headphones, which I love.
The 4xxi's have a certain clarity that I don't get tired of.
I've got the Hifiman HE4XX which is quite similar to this headphone, and this is the only headphone that for me benefits by boosting the bass all the way to the Harman Curve all the way down to 20Hz, which is exactly what you've done there in your second EQ.......so I recommend your second EQ to folks reading this. My other headphones don't seem to respond particularly well to boosting to Harman Curve bass all the way down to 20Hz, I normally roll off at 35Hz as it seems to increase overall clarity.....but like I say the HE4XX (and probably by extension the HE400i in this review) is the only headphone of mine that shows no ill effects on overall clarity by boosting to Harman bass levels down to 20Hz. I do like my HE4XX, it's probably the best headphone I have for bass (after EQ) although close run with my HD560s (& NAD HP50 when I can get it to sit right), and the soundstage is pretty good on the HE4XX, so likewise probably very similar to the HE400i reviewed here, as very similar design.Hi,
Here are some thoughts about the EQ.
Notes about the EQ design:
- The average L/R is used to calculate the score.
- The resolution is 12 points per octave interpolated from the raw data (provided by @amirm)
- A Genetic Algorithm is used to optimize the EQ.
- The EQ Score is designed to MAXIMIZE the Score WHILE fitting the Harman target curve with a fixed complexity.
This will avoid weird results if one only optimizes for the Score.
It will probably flatten the Error regression doing so, the tonal balance should be more neutral.- The EQs are starting point and may require tuning (certainly at LF).
- The range around and above 10kHz is usually not EQed unless smooth enough to do so.
- I am using PEQ (PK) as from my experience the definition is more consistent across different DSP/platform implementations than shelves.
- With some HP/amp combo the boosts and preamp gain need to be carefully considered to avoid issues
- Not all units of the same products are made equal. The EQ is based on the measurements of a single unit.
- YMMV with regards to the very unit you are trying this EQ on.
Good L/R match.
I have generated two EQs, the APO config files are attached.
Score no EQ: 85.5
Score Armirm: 96.8
Score with EQ: 106.6
Score with EQ Full: 108.3
Code:Hifiman HE400i APO EQ Flat@HF 96000Hz August172021-093855 Preamp: -5.6 dB Filter 1: ON PK Fc 32.72 Hz Gain 5.58 dB Q 0.70 Filter 2: ON PK Fc 197.74 Hz Gain -1.81 dB Q 1.29 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 372.89 Hz Gain -2.05 dB Q 1.88 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 961.56 Hz Gain -2.28 dB Q 3.23 Filter 5: ON PK Fc 2099.38 Hz Gain 4.69 dB Q 2.78 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 4973.43 Hz Gain 3.74 dB Q 5.03 Filter 7: ON PK Fc 8649.46 Hz Gain -7.68 dB Q 7.14
View attachment 147951
For those you still think it could be even better (I am not too sure)
Code:Hifiman HE400i APO EQ Full Flat@HF 96000Hz August172021-095851 Preamp: -9.6 dB Filter 1: ON PK Fc 13.90 Hz Gain 6.85 dB Q 0.65 Filter 2: ON PK Fc 27.51 Hz Gain 4.80 dB Q 0.66 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 200.55 Hz Gain -1.83 dB Q 1.29 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 401.66 Hz Gain -2.31 dB Q 1.64 Filter 5: ON PK Fc 557.52 Hz Gain 2.46 dB Q 5.35 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 955.81 Hz Gain -2.32 dB Q 3.53 Filter 7: ON PK Fc 2110.63 Hz Gain 4.67 dB Q 2.84 Filter 8: ON PK Fc 4984.70 Hz Gain 5.03 dB Q 7.47 Filter 9: ON PK Fc 8660.27 Hz Gain -7.93 dB Q 7.87
View attachment 147948
I've got the Hifiman HE4XX which is quite similar to this headphone, and this is the only headphone that for me benefits by boosting the bass all the way to the Harman Curve all the way down to 20Hz, which is exactly what you've done there in your second EQ.......so I recommend your second EQ to folks reading this. My other headphones don't seem to respond particularly well to boosting to Harman Curve bass all the way down to 20Hz, I normally roll off at 35Hz as it seems to increase overall clarity.....but like I say the HE4XX (and probably by extension the HE400i in this review) is the only headphone of mine that shows no ill effects on overall clarity by boosting to Harman bass levels down to 20Hz.
Not expecting much from those ... Lot of output that can be matched by a complement of subwoofers costing 1/10 ?Well since you ask ... I'd like to see more amps, preamps, integrateds, AVRs, and (yet even more) speakers but more floorstanders, planars, and horns and maybe fewer studio monitors. Agree about DACs and headphone amps (obviously): I've had my fill.
OK, I acknowledge the logistic issues of getting such items to him for testing, (e.g. Avantgarde Trio XD's with a Basshorn XD).
Question to all: Are impulse response tests done at a particular frequency?
What?!? Yet another headphone review? Surely we're getting close to an exhaustive survey of headphones.
For yet even still more headphone reviews, (currently 615), check out Rtings Headphone reviews, (no affiliation). Rtings has a different reviewing approach but it includes objective testing.
Let's give Amir a break by stopping sending him endless headphone for review. Personally I hate headphone listening and am a pains to avoid it -- hands up people who feel the same way.
Gorganzola said:
What?!? Yet another headphone review? Surely we're getting close to an exhaustive survey of headphones.
I have a pile of IEMs and headphones here to review!I hope for a lot of more headphone reviews to come.
GREAT! Do you plan to include in ears? IIRC you like the Etys very much.I have a pile of IEMs and headphones here to review!
Cool. Can't wait to read your reviews. Hope the Etymotic ER2SE is in the top pile of the IEMs to be reviewedYes, I have a good number of them and growing!
You don't have the right EQ that Amir provided. It should look like this:I really find things improved was with Armirs recommendation for the Bose QC 35. I am not 100% sure I did it right, but what I have attached form Neutron player really improved the headphone