There are knobs? I have to look...

Setting up SSB audio is an iterative process, especially on a new and different radio. I recently went from an FTDX-3000 to FTDX-101MP. While some audio controls LOOK similar, AMC is totally different and other audio processing behaves in subtlely diffeent ways. Tricky bugger.
And what comprises "good" is often subjective. In general, I divide preferences into three major groups, all of which seem to disagree on what makes "good audio":
1. Hard core HF DXers/contsters who prefer emphasis somewhere in the 800-1.8 KHz range and rapid rolloff of the lows. In other works, put the most power into the higher voice frequencies that cut through noise and interference and as little as possible into bass content. Makes sense. But this can result in VERY harsh audio that is difficult to listen to. And of course, quite a few very competitive operators really don't care how obnoxious they sound as long as they're noticed and get through. That's the whole point, right?
2. HF Rag chewers who desire less painful, smooth audio and reduced highs (noise) and pump in a little bass and try and sound "natural". A difficult thing to do on limited bandwidth SSB, especially at night (a popular time) with selective fading/frequency distortion - works better with "local"chats but then FM repeaters have much better audio and are rock solid.
3. The ESSB group with fine mics and external equalizers, noise gates, etc. with "4 KHz+" wide signals. Problem is, this often spreads out much wider, partly due to "golden screwdriver" radio mods to reach 4K and partly due to other audio settings. Selective fading messes this up, too. But then, if you've been an SWL, you're probably used to it. No AM Sync Detector on SSB, though. Unless you're on AM!
And in every case, too much mic gain and/or compression may sound just fine in a rigs "monitor" mode, but splatter in reality. ("All knobs to the Right" syndrome)
Plus - we never sound to ourselves as we sound to each other due to bone conduction in our own audio system. The simple fact that we all have different hearing profiles and deficits (especially as we age), which makes things even more difficult.
It really takes time with some other local ham buddies to get a first cut, then more time to fine tune audio after a number of QSOs, selectively gathering feedback (so to speak!).
Just my 2 cents.
Brian - K6BERN