musikl
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Post by musikl on Aug 11, 2018 5:57:57 GMT
I was also at a loss where to look for felt, that's why I decided to go with the foam discs from the SR850. But I figure if I searched for enough shops with sewing articles, or articles for hand-made decorative stuff or whatever, I would've found some felt. But I'm glad I didn't have to go shop searching. As for the self-adhesive felt, somebody reported trying it on some thread about the HD58x, I don't remember where exactly. The conclusion was what solderdude said above. No bass left. Then they scraped off the adhesive from the center and the problem was remedied, but I think I'd just go for normal felt and the extra trouble of cutting a ring out of double-sided tape. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find a solution that will make you happy with the sound.
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Post by Mr Trev on Aug 11, 2018 15:58:35 GMT
I have some felt left (and double sided tape) and could slip it in an envelope when the shipping costs are covered (around 2 Euro) 3.5mm male/female and or 6.3mm male female ? Neutrik (Rean) is easily ordered via e-bay Thanks for the offer, but I'm sure I'll find some, somewhere (I haven't checked at the local Walmart yet - I do try to avoid that place like the plague) So far finding a decentish 6.35mm male plug hasn't been much of an issue - everybody sells Amphenol it seems. The problem I'm running into is the 3.5mm female jack. All anybody seems to have in stock are cheap looking ones (CUI, I think). Ebay probably is the best place to look, but ideally I'd like to buy all the components from one place to save on shipping costs (most online electronic supply shops here charge a min. ~$10 for shipping) I'm also not sure how I want to proceed filter wise. I'll probably want a longer cable, so maybe I'll buy one of those 3m cables from Sennheiser (they're cheap to get here in Canada) and put a new 6.35 end on it along with the filter components. I'm having trouble thinking of an elegant way to deal with those film caps though. Using SMD is probably outside my skill set so having it fully contained in the plug - while nice and neat - probably isn't going to be an option for me. I was thinking maybe I could DIY a cable and put the filter components in the splitter.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 11, 2018 17:47:13 GMT
I fitted the parts into a small tube with some shrink wrap over it which holds the cable on one end and has a 3.5mm panel socket on the other side. Also made one with the parts fitted inside the 6.3mm plug.
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Post by Mr Trev on Aug 11, 2018 21:11:09 GMT
I like the tube and heat shrink idea - far better than my idea of using a wad of Sugru. Do you happen to remember approx. what the size of the tube and heat shrink is?
Found a couple of foam discs in the pile of junk that used to be a HP150. I don't remember if they came from the front or back of the drivers. They are on the thin side and pretty open cell (actually they look a little like the damping foam on the pic of the prototype driver you posted), but at least I'll have something to experiment with
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musikl
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Post by musikl on Aug 12, 2018 10:24:48 GMT
Just for reference,the foam discs in my case were the ones under the earpads, which come in contact with the ears: www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_epk_601_ear_pad.htmYou can also see what I was talking about with the two sides - the black one with a cloth on top which is a little denser and the grey one, directly with the foam. The foam discs that I used (and those in the picture) are about 2mm thick (maybe slightly less). The felt used in the mod from the review is 1mm thick. For reference, they produced very close results in the measurements, the discs in my case reducing the bass slightly more if I remember correctly (by ~1dB more).
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 12, 2018 15:33:41 GMT
I used a small syringe where I cut the bottom part off. On the spot where the needle is mounted that part is cut off and a hole drilled just a bit smaller than the 3.5mm socket. That socket is screwed in the syringe.
We use these syringes for applying glue in fiber-optic connectors.
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Post by Mr Trev on Aug 25, 2018 23:55:12 GMT
First thought when I opened the box… these are smaller than I expected. Not sure why, but from all the pics I've seen of the HD600/650 I got the impression they'd be bigger.
Also, like Shiro, seems like I'm going to need to get my ears re-profiled. I can't seem to find any position where my ears aren't in contact with the inside of the pads. Not anything I can't put up with, but I was hoping that their oval shape wouldn't be a problem. Clamp wise… I actually like the firm grip. Leaves me wondering if the complaints about the clamp are maybe more to do with the fact that the earpads are tapered and have a smaller "contact patch" than other models - like the X2 for example which have a big flat surface to distribute the pressure. Just got an email the other day about Brainwavz new Micro Suede earpads - maybe they'd be a comfier option.
Soundwise, I like what I'm hearing. They do seem brighter and have a more upfront presentation than my other phones. I do see where some folks say they have a more closed-like soundstage. Not as open or expansive as say my 400i. The bass doesn't have quite the ominous rumble as the X2 - as expected, considering we're comparing a 50mm vs. 30ish driver, but is more than adequate for my tastes - and so far I haven't felt any overwhelming need to do the felt mod (but I'll try it sooner or later)
Anyways, just my 5¢
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Post by timezone on Oct 6, 2018 5:53:15 GMT
Hi, I'm new here and to the audiophile world. Just bought my first pair of decent headphones with the Massdrop HD58X. They are coming early next week. Have watched numerous videos on them and read the pdf file here and the posts in this thread, so I'm excited to get them and have a listen.
