Many questions about headphones.

[dawn.]

One thing I will say is that it's common to minimize the importance of THD in low bass. And this is not entirely wrong, we're used to it and it doesn't ruin music, in large part because any low bass in music also has a lot of harmonics anyway, like 99% of the time. But I will also say I had never heard 20hz with (I think?) inaudible distortion until I tried the LCD-XC. It's very interesting.

I am curious, I have never listened to a headphone with extremely low distorsion, I imagine that it sounds great.

 

[kemmler3D]

I am curious, I have never listened to a headphone with extremely low distorsion, I imagine that it sounds great.

I'm a fan, personally. However, I can't claim that it's very obvious while listening to music, unless you compare cans with terrible distortion and ones where it's very low. I have the Sony MDR-7506s (based on Amir's review the distortion is completely out of control) and at that level it's not subtle. But decent headphones are generally... decent.

That said, very low bass without audible distortion can even be a bit strange. I played a 15hz tone through my Audezes and cranked it up. I legitimately didn't hear anything, but for a second I had the distinct, bizarre feeling that the walls were shaking.

 

[Verig]

We're so accustomed to distorted bass that very clean low extension may sound weird. With speakers it may be even a bit dull, like large Genelecs or good quality open baffle (which is a bit different in other aspects as well). Also, in live events bass is rarely clean. And when it comes to recordings 20-30Hz is mostly in the effects and may come with huge distortion added already in mixing.
For me totally clean bass sounds a bit unnatural but fortunately my choices in music make all this quite moot.

I think, dawn., you should make a trip to a shop for a day and just have a listen.

 

[kemmler3D]

We're so accustomed to distorted bass that very clean low extension may sound weird. With speakers it may be even a bit dull, like large Genelecs or good quality open baffle (which is a bit different in other aspects as well). Also, in live events bass is rarely clean. And when it comes to recordings 20-30Hz is mostly in the effects and may come with huge distortion added already in mixing.
For me totally clean bass sounds a bit unnatural but fortunately my choices in music make all this quite moot.

I think, dawn., you should make a trip to a shop for a day and just have a listen.

I agree totally on the "unnatural" point. Name me a physical object that can make loud noise at 20hz with zero harmonics, zero noise, just a pure sine...? I can't think of one. The ear doesn't know what to think about it, so to speak. But of course, being able to produce unnatural sounds like this is a good thing when it comes to transducers.

 

[Timcognito]

Like bass, try these $80

1More Sonoflow NC Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ an detailed measurements of 1More Sonoflow Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $99 although goes on sale for $79. The look and feel of the unit belies its low cost. The plastic seems stout and good quality...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[MacClintock]

I have a Topping DX1 and my budget is aroung 300€. I am thinking of buying AKG K371 or Aune AR5000 or Hifiman HE400SE or Moondrop Para or Monoprice M1570C (for extremely low thd).

Best meeting price and low distortion conditions is probably the HE400SE.

 

[Human Bass]

Low end distortion is less audible.

My problem with these headphones is the high distorsion below 200 Hz.

 

[Steven Holt]

I just claim that the distorsion in bass region is high (according to the measurements).

I just realised that you're new to this forum -- Welcome! We are a forum of Music Lovers, Scientists, Engineers, Hobbyists, Gear-Heads, and 2 Audiophiles. We love measurements, but they are only one of our parameters. Our number one parameter? OUR EARS. Please, listen to our membership, you will learn a great deal. Many people on this thread have told you, go and listen. Take that advice. Again, welcome to ASR!

 

[dawn.]

I just realised that you're new to this forum -- Welcome! We are a forum of Music Lovers, Scientists, Engineers, Hobbyists, Gear-Heads, and 2 Audiophiles. We love measurements, but they are only one of our parameters. Our number one parameter? OUR EARS. Please, listen to our membership, you will learn a great deal. Many people on this thread have told you, go and listen. Take that advice. Again, welcome to ASR!

Thank you for the advice, I am going to try headphones.

Thank you all for your kind words. I am listening to your advice.