From bass-sceptic to bass-enthusiast

For the longest time, I never considered myself a fan of bass-heavy music. My preferences leaned distinctly toward detailed mids, crystal-clear highs, and just enough bass to round out the soundstage. However, my perspective recently underwent a fascinating shift—I’ve discovered an unexpected passion for the deeper end of the audio spectrum.

Here’s the story of how my scepticism transformed into enthusiasm.

The turning point

My first real encounter with high-quality bass came when I tried headphones renowned for their exceptional bass performance—namely, Audeze’s planar magnetic headphones and Apple’s AirPods Max. What I previously dismissed as excessive or muddy bass suddenly revealed itself as a nuanced, textured, and thoroughly immersive listening experience.

This revelation completely redefined my perception of what bass could be.

What makes quality bass?

Good bass is about much more than sheer volume or impact; it’s about:

• Control: No bloated resonances or muddiness; just precise, tight sound.
• Depth: Effortlessly reaching deep into sub-bass frequencies without distortion.
• Texture: Rich, detailed low-end nuances, clearly defined and distinguishable.

Planar magnetic headphones exemplify these qualities superbly. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers, planar headphones feature large, ultra-thin diaphragms driven evenly by magnets. This technology delivers incredible precision, clarity, and a beautifully balanced frequency response.

A prime example is the Audeze MM-100: it sports a substantial 90 mm planar membrane, considerably larger than typical dynamic drivers, offering tighter control and richer textures across the entire audio spectrum.

Re-evaluating my audio preferences

For most of my life, I identified as a bass sceptic, prioritizing clarity and dynamics over what I perceived as overwhelming bass. However, I realized that my issue wasn’t with bass itself but with its typical representation—often loose, muddy, and poorly controlled.

This realization crystallized after acquiring the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered (UERR) custom in-ear monitors (IEMs) and the aforementioned Audeze MM-100 headphones. Both models offer an exceptional combination of precise bass control and expansive soundstage, delivering clear, articulate bass without compromising overall transparency.

Embracing the bass experience

Since discovering the charm of high-quality bass, I’ve transitioned from being a bass sceptic to an enthusiast. I wouldn’t describe myself as a “basshead,” yet I undeniably appreciate and seek out the richness and dynamism that quality bass offers.

If you find yourself sceptical of bass-heavy music, I encourage you to give it another chance. Consider investing in headphones or earphones known for their controlled and detailed bass performance. Specifically, I recommend:

Planar magnetic headphones, such as:

• Audeze MM-100
• Audeze LCD-2C

These headphones excel in providing precise control, deep extension, and clear textural details across the entire frequency range.

Alternatively, for in-ear monitors (IEMs), highly regarded options with dynamic and articulate bass include:

• Kiwi Ears Quintet
• Moondrop Blessing 3

Conclusion

Although I remain discerning about bass reproduction, my journey has transformed me into an enthusiastic advocate of high-quality, well-represented bass. I hope my experience inspires you to explore and enjoy the profound depths and dynamics that exceptional bass performance has to offer.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like personal recommendations—I’d love to hear about your audio journey, too!