I plan to try them out at first without modding but am already preparing to give it a try. My local Michael's store had different basic felts that I believe are 100% polyester. I did also find the stiffened felt in a red color. I think this is probably close to what you are using but they must have changed what they offer slightly. The UPC number on the stiffened felt matches the one in the pdf and another model number on the label seems to match as well but it says it is 85% polyester & 15% acrylic. It says nothing about Eco-fi which was listed on your label which is 50% polyester & 50% acrylic. Wonder if that makes any noticeable difference?
I have seen disagreement from different places on if the grille foam makes a difference to the sound or not. You say it doesn't. So if I do the felt mod on the driver it shouldn't matter sound-wise if I leave the grille foam or not right? That would just be a looks decision. You recommend not removing the grille foam unless you also do the mod and cover the driver hole with felt. I'm wondering about the 660s that has no grille foam. I thought it had the driver hole exposed on it, but maybe it has a thin mesh over it.
I wasn't sure about the double-sided tape. Is this just thin scotch type tape except that it is double-sided? In the PDF I thought it looked like a thicker white tape like maybe it was a thicker foam type tape? All the posts make it just sound like regular thin double sided tape tough. As far as attaching the stiffened felt I notice mine has a slightly more open rougher texture on the side with the label and the other side is a bit flatter with a tighter weave. I'm thinking to attach the rougher finish toward the driver as this might perhaps give it better air flow. Guess I'll have to experiment. Any thoughts?
So the main thing I guess is to not block the hole in the driver it seems. Coloring the green, gold on the driver or plastic around it with whiteout or marker shouldn't hurt. I am wondering about cutting the stiffened felt to the size of the grille foam and using it there instead. Would the felt just pushed around the grille in place of the foam do the same as attaching it directly over the driver hole?
Sorry if I rambled on or asked too many questions. This mod is pretty interesting and I'll have to look into the inline filter at some point. Thanks for the great evaluation and discussion on this.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Oct 6, 2018 7:28:36 GMT
Hi, I'm new here and to the audiophile world. Just bought my first pair of decent headphones with the Massdrop HD58X. They are coming early next week. Have watched numerous videos on them and read the pdf file here and the posts in this thread, so I'm excited to get them and have a listen. Hi Timezone, welcome to the forum. I plan to try them out at first without modding but am already preparing to give it a try. My local Michael's store had different basic felts that I believe are 100% polyester. I did also find the stiffened felt in a red color. I think this is probably close to what you are using but they must have changed what they offer slightly. The UPC number on the stiffened felt matches the one in the pdf and another model number on the label seems to match as well but it says it is 85% polyester & 15% acrylic. It says nothing about Eco-fi which was listed on your label which is 50% polyester & 50% acrylic. Wonder if that makes any noticeable difference? The problem I have is I got that felt many years ago. Had a bunch of it lying around... still do. I could send enough it in an envelope for the actual shipping costs. This is E 1.80 when paid with PayPal. Don't know if the new felt is 100% the same. I have seen disagreement from different places on if the grille foam makes a difference to the sound or not. You say it doesn't. So if I do the felt mod on the driver it shouldn't matter sound-wise if I leave the grille foam or not right? That would just be a looks decision. You recommend not removing the grille foam unless you also do the mod and cover the driver hole with felt. I'm wondering about the 660s that has no grille foam. I thought it had the driver hole exposed on it, but maybe it has a thin mesh over it. The grille foam is just there to ensure no dust and small debree can get into the driver as the rear of the driver is open. The material is audibly 'transparant'. It has no other function than dust protection. I measured it and gave no difference. The reported (obvious, big, worthwhile) differences are placebo. The HD58X driver is the only one with an exposed hole. When the aim is to remove the foam for looks than the solution is simple. Ensure the hole in the driver is covered. (in the HD660 it is covered). One can do this with using a small 'coin' of the removed foam by glueing or taping it on the magnet. This does not change the tonal balance. You can also use felt or the other materials I tried in the article and 'adjust' the bass hump when it bothers you. Some folks like the Sennheiser tuning better, I like it better with the felt. I used a black felt pen to 'paint' the driver a bit, gives a better look. I wasn't sure about the double-sided tape. Is this just thin scotch type tape except that it is double-sided? In the PDF I thought it looked like a thicker white tape like maybe it was a thicker foam type tape? All the posts make it just sound like regular thin double sided tape tough. As far as attaching the stiffened felt I notice mine has a slightly more open rougher texture on the side with the label and the other side is a bit flatter with a tighter weave. I'm thinking to attach the rougher finish toward the driver as this might perhaps give it better air flow. Guess I'll have to experiment. Any thoughts? I have a roll of double sided tape for fizing carpets to the floor. Sticks like crazy. Though the felt doesn't stick to it that well but remains in its place. The air has to pass through the entire felt so don't expect it to matter much. Perhaps try both sides. I used a black felt permanent marker to 'paint' the felt black. Nicer when the foam on the grille is removed. So the main thing I guess is to not block the hole in the driver it seems. Coloring the green, gold on the driver or plastic around it with whiteout or marker shouldn't hurt. Correct I am wondering about cutting the stiffened felt to the size of the grille foam and using it there instead. Would the felt just pushed around the grille in place of the foam do the same as attaching it directly over the driver hole? didn't try but am sure it won't.
