Through my speakers, I can't listen to SFS.ini = 21, or indeed 11. They're both just too much... too edgy (a bit like having the SFS set too low with earlier XX versions). And taking the SFS value as high as I can doesn't seem to help with 11 or 21.
So, with my speakers, I'm back to SFS.ini = 00 and the SFS value set to ~65. Also, curiously, I quite like the sound of Scheme 4 - very 'organic' and laid back... a bit like vinyl.
This has been largely my experience too, though I haven't tried Scheme 4. I also find that Z2 is generally fuller sounding, but less forward, than Z3 set to 00. Mani, have you compared your current Z3 setting to your older Z2 setting? Would like to see what you think about that comparison.
Gave Z3 a good listen again last night. On many tracks it did have that "removing of a veil" quality but, after a while, like the initial impression of setting the SFS very low in Z2, it started sounding too thin. I then went back to Z2 with a sfs of 100 and received that fatter sound that is so pleasing to me when listening to the women's voices (say what you will Peter, its okay
). I want to go back and listen to Z3 again with the ini set to 00 and compare it again to Z2.
Another thing that I've noticed about SFS is that I don't have to change it as often as I used to when I had the laptop. Changing to a desktop seemed to make its effect "deeper", more consistent with varying types of music.
PS: I'm not sure whether I must be disappointed about the SFS still influencing, or whether it's some (not all that) fine tuner of which I wouldn't be able to find that "one" good setting anyway ...
From the beginning SFS has seemed to me to be that "fine tuner" that would be influenced by everything, like even the quality of the mic used to make the recording, as well as the range and type of frequencies particular to each singer. (Patty Griffin requires a setting way higher than any other singer I've listened to) Thus, I will say once again, lets put the adjuster for sfs on the face of the GUI for instant access. I wouldn't feel disappointed about it still influencing, Peter, because it may be a kind of fundamental discovery that, however you "solve" it, helps to keep your player better than anything else out there!