This update has been years in the making, but I’m happy to finally put it all together in one blog post to up everyone’s audio game. So get ready to take some notes, buy some new equipment, and start experiencing some high-quality audio you’ve probably been missing all your life. I expect all of you to become obnoxious hipsters at coffee shops once we’re all finished here! As always, the audio portion of the monthly update has way more nuance, so don’t forget to take a listen.
After reviewing countless videos on YouTube talking about audiophile terminology, I settled on the above created by chuckolatte because it’s the most down to earth without going too much into the weeds. Keep in mind these terms spill over to speakers as well but will not complete all the vocabulary used by audiophiles to describe everything. It’s just that people are really more particular with headphones then they are speakers, but that’s not to say they aren’t as important. In a nutshell, the advice you use to buy a good set of cans / buds would be the same for a good pair of speakers.
Speakerrating is a recent site that launched indexing Bluetooth speakers of all sizes and brands. It’s an invaluable resource to see people’s opinions on the hundreds of models out there on the market and to have some idea of where they stand against one another. Bluetooth speakers are an excellent compromise for someone who wants a portable device when necessary while having mostly the same quality as a good set of stationary “at home” speakers. With advancing technology in TWS becoming a thing, there are some younger folks who strictly buy Bluetooth speakers only; ditching the RCA / AUX input of yesteryear.
FxSound is a freeware desktop program that allows you to apply customized EQ settings to any output devices you are using. This has the advantage of working at a hardware level versus an application level, meaning that your EQ settings apply to EVERYTHING coming out of the device versus application settings which only apply to that particular instance. So, for example if you use an EQ built into your music player app; then the EQ will only apply to the songs you play via the app. But with FxSound, if you apply the EQ to your output device, everything will have the EQ applied that plays. Games, browser sounds, other apps, movies, music, everything. This program may save those of you who have current passable hardware or unlock the full potential of new hardware you have bought.
Scarbir is who I recommended in the past for earbud reviews and someone I still recommend today. That's because he’s focused on value first (how much you pay for what you get) versus overall sound quality (which most other reviewers use) as a metric. There are so many folks out there who are really good at recommending high quality gear in general, but they don’t really feel cost is a necessary consideration. In other words, if someone feels that a $300 pair of buds is worth it, they won’t give you any other recommendation than that. Scarbir understands we’re not all enthusiasts, and we can make some sacrifices here and there. Thanks to him over the years, I have never felt I needed to spend more than $50 for some kick ass earbuds, and I hope you find something in your price range to love.
Sortabase True Wireless Earbuds lists all the current earbuds in the enthusiast community and organizes them by feature and type. This is a good site to use if cost isn’t a consideration for you. You know what in particular you’re looking for and you just need to know what’s available on the market. If you can’t find what you want here, it probably doesn’t exist. If you’ve been around the block a bit and just want to cut to the chase, this is the site for you!
Okay it’s time to test some sound equipment. The above song by REIGN is what I call “audio scrub killer”. High quality “mids” reproduction is what most consider desirable in audio gear. Often overpriced, overblown prosumer stuff tends to be “V-shaped” and puts heavy emphasis on bass and treble only. But their mids suck (really badly) - and they know that. So, if you need to test some old or new gear, play the above song at 40% for speakers or 70% for earbuds/headphones and take a close listen. The female vocals in this track should sound like the singer is in the same room as you. You should be able to feel the bass in her voice as “textured” yet understand the lyrics with clarity. You can use the written lyrics to guide you on what she’s saying. The instrumentals in the song should never overpower her words and be perceived at the same volume. In other words, base / mid / treble should not be competing in the song, but sound like they’re seamlessly blending one after another. If the song sounds like crap, YOUR EQUIPMENT IS CRAP. Change EQ settings accordingly or return and buy better gear.
Artist is M1dSummerW
You should now have all the tools you need to get started on the path to better audio! Keep in mind that everything I said above is meant as a starting point to hold your own against “audiophile” talk. You’ll have a lot to learn (and put up with frankly) if you want to engage with true audiophiles, who put paychecks toward gear on regular basis. Not to mention the hobby attracts probably the most stubborn folks on the planet, so be warned if you want to go down that route. In any case, that’s it for this month!