What is DSEE HX, DSEE Extreme and DSEE Ultimate?

DSEE stands for Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, and it's an upscaling technology designed to enhance the quality of compressed low-quality audio files (e.g., sound source data on CDs or MP3).

DSEE uses complex calculations and predictions to make low-resolution files sound almost like High-Resolution Audio. It reproduces a clear, high-range sound that is often lost. Most DSEE calculations take place in the playback device (e.g., in DSEE-compatible headphones combined with the Sony | Headphones Connect mobile app or in a Walkman).

DSEE is not meant to be used with High-Resolution Audio files, which don't need upscaling. You'll notice less difference in quality if you apply DSEE to a high-quality track.

What types of DSEE are there, and which one is the best?

There are three types of DSEE, and each type has a different calculation capacity or prediction power:

1. DSEE HX™
2. DSEE Extreme™
3. DSEE Ultimate

DSEE Extreme and DSEE Ultimate utilize AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to accurately reproduce the original sound quality before the file was compressed.

It's challenging to determine which type of DSEE is "the best" since DSEE is not the sole factor to consider. For instance, if your headphones do not support High-Resolution Audio, using DSEE will not have a noticeable effect on the sound.

The overall sound quality is influenced by both DSEE technology and the characteristics of your playback device.

Are my headphones compatible with DSEE and how do I enable it?

  to find out if your headphones support DSEE technology.

TIP: Alternatively, check if DSEE is available in the Sony | Headphones Connect app or look for the DSEE logo on your product's packaging.

To enable the DSEE function, open the Sony | Headphones Connect app and set DSEE to AUTO.

Can I use DSEE and Equalizer simultaneously?

Yes, the latest firmware update available in the Headphones Connect app allows you to use DSEE and Equalizer simultaneously.

Things to consider when using DSEE & Equalizer together:

• To be able to use DSEE and Equalizer simultaneously, install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on your smartphone and enable the DSEE and Equalizer settings in the app.
• Using DSEE and Equalizer simultaneously increases power consumption. If both settings are ON, a notification appears in the Headphones Connect app advising that the battery consumption increases and may shorten continuous playback time. You can select Cancel to proceed or OK to change the setting.