Getting the Most Out of Your Headphones: DACs, Amps, and EQ Starting Points

Every pair of Timber and Tone headphones is built to deliver great sound straight out of the box—but like any high-quality component, they really shine when paired with a dedicated DAC and amplifier.

Personally, I use a FiiO BTR15 as my daily driver. It's compact, clean, and pairs well with open-back headphones. But there are plenty of great options out there—whether you’re working with a desktop amp, a portable DAC, or something higher-end. The important thing is having a setup that gives you power and a little room to tune.

Why Use EQ?

Every listener has different preferences. Some want more low-end punch, others prefer a relaxed upper-midrange. Your source gear, listening space, and even your music choices all influence how your headphones will sound. That’s where EQ (equalization) comes in.

Rather than treating EQ as a fix, I see it as a finishing touch—a way to dial things in just right for your ears.

A Suggested Starting Point

Here’s the basic EQ profile I’ve been using as a baseline:

80Hz – LowShelf

Gain: +2.4 dB, Q: 1.66

100Hz – Peak

Gain: +7.9 dB, Q: 1.74

129Hz – HighShelf

Gain: –1.7 dB, Q: 1.40

1.5kHz – Peak

Gain: –4.5 dB, Q: 2.13

This isn't a final tuning—just a starting point.

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