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Not that i don't trust you Nickchen () but has anyone else tried this mod with similar success?
It's kind of FOTM in Germany and in the meantime quite a few members of the german HiFi-forum.de have modded their own headphones or listened to the mod at mini meets.
I've tried it with my RS-1s, MS-1s and with the SR225s of my spouse.
The modded RS-1s do sound really crappy.Totally unlistenable IMO.
The modded SR225s and the modded MS-1s on the other hand are interesting though.
Is it worth it?
It depends.It's probably not for everyone but surely many listeners would prefer the modded cans.
What you get is an unique and very attractive headstage.
Unique like in "not really comparable to any other headphones".
Not perfect since it's lacking in depth and layering precision, but this might be due to the mediocre performance of the mid-fi Grados/Alessandros in the resolution department and the modded Alessandro MS-Pros might be better in this regard.
However, you'd be hard pressed to get a similarly attractive headstage for less than $200 anywhere else so if headstage is paramount for you a modded MS-1 represents the best bang for the buck ratio I've encountered so far especially when you take into account that you don't need an expensive amplifier.
The modded cans do sound like very different headphones.Still somewhat forward sounding but you are not sitting on the laps of the musicians anymore, and the tonal balance is not exactly the same.
You could even call it a (mild) suckout in the mids and therefor human and especially female voices sometimes don't sound as good anymore.
I guess it's dependant on your preferences and therefor unpredictabe whether you'd like the modded cans better or not but I certainly do.
One caveat though: The modded headphones are not suitable for hot and humid weather.The Grados with jumbo pads do block the flow of air like no other pads and actually to me the modded Alessandros/Grados are worse than my Sony MDR-CD3000s, and the latter are closed cans with pleather pads !!!
One additional hint: For a first test or even for a permanent solution you don't have to utilize glue.A small rolled out amount of blu tak (or similar) does the trick very well and it's easily reversible in case you don't like the mod.
Good to hear. Pay attention that the distancers sit real tight and gapless.
I envy you & Noxter, it will take a bit time until I can afford an MS Pro...to be modified, of course.
Yeah I'm a bit annoyed as I have to glue the distancers to the MS-Pros (don't want to damage the cans) so I'll need to figure out another way to do it.
Yeah I'm a bit annoyed as I have to glue the distancers to the MS-Pros (don't want to damage the cans) so I'll need to figure out another way to do it.
Just look at the end of the post above yours .........
Headstage is not perfect since it's lacking in depth and layering precision, but this might be due to the mediocre performance of the mid-fi Grados/Alessandros in the resolution department and the modded Alessandro MS-Pros might be better in this regard.
Out of memory I'd say that MS1000 and MS Ultimate don't differ significantly in respect of soundstage. Big and spectacular, but not the most precise soundstage I have experienced.
Originally Posted by cosmopragma
The modded headphones are not suitable for hot and humid weather.
I have made other assessments some weeks ago, but now that summer is here, I also tend to feel uncomfortable under the big bowls.
Originally Posted by cosmopragma
One additional hint: For a first test or even for a permanent solution you don't have to utilize glue.A small rolled out amount of blu tak (or similar) does the trick very well and it's easily reversible in case you don't like the mod.
I guess silicone would be also a good reversable solution.
So, after getting some good tools the distancers are almost ready. Only need to get the pad-holder and the GS1K pads. I tested the 1cm ring on my MS-1 and must say I don't like it that much. Bass can be overpowering, especially on vocals. Overall sound seems a bit uncontrolled. I guess that is due to no velt in the inner ring.
But ofcourse, can't say anything about the MS1000. I just finished these 1cm rings, no velt, no GS1000 pads and no pad holders so my ears fall into the rings.
Just to let you guys know
EDIT: It reminds me of the HD595 a bit, but with more bass and overall less balanced.
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Source X-FI
Amp Little Dot MKIV SE
Yes, only the half mod without GS1000 pads and felt coating can sound ugly.
Your distancer already looks quite good, but did you chose 1cm length instead of 1,3cm? I suggest your do another attempt with 1,3cm - you can glue something like a strong copper cable outside to achieve the bulge that will hold the pads.
Leave your MS1 stock until you have GS1000 pads and thin felt at hand.
Yes, only the half mod without GS1000 pads and felt coating can sound ugly.
Your distancer already looks quite good, but did you chose 1cm length instead of 1,3cm? I suggest your do another attempt with 1,3cm - you can glue something like a strong copper cable outside to achieve the bulge that will hold the pads.
Leave your MS1 stock until you have GS1000 pads and thin felt at hand.
Nah, I'm currently working on the ring to hold the pads. When I got two 5-6mm rings I glue them to the 1cm rings. Then I probably gonna grind them to 9mm rings and 4mm holders. I think 3mm pad holders is just a little too thin. FYI, the rings I already made are 3mm thick, which seems a bit too thin for holding pads.
Nick.
EDIt: PIC
You can see my padholders lying underneath my finished 1cm rings. There's still a lot of work to do and I could make it faster, but hey, I'm just a beginner and I also believe this is the first time I ever used a handdrill :P In the back you can see my new drillsaw, my dad bought. It was reallly expensive, the red one (40mm) was 14(!) euros and the white came in a box containing 20mm, 29mm, 35mm, 51mm and 68mm. The box was 29,95EU. But, I don't think my dad paid the full price, he had some discount I believe. Though very expensive, highly recommended.
If my distancers turn out good, I'm also willing to make some for other head-fi members. Though, the only paying I can receive is money via bank transfer.
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Source X-FI
Amp Little Dot MKIV SE
FYI, the rings I already made are 3mm thick, which seems a bit too thin for holding pads.
Yes, these dimensions don't work very good for bowls or other semi stock pads (not of interest). But together with the bulge you add later, that should work fine with GS1000 pads.
Nah, I'm currently working on the ring to hold the pads. ... I'm just a beginner and I also believe this is the first time I ever used a handdrill :P In the back you can see my new drillsaw, my dad bought. It was reallly expensive, the red one (40mm) was 14(!) euros and the white came in a box containing 20mm, 29mm, 35mm, 51mm and 68mm. The box was 29,95EU. But, I don't think my dad paid the full price, he had some discount I believe. Though very expensive, highly recommended.
If my distancers turn out good, I'm also willing to make some for other head-fi members. Though, the only paying I can receive is money via bank transfer.
Wow, that is a good tip for creating perfectly round wooden rings. This opens possibilities for making a complete headphone. Thanks for sharing and I am wondering if you got more of this kind of tips...
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(Conductor to Ray Pizzi) "Bassoon player... you are wearing a Hat... will you be able to see me conduct?"
Pizzi replies: "I am happy to remove my hat, maestro, but I play with my eyes closed anyway"
) but has anyone else tried this mod with similar success?
