Why does my audio sound flat on high-end headphones?

Off-Topic
1

Hello everyone,

I recently upgraded to a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones, and while the detail is impressive, the overall sound feels a bit flat and lifeless, especially in the low end.

I am using a Topping L30 amp + E30 DAC combo and listening mostly to lossless music on Tidal and local FLAC files.

Could this be an amp synergy issue, wrong gain setting, or maybe just something about the headphone tuning I wasn’t ready for? I came from warmer-sounding headphones, so maybe I am just not used to the brighter, more analytical signature.

Any tips for EQ settings or pads that could help add more body to the sound?

Appreciate any insight

2

I would say it’s probably a synergy issue since the 1990 is a 250 ohm headphone.

3

That combo is like exact synergy for bright and sterile. This isn’t surprising at all. I’d pop on an oratory1990 auto EQ and see how you like it and go from there.

4

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It certainly graphs with no bass and bright af treble. Nothing to do with the so called “synergy” magic…

5

DT1990 and HD660s the only 2 headphones I immediately returned because they were so lifeless lol

6

yeah I have a Custom Pro Studio - least impressive of my stable.
I remember checking out a 770 many years ago, felt meh that one too.

I don’t think Beyers are for me - at all.

7

yeah not sure why so many people say they like 770 I thought they were pretty meh even a few years ago.
T3/Amiron are supposed to be more fun/enjoyment beyers.
880/Tygr/T2 are still pretty bright but can actually be enjoyable, solid gaming with a side of music hp’s.

8

EQ or a Tube Amp might be the only two options to bring some life to those headphones. They are designed for a studio setting, and therefore are tuned for that purpose in mind.

YMMV and all, but EQ might be the easiest of the two solutions.