# Audio Science **URL:** https://forum.headphones.com/c/technical-discussion/50.md [Latest](https://forum.headphones.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.headphones.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.headphones.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Audio Science category](https://forum.headphones.com/t/about-the-audio-science-category/2334)
**Author:** [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2018, 4:36am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/about-the-audio-science-category/2334 "2018-11-23T04:36:07Z")
The Technical Discussion category is the place to discuss the technology and science behind audio, electronics, psychoacoustics, physics (both in terms of sound and electronics) as well as measurements, measuring techniq… --- ## [IEM’s losing Magic - mental?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/iem-s-losing-magic-mental/27447)
**Author:** [@TheAngryPersian](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TheAngryPersian)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/iem-s-losing-magic-mental/27447 "2026-10-07T17:37:37Z")
Hello all, the TLD;DR is I’m wondering about the mental causes somebody might have to hear something from amazing one day and alright the next day. I recently tried the Status X Goldensound IEM’s and I was blown away b… --- ## [Dr. Olive and Rtings article on the relevance of harmonic distortion in headphones](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dr-olive-and-rtings-article-on-the-relevance-of-harmonic-distortion-in-headphones/26915)
**Author:** [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dr-olive-and-rtings-article-on-the-relevance-of-harmonic-distortion-in-headphones/26915 "2026-08-09T15:31:00Z")
Figured this is a worthwhile article for folks to read through: This corroborates a lot of the stuff we’ve been talking about in our content as well, that basically harmonic distortion isn’t something to worry about u… --- ## [Headphones.com EQ Repository & Request Thread](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphones-com-eq-repository-request-thread/23552)
**Author:** [@listener](https://forum.headphones.com/u/listener)\ **Replies:** 365\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphones-com-eq-repository-request-thread/23552 "2026-08-03T12:07:14Z")
Hello all! I’ve been hanging around the site more often and I’ve realized that a TON of people need help with EQing their headphones and IEMs. I thought it’d be great if we had some sort of centralized repository of EQ … --- ## [EQ Journey](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-journey/27175)
**Author:** [@Klute](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Klute)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-journey/27175 "2026-07-02T15:38:09Z")
Ok, so I’m EQ agnostic however I have started to use the concept in my tech forum when giving advice because I believe it has power. I recently got the Tungsten and today I went back to my ATH-70RX Refine. Both of them… --- ## [Balanced vs SE-Copper vs Silver](https://forum.headphones.com/t/balanced-vs-se-copper-vs-silver/27162)
**Author:** [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/balanced-vs-se-copper-vs-silver/27162 "2026-05-23T19:12:29Z")
Ever since I obtained the Topping D900/A900 setup, been curious to try out the 4.4 mm balanced connection. Most of my headphones came with a short 4.4 mm cable, and a longer 6.3 mm cable. Since my listening position is… --- ## [Musings re: Harman's headphone/IEM preference adjustments and how they relate to speakers](https://forum.headphones.com/t/musings-re-harmans-headphone-iem-preference-adjustments-and-how-they-relate-to-speakers/25898)
**Author:** [@listener](https://forum.headphones.com/u/listener)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 11:01pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/musings-re-harmans-headphone-iem-preference-adjustments-and-how-they-relate-to-speakers/25898 "2026-05-16T23:01:01Z")
We often hear that Harman’s over-ear target is “meant to capture the sound of good speakers in a good room in over-ear headphones,” but… how well does it actually do this? Additionally, something I’ve wondered lately i… --- ## [Tuning EQ to your personal HRTF](https://forum.headphones.com/t/tuning-eq-to-your-personal-hrtf/23356)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/tuning-eq-to-your-personal-hrtf/23356 "2026-05-04T19:49:51Z")
As an avid user of EQ with headphones for some time now, I’ve completed my ascent to at least stage 9 of the 10 Golden Stages. (I wouldn’t know about stage 10 as I don’t attend parties unless they are full … --- ## [Perceptual Science for Audiophiles](https://forum.headphones.com/t/perceptual-science-for-audiophiles/26921)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2026, 4:07am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/perceptual-science-for-audiophiles/26921 "2026-04-23T04:07:32Z")
Our perception of sound vs the objective reality of it has been a part of various discussions throughout this forum. It’s a big subject to dedicate only one topic to, but I thought this would be a good start. Psychoacous… --- ## [Driver story, the acoustic system and the limits of EQ](https://forum.headphones.com/t/driver-story-the-acoustic-system-and-the-limits-of-eq/24678)
