The above is not an original thought. Note usage of the word “some,” which means it is not an absolute declaration of fact or truth. Accordingly, it is not an assumption.
The term neutral is ambiguous in audio. We would all be better served to define what we mean when using the term.
I would think that frequency response is not the only reason, or even the main reason, for most.
See statement above regarding “some” and non-absolute.
I’ve yet to meet someone that does. See statement above regarding “some” and non-absolute.
This is precisely why I hope Rosson sends the headphones.com crew the various tuning options for evaluation and measurements. If I recall, the earlier revisions didn’t have much ear gain; but if that’s changed - or can be changed based on the version one orders - my interest might be rekindled.
It is possible that some will read your assessment and take issue with any assertion that the RAD is a neutral headphone, as it may be inconsistent with what a FR curve indicates. They will (negligently or willfully) neglect the key statement “best interperations of perceptionally neutral…of all headphones I’ve heard thus far.” The words interpretation and perceptually and heard have significance that qualify the assertion that you are making.
Your review further refers to a neutral experience and neutral sound, which are characterizations that focus on the listener’s perception, not the gear. I and most would agree with you that the term neutral is nebulous and preference based.
When describing the RAD, I’ve referred to it as the most neutral I’ve heard, neutral leaning, and more neutral. Again, until there is a universally accepted standard of “neutral,” the concept is nebulous, preference based, and subject to the listener’s auditory reference/library (perhaps per nature and nurture from birth). I acknowledge that I haven’t heard every transducer or a headphone that someone happens to believe is “really/actually neutral.”
Discussions on neutral don’t really interest me as an ultimate standard/arbiter doesn’t currently exist. And even if it did, it isn’t certain that I or anyone would even find it pleasing. On the other hand, no one can debate what a flat frequency response looks like.
Absolute declarations and the need to bestow a label often suggest a group think mentality, which isn’t valuable and contributes to the noise.
People don’t have to agree with my opinion. That’s ok. Really.
I think if anyone really had an issue with what I said it is because they only see it from their perspective, formed through their experiences and preferences, and are probably incapable of empathy or understanding that my perspective, experience, and preferences may differ.
I’ll only say it once for this thread, please leave the Discord drama in Discord. This forum isn’t the place for it. Ignore function is there, please use it if you are unable to get past your difference of opinion.
This would actually be really cool. I’m not sure how they tune it but if they could allow the user to adjust it after the fact, that would be amazing.
I found the RAD-0 really enjoyable when I had them but ultimately passed due to comfort. They’re definitely one of the nicest looking and fun sounding headphones I’ve had pass my desk.
Forgive my ignorance, what do you mean by “ear gain”?
Also there seems to be some previous confusion on the tunings, someone correct me if I’m wrong on this; Outside of custom units the tuning is considered standard/flat?
My apologies for the confusion. I was referring to the rise in frequency response (raw), usually between 1KHz and 9KHz, to compensate for ear related gain factors when using a headphone. If there’s isn’t a large enough rise in that area, the headphone will sound unnatural to many.
I experimented with using Dekoni nuggets in order to more evenly distribute the headband pressure (hotspot mitigation). One layer of the Dekonis wasn’t all that effective as they barely touch my head. Two layers of the Dekonis (they are sold in packs of four) are effective and recommended, at a manageable cost of 33 grams including the knitted headband (more for aesthetics).
