Hi there, new to the audiophile community here!

I came from audio engineering, so my equipment and background is a bit from that. Left the audio engineering and almost strictly an audiophile now

Here’s what I’m facing, and I’m sure this may be a common thing:

I have a Clarett + 2Pre Interface, with iLoud MTM speakers (in white)

This was an upgrade from my Behringer UMC404HD, and it’s notably clearer, crisper, and more detailed.

In doing some spring cleaning, I saw my old Behringer and plugged it in with the same speakers. Now it’s notably less “clear”, but in turn has a warmer and enjoyable sound.

What gives here? Both of them run at 192khz.

I’m pretty confused. In one sense, clearer is always ‘better’, but in another, if this is about enjoyment, one should go with what is more enjoyable, and that can be totally subjective.

So, one sounds clearer, but one sounds ‘better’. what do you guys think?

  • sprucedotterel@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I might take a bullet for this, but your question contains the answer. You’re already aware that your upgrade is clearer and more precise. That’s good for mixing and critical work.

    So make an EQ preset for mixing, and make a separate EQ preset for enjoying your music. The latter doesn’t need to be ultra precise, just pleasant to your ears. Match it to your previous setup or go further. Entirely up to you.

    • tripleyothreat@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      EQ preset that can be active system wide? how can this be done on mac?

      are you talking about a software preset?

      I suppose that’s one way

      I wondered if maybe, some would say, clearer is not always better, and that might be the answer. Because I think that’s what I’m getting - with your answer included. Clearer seems to be better for more critical work, but not necessarily for enjoyment

  • mourning_wood_again@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    This is very common in hifi. You prefer the more musical DAC.

    This is also why many of us don’t listen to studio monitors. Sharp and analytical sound is not very enjoyable.

    • tripleyothreat@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      This is the answer I was expecting. Reasonable.

      Super reasonable…

      Maybe I’ll sell the clarett and keep the Behringer…not sure. I’m definitely at the point that I don’t want the maximum clarity. Especially considering that a lot of what I listen to nowadays is ambient music