**Author:** [@MichaelJames](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MichaelJames)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/driver-story-the-acoustic-system-and-the-limits-of-eq/24678 "2026-04-11T22:01:58Z")
Hi all, on the recent Noise Floor podcast titled ‘The MOST TECHNICAL Headphones?’, there was some back and forth in the YT comments about driver story and whether drivers impart any sort of inherent quality to the sound,… --- ## [New study by Dr. Olive and Dan Clark on the Harman target and its compatibility (or lack thereof) with current measurement rigs](https://forum.headphones.com/t/new-study-by-dr-olive-and-dan-clark-on-the-harman-target-and-its-compatibility-or-lack-thereof-with-current-measurement-rigs/26699)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2026, 6:17am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/new-study-by-dr-olive-and-dan-clark-on-the-harman-target-and-its-compatibility-or-lack-thereof-with-current-measurement-rigs/26699 "2026-04-03T06:17:38Z")
The study is entitled: A Preferred Headphone Target Curve Defined for the B&K 5128 and GRAS45CA-10 Test Fixtures. And can be downloaded from the AES website here… --- ## [Trusting your ears](https://forum.headphones.com/t/trusting-your-ears/26986)
**Author:** [@SSN757](https://forum.headphones.com/u/SSN757)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2026, 6:06am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/trusting-your-ears/26986 "2026-03-10T06:06:49Z")
Found this video the other day. Thought this subject is worth discussing. Audiophiles can easily fall into the this trap. When did we stop trusting our ears? This topic easily blends into the EQ discussion. --- ## [EQing IEM to Headphone By Ear Experiment](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eqing-iem-to-headphone-by-ear-experiment/25651)
**Author:** [@yoda](https://forum.headphones.com/u/yoda)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 8:25am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eqing-iem-to-headphone-by-ear-experiment/25651 "2026-01-14T08:25:01Z")
(This was originally posted on reddit, but didn’t get much traction, so I’m posting here to see if anyone here might explain the science behind my findings). … I tried EQing Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to HD600 by ear, here are … --- ## [Do DACs/Amps matter?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/do-dacs-amps-matter/18022)
**Author:** [@driftingbunnies](https://forum.headphones.com/u/driftingbunnies)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/do-dacs-amps-matter/18022 "2026-01-12T21:02:54Z")
With the rise of ASR and measurements becoming more the norm, are we past the need for DAC/amps for headphones? There seems to be a few camps out there when it comes to whether source components matter. Source compon… --- ## [Decibel Danger](https://forum.headphones.com/t/decibel-danger/1484)
**Author:** [@jrj](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jrj)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2025, 1:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/decibel-danger/1484 "2025-12-26T13:32:39Z")
Music, whether classical or rock, can be heard way passed 100 db. I am wondering what db high is safe, especially with headphones and earphones. I own Martin-Logan speakers which at times (Mahler, Bruckner, Shostakovic… --- ## [Free field as a baseline for closed-back headphones](https://forum.headphones.com/t/free-field-as-a-baseline-for-closed-back-headphones/26402)
**Author:** [@qrayzie](https://forum.headphones.com/u/qrayzie)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 5:26am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/free-field-as-a-baseline-for-closed-back-headphones/26402 "2025-11-13T05:26:34Z")
Before I begin this post, I would like to address the elephant in the room: ”Why not diffuse field?” This is something I’ve been asking myself every time I EQ’d my headphones (Audio Technica ATH-M50x) to a particular t… --- ## [What Makes "Stuff" Fatiguing?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-makes-stuff-fatiguing/4776)
**Author:** [@lost33](https://forum.headphones.com/u/lost33)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-makes-stuff-fatiguing/4776 "2025-10-09T14:50:06Z")
Over in the Monolith Balanced Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology thread. There is the start of a good discussion about some things, in this case the THX AAA amplifier being fatiguing to some vs other am… --- ## ["Myths About Measurements" Discussion Thread](https://forum.headphones.com/t/myths-about-measurements-discussion-thread/24879)
**Author:** [@GoldenSound](https://forum.headphones.com/u/GoldenSound)\ **Replies:** 198\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 10:02pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/myths-about-measurements-discussion-thread/24879 "2025-09-19T22:02:47Z")
Hello All! This is the official thread for discussion of everything talked about in the ‘Myths about measurements’ video, and anything related to this topic. If you’ve not seen it already you can watch the video here: … --- ## [How to determine the ideal anchor point for EQ target matching?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/how-to-determine-the-ideal-anchor-point-for-eq-target-matching/26394)
**Author:** [@Mr.duBarrage](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Mr.duBarrage)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2025, 2:49am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/how-to-determine-the-ideal-anchor-point-for-eq-target-matching/26394 "2025-09-10T02:49:27Z")
When equalizing a headphone, I often wonder: at which point (in Hz) is it ideal to “anchor” the target line on the frequency response graph? Depending on the headphone and the chosen target curve, a different anchor poi… --- ## [Identifying specific frequencies](https://forum.headphones.com/t/identifying-specific-frequencies/26326)