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Post by timezone on Oct 6, 2018 20:00:21 GMT
Solderdude, Thanks for going over all of this with me it's really helpful to have clarity on it. Yes, the felt must have changed a bit since you got it. My UPC number is the same but it definitely seems to have changed how it is made at least according to the label. They show that they are supposed to have this in red, black, and white but only found red in my store. Think the red is fine though. I see online they also have a Felties brand stiff 1.5mm felt and then a Darice brand that it doesn't show any details about the make-up of these. I'll skip trying these because of the lack of details about them and they are sold in bulk packaging and more expensive than just getting a single sheet. I do have a Hobby Lobby and Walmart that I might check.
Thank you very much for your offer to mail some. I believe I'll just stick to trying what I have already got that seems to be the current model of yours. It will most likely be about the same. I'll just have to experiment and see how it goes and perhaps take you up on trying some of yours if it just doesn't seem to have the right effect.
I'll try finding the carpet type tape you mention or something along the lines of that. Perhaps just regular double-stick tape or some other tack type material might work well. I'll try both sides of the felt to face the driver. I imagine putting the felt in place of the grille foam like I mentioned is probably not exactly the same result, but am curious what that will do and think I will try that as well.
I am wondering about break-in for the headphones. Besides regular listening, should a certain music or volume level be put through the headphones to break them in? Is there a change over time that is very noticeable? Of course, I'll want to wait to do the mods until this is done. I do not have any small dedicated amps for headphones. I plan to try it with my Pixel XL phone, Nvidia Shield controller output, and various PC's. I do also have a Denon AVR-1913 (that I use for my home theater speakers) that I hope should at least be a pretty decent amp for it. Thanks again.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Oct 6, 2018 21:44:14 GMT
I have never measured any break-in effects that did not fall in the same category of measurement errors. In other words, when there are any they are very, very small.
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Post by timezone on Oct 6, 2018 22:44:42 GMT
Oh okay, good to know about not really needing a break-in. I'll update once I get them in and try some mods. This is the felt I got from Michael's. Well, not sure how to get it to work.
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Post by lobalwarming on Oct 7, 2018 2:00:01 GMT
I have never measured any break-in effects that did not fall in the same category of measurement errors. In other words, when there are any they are very, very small. I have measured many many big break-in effects. In perception. In years of mixing/editing/producing often have discovered stuff later that was always there, but was never heard at the time. Perception is a funny thing. The brain's pattern matching and sensory repression filters combined with our mood, health, focus makes for a varied subjective soup. With the same gear. With new gear in the chain, an extended break-in period is expected. Until the brain adapts and fools us again. ;-)
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Post by Mr Trev on Oct 7, 2018 17:32:46 GMT
I have never measured any break-in effects that did not fall in the same category of measurement errors. In other words, when there are any they are very, very small. I have measured many many big break-in effects. In perception. In years of mixing/editing/producing often have discovered stuff later that was always there, but was never heard at the time. Perception is a funny thing. The brain's pattern matching and sensory repression filters combined with our mood, health, focus makes for a varied subjective soup. With the same gear. With new gear in the chain, an extended break-in period is expected. Until the brain adapts and fools us again. ;-) Gotta be smarter than your brain, Lobey… smarter than your brain Done the felt mod on mine. Just ended up using some standard 1mm felt - purple, cause everybody knows purple sounds best. Initially, I thought that maybe it took the bass down too much, but that opinion tended to change between tracks. After some time now, I'm happy with it. Still has great extension - one of the things that surprised me was how well that little driver could handle the deep end. If I feel the need for "moar bass", that's where my X2s step in. The one down side for me is their smallish, up-close presentation. They don't do expansive ambient tracks nearly as well as my 400i (or even X2). That could be due to their lack of angled drivers, i'm not too sure.
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Post by Mr Trev on Oct 7, 2018 18:56:03 GMT
A question for Solderdude I keep forgetting to ask…
Instead of using felt on the back of the driver, would taping over the vent and punching different sized holes (smaller) in the tape accomplish the same thing? I have been able to tune some of my iems by doing this. Completely block the existing vent and punch a pinhole in the tape. Audibly it seemed to accomplish a similar result. And apparently by punching holes into the filter paper(?) on the back of Grado drivers can change the bass response of them too
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