So what's the word on the new Ultrasone HFI-780???? - Page 202 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

ok computer · 07-07-2008, 09:48 PM

Thanks robojack I just sent an e-mail to scott. Does anybody know how a fully modded s2 audio hfi-780 compares to the alo hfi-780. Sorry if this has already been asked but this is a long thread.

demoNMaCHiN3 · 07-07-2008, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by ok computer

Thanks robojack I just sent an e-mail to scott. Does anybody know how a fully modded s2 audio hfi-780 compares to the alo hfi-780. Sorry if this has already been asked but this is a long thread.

according to skylab (i think) they sound almost the same.

edit: here's the post http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/so-...7/#post4048307

ok computer · 07-07-2008, 10:03 PM

Thanks.

digger945 · 07-08-2008, 01:34 AM

iQEM,
I will transplant the drivers from the 650 to the 450's just to see how they sound, I really don't expect them to sound like Ed9's, as I am sure the Ed9 has a totally different driver. The main thing I wanted to do is see how the driver from the 650 would sound if it were in the middle of the cup, instead of being on the perimeter. Also, the plate that holds the driver in the 450 has openings all around the circumference (oval) of the driver, while the 650 only has 5 holes opposite the driver about ½ inch in diameter each. The only additional info I am really after is exactly what the inside of the 780/Ed9 shell looks like, if there is any damping material used, and maybe to see what the back side of the driver looks like. I would also like to know if these models use the same diodes soldered between the hookup pads, if used at all.
Thats enough for one post,
Thanks in advance for all the great help and wonderful information, guys,
Scott
PS, I have never listened to the 780 or the Ed9, nor the 750, so....

iQEM · 07-08-2008, 03:29 AM

ooops, sorry then...i thought you interest to make the HFI450 more close to Ed9, maybe close to HFI780 stock...but my thoughts was, buy an HFI780 are more cheaper than transplating an PL650 driver into HFI450...cmiiw !

note:
yes, 780 use diode's too...check my post on:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/4402197-post41.html

digger945 · 07-08-2008, 07:18 PM

iQEM,
Thanks for the links, I already read the one about the ALO mod for the 780's, but the post by H.A. about the diode removal is a new one to me. The 650/450 transplant thing isn't really all that serious, I was just wondering about what it might sound like, as I really like the 650 driver alot. It will drive a ten penny nail into the side of your skull with the low freq response. We both know that when I hear a "real" set of phones, the Pro650 will end up on the shelf or FS. I think it would be interesting to hear this driver if it were centrally located in the HP and "unshrouded" or just direct to the ear instead of using the S-logic stuff, kind of like the Senn HD650, which I also like alot and have high expectations for when I recieve a dedicated amp, which is in route as we speak.
Bottom line: having only listened to the Pro650, I'm hooked, and totally look forward to a listen of the 780 soon, as they are getting more affordable each week now.
Thankyou again for the link, I really appreciate it,
Scott

warrior05 · 07-08-2008, 08:03 PM

Since I'm not crazy about Ultrasone's chassis, I mounted a pair of Pro750 drivers into an M-Audio Q40 chassis. I used M-Audio's baffle mount which is more traditional. The match is amazing and I am getting quality bass only matched by my DT990/600s. There is some loss of soundstage but not a lot. It definitely is one pair I plan on never parting with.

I experimented with making my own mount out of polystyrene to mimic Ultrasone's. Couldn't stand the sound. Lost a ton of bass and the highs became piercing. Went back to the stock Q40 mount and haven't looked back.

digger945 · 07-08-2008, 11:40 PM

warrior,
I'm not really turned on with the USone design either, especially when it resembles a double decker moon-pie. I have had similar results with my 650 mods as your polystyrene experiment. At the moment I am getting good results from 3M Micropore surgical tape (this is a paper tape) on the baffle vents, with a little sacrifice in the mids, but some wicked tight bass. Still researching a few damping/reflection methods/materials.
Later,
Scott

iQEM · 07-09-2008, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by digger945

iQEM,
Thanks for the links, I already read the one about the ALO mod for the 780's, but the post by H.A. about the diode removal is a new one to me. The 650/450 transplant thing isn't really all that serious, I was just wondering about what it might sound like, as I really like the 650 driver alot. It will drive a ten penny nail into the side of your skull with the low freq response. We both know that when I hear a "real" set of phones, the Pro650 will end up on the shelf or FS. I think it would be interesting to hear this driver if it were centrally located in the HP and "unshrouded" or just direct to the ear instead of using the S-logic stuff, kind of like the Senn HD650, which I also like alot and have high expectations for when I recieve a dedicated amp, which is in route as we speak.
Bottom line: having only listened to the Pro650, I'm hooked, and totally look forward to a listen of the 780 soon, as they are getting more affordable each week now.
Thankyou again for the link, I really appreciate it,
Scott

anytime Scott...now i'm curious that too, please give us impression whenever the PROline450 (PL650 driver inside HFI450 enclosure/cups) are ready...

Originally Posted by warrior05

Since I'm not crazy about Ultrasone's chassis, I mounted a pair of Pro750 drivers into an M-Audio Q40 chassis. I used M-Audio's baffle mount which is more traditional. The match is amazing and I am getting quality bass only matched by my DT990/600s. There is some loss of soundstage but not a lot. It definitely is one pair I plan on never parting with.

I experimented with making my own mount out of polystyrene to mimic Ultrasone's. Couldn't stand the sound. Lost a ton of bass and the highs became piercing. Went back to the stock Q40 mount and haven't looked back.

hmmm, how about the SQ detail ? on which chassis the detail are better, stock enclosure or on M-Audio Q40 ?

warrior05 · 07-09-2008, 01:13 AM

Originally Posted by iQEM

hmmm, how about the SQ detail ? on which chassis the detail are better, stock enclosure or on M-Audio Q40 ?

Can't offer a comparison opinion since I don't own a stock pair but in my frankenphone form, I've got loads of detail. Honestly, for me the only thing that I would like a bit more of is soundstage but I'm not complaining. The SQ and sound sig I'm getting is my ideal and I absolutely love them.