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FrostyP
502
Mar 2, 2018
Has anyone else ever dealt with this problem:
No matter what headphone/IEM or source I've listened to with a select few exceptions (HD650 and LCD2C) I have noticed that sibilance in vocals is exaggerated, are my ears the problem? I'm getting my ears checked out by an audiologist soon just in case (and maybe discuss customs haha)
Juka
191
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPHD650 and LCD2 have warm signatures, it is pretty normal if you switch from a crappier quality headphones.
FrostyP
502
Mar 2, 2018
JukaThe thing is, I own and have tried many headphones , the LCD 2F LCD 3F and LCD4 also have this issue for me, even some Stax headphones do. What sucks is the only things I've demoed so far (besides the 2C and HD650) that didn't have the issue are the Campfire Audio Andromeda and the UERR.
m425
94
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPYouTube hog here. Many people (so yt says) are some frequency, to some degree, sensitive- discomfort, pain, etc, and it is required a professional check.
IBJammin
17
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPYou're not imagining it, high frequencies are notably accentuated in most headphones (whether by choice, inherit design, or distortion) it's why you hear it that way. A lot of folks call that exciting or revealing and confuse it with detail. It's sort of like the compression/loudness wars of the CD Era that made people think that CD's sounded awful. Some people are less sensitive to it than others. You should try the Campfire Lyra II IEM's or the Audioquest Nighthawks if you want to hear some super detailed high end that to others seem veiled or recessed. There's nothing wrong with super bright highs if that's your thing because this is a super personal and subjective endeavor. There are also quite a few headphones that are bright but still very clean. If you're not in pain because of the high end I don't think you'll find that there is something physically wrong with your ears. The Massdrop EDC IEM's don't aggravate me either and I'm pretty off-put by "sizziling" high end.
dncnexus
80
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPIf you are looking at IEM, the Orion has a similar sound signature to the HD 650, LCD2, and Andro
Juka
191
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPThen it could be a specific frequency that you are sensitive to, the Audezes all exhibit a very low treble presence in my experience.
FrostyP
502
Mar 2, 2018
JukaYeah I'm just wondering if it's something I can counteract or not because it didn't used to ne this way
IBJammin
17
Mar 2, 2018
FrostyPYou *could* have a minor case of tinnitus to the point that you don't notice it and that's why the highs are bugging you. If that's the case, technology isn't there yet to help with reversing the problem. It's more about mitigation. If you do computer listening you could also Try SonarWorks' TruFi to make just about any headphone more studio reference neutral.
FrostyP
502
Mar 3, 2018
IBJamminI do have tinnitus but I hope that's not why this one specific part of music bothers me so much, it's just vocals that bother me, well I'm scheduled to see an audiologist and ENT next Friday, wish me luck
RayF
22220
Mar 3, 2018
FrostyPHang in there; there will be a drop for new ears next month.
solgoodguy
74
Mar 3, 2018
FrostyPOP I have the same problem you do: most things sound sibilant to me at around the 6-8k range. I use the HD6xx (thanks Massdrop) for my daily desk use, but on the go I've been looking for dark sounding IEMs that I can deal with. Here's what I have found:
-- Campfire Orions were the first pair of IEMs that I've ever put on and though "holy shit that detail and no sibilance!" Once hooked, I looked for other options for a similar sound signature, also while understanding more about what I find sibilant (yours may be a bit different).
-- Thinksound ts03 are not sibilant at all. Might be a bit boomy, but I can safely listen to these for hours.
-- ATH LS200 are borderline for me. Some songs are ok, but others are harsh. You can always EQ a bit to get rid of it. For the price point I think these are really good.
-- Stay away from Ocharaku IEMs. They're not for the sibilant-prone.
-- Originally I found the Andromedas a bit sibilant, but after changing some tips (ear tips make a difference to the sound signature) I found that medium spinfits remove the sibilance for me.
-- Fitears TG! 334s are amazing and not sibilant at all. They're just really pricey and hard to get. I ordered mine when I was in Taiwan and have no regrets.
Edit: I do have some tinnitus, so you should get yours checked out as well.
FrostyPI think good dacs and amps helps avoiding this. Try a better dac if you don't already have one. And try to stick to warm sounding headphones.
m425
94
Mar 3, 2018
MountainlistenerBut note, there are huge compatibility issues, headphones don't work same with one amp, as amps dont work same with one pair of headphones. Try not to spend on gear before tryout, as Mountainlistener suggested. Im bashing myself for an dac/amp, thinking to get https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fx-audio-dac-x6 , but good friend of mine advised me on Stainberg ur12. Not rushing into anything.
FrostyP
502
Mar 4, 2018
MountainlistenerI've had this issue even out of Chord DACs like the Dave and 2Qute
I'm thinking my issue is tied to my TMJ and bruxis actually
edit: I took the effort most of today to try to relax my jaw and my issue is already getting much better.
A community member
Apr 20, 2018
FrostyPI GOT YOU:
Oppo Pm-3, forget sibilance. These have a rolled off high section, especially in the peak where sibilance usually occurs.
I got sick of M2 sibilance, switched over, never looked back.
Get em soon, Oppo is closing down.
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