FAQ: Newbie's most repeated questions ever in audio

 1. Why am I here?

Because you were probably redirected to this site in order to save time. Most newbies ask the same questions, so this is the purpose of this FAQ article.

2. Is there a best pair of (gaming) headphones, speakers or IEMs?

No. Audio gear won't only depend on the usage but also on something called preference. What people like doesn't have to be liked by you. However, as Harman Research already found out, people tend to like sound which is within the boundaries of the Harman-made preference bounds, which is why we don't recommend everything out there. But in the end, your mileage may vary.

I personally have a list of budget IEMs you could consider: https://razan06.blogspot.com/2024/05/budget-iem-recommendation-list.html

Here is a recommendation list for TWS: https://razan06.blogspot.com/2024/10/tws-recommendation-list.html

For gaming, I made an article about it: https://razan06.blogspot.com/2024/09/rant-about-headphonesiems-for-gaming.html

3. What is a DAC and an amplifier and do I need them?

What is a DAC and do I need one?

Do I need an amp? How much power do headphones ACTUALLY need? - Myths about power

What does an amplifier actually do?

Audio amp classes as fast as possible!

4. What is EQ? How do I EQ?

Equalization, often shortened as just "EQ", is the process of adjusting the volume of different frequency bands within an audio signal. An Equalizer is the equipment to achieve that. In audio gear like speakers, headphones and IEMs, this means that you can make them sound however you like, within the physical limitations of the drivers of the speakers/headphones/IEMs.

Useful videos about EQ:

EQ Basics - Watch BEFORE you get started!

The Limits of EQ - A case against using EQ profiles for headphones

5. What are sound signatures? What do they sound like?

Sound signatures are, simply explained, varieties of how audio (music, games, movies, ...) can be audibly presented. They are hard to describe to a person who has never heard different sound signatures, but terminologies like "bright", "warm", "neutral", "dark" and "thin" come up very often when people describe an audio gear's sound signature.

To get more of an idea what the terminologies might describe, check out this video:

What make headphones DARK, BRIGHT, or WARM???

Do note that the terminologies in this video will only be in reference to your audio gears' sound signature. That means that, for example, while "warm" in the video won't be necessarily "warm" in real life, the sound will be "warm" compared to the audio gear you're using.

Please also note that different people will probably have (slightly) different sound signature preferences.

6. What is a headphone, speaker or IEM driver? Does more/bigger equal better? Are Planar-Magnetics and Electrostatics better than Dynamic drivers?

A driver is the core part of the aforementioned devices which produces sound. There are different types of drivers, the most common one being the "dynamic driver". They all include a part of the driver moving back and forth when an electric signal is applied to the drivers, thus producing sound.

Size and quantity of drivers will not matter. The sound will solely depend on the implementation of the drivers used. However, people like to fall for the marketing strategies of some audio brands, thinking that more/bigger equals better, when this is not necessarily the case.

Planar-Magnetic and Electrostatic drivers aren't superior in any way. They are simply more expensive due to their technology being rather new compared to Dynamic drivers. They don't necessarily sound better than dynamic drivers and usually are there for their quirks.

7. What are issues which may be prevalent in audio?

1. Quality control issues: These issues are incredibly common in cheaper products. An example of a quality control issue might be a stronger deviation of how a pair of speakers/headphones/IEMs sound like or noticeable imbalance between the left and right channels of the speakers/headphones/IEMs.

2. Build quality issues: will cause the audio product to have a shorter lifespan. Usually caused by poorly selected materials.

3. User error: A user of audio products can as well shorten the lifespan of audio products, due to repeatedly dropping them or (maybe unintentionally) abusing them in general. For example, IEMs are not to be stored where dust and moisture can easily come into the IEMs. Please take care of your stuff.

8. regarding the lists: Why is [insert product here] not included in your list?

There are several reasons why products may not be included in lists:

1. [Insert product here] may be too bad to include in the list. That includes products which aren't recommendable because at least one cheaper option exists. Example: Moondrop Aria is generally good, but now cheaper options exist which can also be better.

2. [Insert product here] may be good, but has quality control issues. Example: Final Audio E500 is generally regarded as "good" but has so many reports of quality control issues that it's not easily recommendable.

3. I don't know [insert product here] and most people cannot verify its performance. Example: Inawaken Dawn MS.

4. [Insert product here] may be too new. Example: Moondrop Robin.