**Author:** [@Klute](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Klute)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2025, 2:12pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/identifying-specific-frequencies/26326 "2025-08-25T14:12:28Z")
So one of the many inadequacies I have in this hobby would be determining frequencies. My Kef floordstanding speakers have an annoying thump in a specific frequency, probably room treatment related, but recently I’ve pi… --- ## [Harman Target](https://forum.headphones.com/t/harman-target/18200)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2025, 4:17pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/harman-target/18200 "2025-08-20T16:17:09Z")
Love it or hate it, the Harman Target curve is having a considerable impact in the headphone hobby (and industry). However many people misunderstand how it was developed and what it means. Much of that is because the ful… --- ## [Do your ears ring?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/do-your-ears-ring/1205)
**Author:** [@Vertigo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Vertigo)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2025, 9:55pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/do-your-ears-ring/1205 "2025-06-28T21:55:21Z")
Earlier in my career, I spent about seven years in varying roles in pro-audio, both live sound and studio recording. I’ve always tried to be mindful of long-term exposure to excessive volumes, but am realizing as I’ve gr… --- ## [What is "imaging" in headphones?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-is-imaging-in-headphones/25868)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2025, 4:46am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-is-imaging-in-headphones/25868 "2025-06-10T04:46:40Z")
This is another topic, along with a number of other audiophile-friendly terms, which came up in the 5-31-25 Noise Floor livestream. So thought I’d put the question out for others to comment on. I think of this as just “… --- ## [Ear Wax Management](https://forum.headphones.com/t/ear-wax-management/2955)
**Author:** [@DaveLeeNC](https://forum.headphones.com/u/DaveLeeNC)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2019, 1:38am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/ear-wax-management/2955 "2019-12-10T01:38:03Z")
I am adjusting to the convenience issues regarding my ATH-E50x IEM’s. But I seem to be constantly fighting ear wax. I don’t know what ‘normal’ is but my GP says that I have “pretty waxey ears”. How do other folks deal w… --- ## [What is "compression" in headphones?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-is-compression-in-headphones/25454)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2025, 3:44am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/what-is-compression-in-headphones/25454 "2025-06-03T03:44:07Z")
This is a term that I often hear in headphone reviews here. But I confess that I don’t really understand what it means. In loudspeakers, compression refers to the reduction in a driver’s efficiency as its voice coil hea… --- ## [Missteps in headphone science? (5-31-25 Noise Floor Disc.)](https://forum.headphones.com/t/missteps-in-headphone-science-5-31-25-noise-floor-disc/25852)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2025, 5:51am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/missteps-in-headphone-science-5-31-25-noise-floor-disc/25852 "2025-06-01T05:51:41Z")
There was alot to chew on in the most recent Noise Floor livestream. Much of it was more on the esoteric side. And some I agreed with and some I didn’t quite. I think Harman should have used diffuse field… --- ## [Headphone THD levels and EQ](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphone-thd-levels-and-eq/25604)
**Author:** [@Jean-Paul\_Petrosyan](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Jean-Paul_Petrosyan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2025, 12:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphone-thd-levels-and-eq/25604 "2025-04-26T00:11:29Z")
Hi! I’m sorry if I’m posting this in the wrong section of the forums, but it seemed like the most appropriate one to me. And excuse me for this probably quite foolish question. There’s a headphone I’ve been looking at f… --- ## [Website to EQ your headphones using your spatial perception of sound](https://forum.headphones.com/t/website-to-eq-your-headphones-using-your-spatial-perception-of-sound/25464)
**Author:** [@Julian\_McOmie](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Julian_McOmie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/website-to-eq-your-headphones-using-your-spatial-perception-of-sound/25464 "2025-04-02T22:57:01Z")
My friend Tyler and I built a website (cabinaudio.com) that you can use to make your headphones (or speakers) sound better. It helps you find EQ settings that change the soundstage of your headphones. Soundstage is the s… --- ## [Roon OPRA EQ tool and data repository](https://forum.headphones.com/t/roon-opra-eq-tool-and-data-repository/24606)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/roon-opra-eq-tool-and-data-repository/24606 "2025-03-22T22:00:44Z")
TL;DR Community supported Github repo of measurements and EQ presets + new feature in Roon to apply those presets. TL;DR;TL AutoEQ for Roon Should be interesting. Is Headphones.com involved? --- ## [Why Dynamic Drivers for Speakers/Headphones/IEMs?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/why-dynamic-drivers-for-speakers-headphones-iems/24892)
**Author:** [@OK1](https://forum.headphones.com/u/OK1)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 1:08pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/why-dynamic-drivers-for-speakers-headphones-iems/24892 "2025-01-16T13:08:54Z")
Thinking aloud. I come from the professional music/audio side, working or volunteering as an audio engineer for live events, or in a studio. In that world, it is de-facto, if you want a really accurate representation, … [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/c/technical-discussion/50.md?page=1)