A case to be made for standalone PEQ (e.g. MiniDSP Flex) for headphone setup?

After a lot of searching, it's been rare to see people using external/standalone PEQ devices (of which there aren't many options) in their headphone chains. Typically, PEQ is done via computer as the primary source for a system. This makes sense 90+% of the time (as it does for me currently). However, what if there was the desire to still incorporate PEQ into the chain where multiple sources are used?

Case in point, I have a CD player (used as a transport) and I stream music as well. I also have LCD-X's that require PEQ to sound their best. As a result, I essentially don't even use my "transport" and simply listen to those albums I have on CD via streaming instead. I still have the enjoyment, but lose out on my desire to still spin some CDs.

As far as I'm aware, there are really 2 options out there to fill this gap for external PEQ to apply to multiple input sources: MiniDSP Flex (digital version) and RME ADI-2 DAC FS. From my perspective, the MiniDSP Flex offers far more PEQ capability while also allowing me to use my DAC flavor of choice - all while costing less than half of the ADI-2, which would be far more limiting and force me to use the internal DAC (which I may or may not truly enjoy).

Maybe I'm overthinking this all, but it's been circling around in my brain for quite some time, and seeing as many headphones out there do benefit from EQing to sound better than in stock form, I do see a case for this type of configuration. I don't love the idea of more boxes, cables, etc. but it's an intriguing concept to cover all the bases. A bonus idea with the MiniDSP Flex, as well, is the analog input that could be used if/when I wish to dabble in vinyl. Appreciate your thoughts!

 

I think the need to PEQ system-wide has a few other factors: headphones or speakers, or both? EQ to match subjective preferences or to match a house or target curve? How much phase/time domain nervousa do you have?

if you’re eq-ing headphones to subjective preference, I don’t see the need for anything more than an analog EQ like Loki or Lokius. If you’re trying to EQ a multichannel speaker rig and incorporate multiple subs, then PEQ alone isn’t enough; a full on room correction tool like Dirac is probably necessary.

 

Great question - I would say "limited" nervosa, and with headphones only (for several years, likely). I really just want to EQ to personal tastes/target curve.

I highly considered the hardware options, like Lokius. However, the frequency adjustments (and relative Q factor) on those devices is limited and may not address the specific "issues" within a given headphones FR, right? For example, my LCD-X have a huge 7bB dip around 4kHz. With something like Lokius, I don't think the 2kHz band would address that dip adequately to bring the presence region back into preference - or am I misinterpreting Lokius' capability?

 

I use a minidsp shd studio for this and other purposes, mostly it's been great. One profile for the speakers with Dirac, two for headphones and one for flat. And there lies the problem: i need more I have way too many headphones.

Was recently thinking of adding some analog eq on top for some quick and dirty settings. Still undecided on that one...

 

I’m speaking generally so this may be applicable to more folks, but if you’re looking to EQ based on sharp peaks or troughs based on the measured response of any particular headphone, then PEQ is going to be the only simple solution. If you’re looking to “correct” a response to match a target curve, it may be a little more involved. I’m not convinced using a convolution filter can cause any one headphone to sound like another, but there are certainly some who believe such and will be happy to sell you software and or hardware solutions to do just that.

 

So is the MiniDSP limited to only 4 EQ profiles? Yeesh, that's a limitation I didn't consider.

 

The studio is at least. I have no idea about others. There is a good backup and restore function for profiles though.

 

I really wish there was a Lokius+ with adjustable frequency and Q. I think it would give you exactly what you need in analog form. But now we're talking 18 knobs (or triple nested lol) vs 6 and more $$$.