Music settings

[prankz]

Hi peeps, I'm new here, and I'm glad I found this forum as I need some advice for my newly purchased A818.

First off, what a player! I'm glad I choose the A818 over the iPod. Now to make it even more amazing, I wondering if you lot could share some thoughts on what music settings I should use? Whats the best settings? Appreciate the help.

Thanks

[juli_]

Now to make it even more amazing, I wondering if you lot could share some thoughts on what music settings I should use? Whats the best settings? Appreciate the help.

It depends on what kind of music you listen to, and what kind of effect you're after. The only 'enhancement' I use is the dynamic normaliser and occasionally I boost the Clear Bass by one notch. The other effects (Club, Live, Arena, Studio, etc) sound very strange to my ears so I leave them all off. The best thing to do is listen a few favourite tracks, and then play around with the effects. It's the only way you'll find the sound you like.

I experimented with all the preset EQs and found them absolutely awful, except for the 'unique' setting (which I don't use, but is the lesser of all the evils!!) The 'pop' setting is the weirdest with the music sounding hollow and echoey. But try some for yourself and see what you think. Sometimes less is more!

[prankz]

Thanks for your reply juli. I'll try expermenting. Btw have tried setting your own EQ?

[juli_]

Thanks for your reply juli. I'll try expermenting. Btw have tried setting your own EQ?

It's all flat, nothing boosted or taken away. The only thing I use is CB +1 sometimes and I always use the Dynamic Normalizer.

I used to fiddle around with the EQ a lot when I first got the 808, and some headphones are so bad they need all the EQ they can get! With the supplied headphones I think I reduced the treble by one notch and kept the CB +1 up permanently.

[aob9]

It's all flat, nothing boosted or taken away. The only thing I use is CB +1 sometimes and I always use the Dynamic Normalizer.

I used to fiddle around with the EQ a lot when I first got the 808, and some headphones are so bad they need all the EQ they can get! With the supplied headphones I think I reduced the treble by one notch and kept the CB +1 up permanently.

Agree with Juli, Sony players and headphones are noted for their emphasis on bass. A lot of Walkman fans appreciate this over other manufacturers that will remain unmentioned ( particularly the fruit type). I also find the equalizer settings a bit unrealistic and (just) occassionally notch up the Clear Bass a little bit. Unlike Juli, I don't use the Dynamic Normaliser as I find it can cause minor distortion in some tracks.

[prankz]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I just have to play around then.

Ok, another question. At the moment I use my Zune (yes I have a Zune ) earphones with my A818. They're decent but obviously there are better earphones out there. I'm not gonna use the supplied Sony MDR-EX82 earphones. I want to keep that new & safe. So what other better earphones are there? I'm currently looking at the Sennheiser CX400.

[aob9]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I just have to play around then.

Ok, another question. At the moment I use my Zune (yes I have a Zune ) earphones with my A818. They're decent but obviously there are better earphones out there. I'm not gonna use the supplied Sony MDR-EX82 earphones. I want to keep that new & safe. So what other better earphones are there? I'm currently looking at the Sennheiser CX400.

I have the Seinnheisser CX 300's-I love them. Watch out for fakes on ebay.

I also have Sony MDR-V300 for listening at home, I like the sound from these also, but they are DJ style 'phones.

As a treat to myself ( like I need one) , I have a pair of Bang and Olufsen A8's on the way, extravagent I know but what the hell. I can't comment on these as I don't have them yet but I believe that they are far from 'value for money'!!!!!!!!

[markey]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I just have to play around then.

Ok, another question. At the moment I use my Zune (yes I have a Zune ) earphones with my A818. They're decent but obviously there are better earphones out there. I'm not gonna use the supplied Sony MDR-EX82 earphones. I want to keep that new & safe. So what other better earphones are there? I'm currently looking at the Sennheiser CX400.

I am currently switching between the Sennheiser CX300's and the Sony MDR-EX90LP's. CX300's have decent sq and a very good bass response. The EX90's give a very good full range and excellent bass response. They do leak sound just a little and are practically double the price of the CX300's. Both very good phones, but the EX90's have the edge on the CX300's.