The Shape of IEMs to Come

[IAtaman]

Read this article on headphones.com talking about the advantages of using B&K5128 for in-ear headphones specifically, and found it interesting.

If I understood it correctly, it is saying that 5128 with its closer-to-human-ear acoustic impedance provides better insights into how in-ear headphones would sound in the ears of actual people.

I don't know if the claims are correct or not, but I can relate to some of the points made, for example "bad quality of bass" from BA, which according to the article, might be quantified with measurements done with 5128/4620. I read about the claims (and lack of proof supporting the claims) regarding better treble "resolution" earlier, however I was not aware that, specifically for in-ear headphones, there is quite significant advantages to using 5128 for frequencies below 1KHz as well.

The Shape of IEMs To Come

IEMs sound pretty different to headphones, but why? Why isn't there an "HD 650" of IEMs? Is it even possible to make one? Join listener as they discuss the Brüel & Kjaer Type 5128 Head and Torso Simulator, the previous generation of IEMs, and where we might be heading to capture the sound of...

headphones.com

 

[IAtaman]

The Shape of IEMs To Come

IEMs sound pretty different to headphones, but why? Why isn't there an "HD 650" of IEMs? Is it even possible to make one? Join listener as they discuss the Brüel & Kjaer Type 5128 Head and Torso Simulator, the previous generation of IEMs, and where we might be heading to capture the sound of...

headphones.com

On a somewhat related topic, there is a section about acoustic impedance, which I found very useful and I think I have a better idea why it might not be possible to make a NFS for headphones, unfortunately.

 

[markanini]

I've experimented with EQ matching functions as a means to verify the advertised improved accuracy, but I don't think the resulting output is dramatically better than 711 couplers, just different.

 

[IAtaman]

I've experimented with EQ matching functions as a means to verify the advertised improved accuracy, but I don't think the resulting output is dramatically better than 711 couplers, just different.

I really don't like some well perceived and widely liked IEMs, even when I tried to correct them to my taste after EQing them. I will try to see if 5128 based measurements will make any difference. In the end I think there is not preference based target and we will have to wait for Harman for that, but I am really curious whether 5128 really makes a difference <1KHz as postulated.

 

[koustuvk17]

It just mainly hinges on 2 things.

1. Whether DF + tilt works as a preference target.
2. Whether the acoustic impedance matters all that much, given the "better" ear canal of 5128 is still just made using scandinavian people as samples.

Research is needed to confirm these.

 

[Cote Dazur]

First, @IAtaman thank you for sharing this excellent article. I have learned a lot about IEM. I am still fairly new to IEMs, particularly when compared to my experience with listening to speakers and headphones. Started in the 70’s, and started last year with IEMs. After some learning curves, i admit that listening with my Truehear Zero is getting a bigger and bigger share of my musical enjoyment, getting close to 50%.
I have had many headphones over the years, but listening to headphones was always second rate to me, compare to speakers. Since I acquired the Zero, I also acquired a Hola (for a different room) I also like it a lot, but not as much as the Zero. But since I started with IEMs, past the accoutumance period, they rate as equal to speaker to me, different but equally satisfying.
I have 2 questions about the article you share, that I hope, the IEM and headphones ASR resident expert can help me with.
To me a IEM, even the Hola, provide a superior musical experience to any headphone I have ever used, why is the article author thinking a HD650 is what IEMs of the future should aim at?
I did not realize the HD650 was such a reference amount headphones, is it?

 

[IAtaman]

I am not sure what exactly the writer means, and I am not expert either - not even close. Nonetheless, my take is the following:

HD650/HD600 is generally regarded as the "correct" tonality when it comes to headphones (probably sans sub-bass), and although not universally, it sounds good to most people. I think what the writer is trying to say is that why there is no IEM that is as widely regarded as reference as HD650 when it comes to tonality.

When you listen to music with a headphone like HD650, sound goes through your outer ear, which tunes the frequency response that reaches your ear drum in a way that is very familiar to you. Since IEMs circumvent your outer ear and send the music directly into your ear canal, they can not take advantage of this familiar tuning offered by your pinna. Because of that, I personally think it is very unlikely for an IEM to enjoy the widely regarded "corect tonality" badge HD650/HD600 enjoys without help from smart algorithms and DSP. Again, not an expert, and just a personal opinion. In the article, the writer claims some IEMs do come close to a tuning which they postulate to be the most "headphone" like based on the target they have chosen. How widely that claim would be supported is yet to be seen.

 

[markanini]

For me, over many years of listening, the preference goes:

1. Speakers
2. Open headphones
3. IEM's

Open air audio is by far the most organic and natural experience. Personally, I'd never own headphones or IEM's if the situation allowed me to use a fine pair of speakers, no matter the accuracy.

Speakers are still the the juiciest, most immersive listening experience(for stereo content not binaural). Followed by headphones(a good closed back is fine for me).
But as far as my listening time, speakers make up around half of my listening time, IEMs the other half. You just can't beat the convenience of IEMs.

 

[Palladium]

Speakers are still the the juiciest, most immersive listening experience(for stereo content not binaural). Followed by headphones(a good closed back is fine for me).
But as far as my listening time, speakers make up around half of my listening time, IEMs the other half. You just can't beat the convenience of IEMs.

I find headphones are the worst of both worlds.

 

[markanini]

I find headphones are the worst of both worlds.

I'd love an IEM that handles heavily distorted genres, like Industrial rock, as well as over ears and speakers.