However, it’s not the hardware alone that makes Sony headphones a compelling buy.
The software and upscaling features offered are also top-notch.
But what is Sony DSEE HX, and should you switch it off?
What Is DSEE HX and How Does It Work?
DSEE stands for Digital Sound Enhancement Engine.
The engine makes calculations and predictions to enhance the sound where it thinks it’s lacking.
The only difference between the three types is the calculation capacity and prediction power.
That said, you’ll typically have better results when using DSEE Extreme or Ultimate compared to DSEE HX.
How Much Does DSEE Affect Sound Quality?
The actual track, instruments, and vocals also play a big role.
DSEE works best with female vocals, tambourines, high hats, and brass instruments.
Since Sony continually tweaks the engine in updates, your mileage may vary.
It also works differently on different devices.
Finally, DSEE can do wonders for live audio or concert recordings.
This also applies to studio recordings, but the effect works better on concert recordings.
DSEE, however, doesn’t do a lot for Hi-Res audio.
What Impact Does DSEE Have on Battery Life?
DSEE alone is a battery hog.
Since I mostly stream music, there was no noticeable loss in the audio quality.
This also applies to the WF-1000XM4s, Sony’s current-gen wireless earbuds, which support DSEE Extreme.
Should You Switch Sony DSEE Off?
The answer depends on the kind of music you listen to.
That said, Sony’s Headphones Connect app makes toggling the feature rather easy.
We recommend switching Sony DSEE off as it’ll be a waste of battery life in most cases.
But for its niche use case, enabling it can enhance your listening experience.
The playback equipment alone can’t do much, though.
