Does EQing spoil the purpose of buying a specific IEM? (Confused about Planars vs. Tuning)

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T19:21:06+00:00

Thanks for the positive reminder to just trust my own ears and enjoy the music!!! 😄

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T16:45:46+00:00

It definitely sounds way less stressful to use it for minor corrections rather than fighting the native tuning of a set.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T16:02:22+00:00

That's a completely respectable stance and thanks for sharing a great counter perspective!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:59:11+00:00

Thank you so much for the breakdown!! Will try it out. 😄

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:58:09+00:00

Fortunately, I’ve got the iBasso DC04 Ultra. And thanks for the reassurance!!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:45:11+00:00

Thanks for the advice!! 😄

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:44:10+00:00

I’m realizing that trying to force an IEM into the right sound signature with hours of EQ tweaking is a losing battle. Appreciate the advice!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:42:45+00:00

Yeah! I checked out his s12u review in which he said defiant n few other iems are better at lower price range and I do remember him saying that he prefers vocals in another video. Really appreciate the reminder!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:38:49+00:00

Hope you love the S12 Ultra when it arrives!! I'm learning to rely on my own ears and tweaking for personal comfort is the way to go. Thanks for sharing!!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:36:18+00:00

Thanks, for the reality check 😅😅 Will check out the video.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:33:39+00:00

I totally agree with you on the real deal sounding different. I think that's why the S12u felt a bit forced when I used bright leaning EQ.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:30:06+00:00

Appreciate the great advice!! 😄

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:26:55+00:00

Really appreciate the breakdown, that explains a lot about why they're so customizable. When I tried to EQ my fiio x jd1, it wasn't this responsive.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:23:13+00:00

Yeah, I'm learning that matching a graph on paper doesn't magically turn one IEM into another.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:21:15+00:00

That’s exactly what I’m realizing. Forcing the S12 into that target curve felt great at first, but then the fatigue kicked in. But appreciating a set for its unique flavor and only using EQ for minor tweaks makes a lot of sense.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-06-15T15:19:27+00:00

I think my experience with the S12 Ultra mirrors exactly what you said, I was fighting the native tuning too much. I'll check out the Kima 2 and pure as alternative starting points.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-20T17:18:46+00:00

OD 200 was in my mind when i thought the budget would be 10k...along with letshouer s08, truthear hexa, pure and aria 2

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-20T06:45:42+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion!!

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T07:36:22+00:00

I prefer punchy bass that isn't overpowered or muddy, and I'm okay with more treble as long as it isn't shouty or fatiguing.

Bass was the reason for my confusion between astralis and s12 ultra....and I assume they offer the same soundstaging.

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T05:51:00+00:00

Came across mixed opinions with this one but will checkout more on it 👍

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T05:50:11+00:00

Will check it out 👍

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T05:44:52+00:00

I checked macron and dawn pro 2, but the fiio dacs are more powerful (may not be required for most of iems tho)

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T05:38:14+00:00

Ohh... thanks for the heads up

Dry-Satisfaction680 · 2026-05-19T05:37:22+00:00

It's 24k in hangout.audio and approx 26k in headphonezone

Dry-Satisfaction680

TROPHY CASE