Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more about our new direction. As we ramp up and retest products, expect delays in testing new and updating preexisting reviews. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience!

Weighted Harmonic Distortion Scores and Tests
Headphones

Updated
What it is: The amount of subtle, unwanted frequencies (harmonics) produced alongside the intended frequencies by the headphones. This test differs from Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) by applying a perceptual filter to each individual harmonic before calculating the total. Higher harmonics and frequencies are given more weight.
When it matters: When clean and pure sound reproduction is desired. Harmonic distortion is relatively difficult to hear, so it should only matter to those who care about the fidelity of sound reproduction.
Score components:
Score distribution

[Coming soon]

Test results

Our Tests

Weighted Harmonic Distortion at 90dB SPL

What it is: The overall amount of harmonic distortion produced by the headphones at 90dB SPL. This test differs from Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) by applying a perceptual filter to each individual harmonic before calculating the total. Higher harmonics and frequencies are given more weight.
When it matters: When a pure and clean sound is desired at moderate listening levels. Harmonic distortion is relatively difficult to hear, so it should only matter to those who really care about the fidelity of sound reproduction.
Score distribution

[coming soon]

Weighted Harmonic Distortion at 100dB SPL

What it is: The overall amount of harmonic distortion produced by the headphones at 100dB SPL. This test differs from Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) by applying a perceptual filter to each individual harmonic before calculating the total. Higher harmonics and frequencies are given more weight.
When it matters: When a pure and clean sound is desired at moderate listening levels. Harmonic distortion is relatively difficult to hear, so it should only matter to those who care about the fidelity of sound reproduction.
Score distribution

[coming soon]