I know you posted a while back, but I wanted to clarify.     Because I think the weakest link in the chain is the amping section of the E/90, I have actually been leaving the volume pot pretty low.  I use the VERY good amp capabilities of the Valhalla 2 to do the "heavy lifting".    My theory...

I have designed my mod to not impact the Koss warranty (though, if some stories are to be believed, there is little that can...).    Putting tape on these headphones voids a warranty about as much as putting a sticker on a macbook IMHO.  If you are really worried, just peel the tape off before...

Sorry if my original mod description was confusing.  I actually developed my mod so I wouldn't have to dice up the pads.  Rather the mod starts as an insertable ring.  I have taken a picture with half of an insert so you can see the cross-section.  Notice that the foam is pliable but also pretty...

The following is a very quick summary and only uses very basic pictures taken on my phone.   I will try and help clarify if you have any questions on what my process is.       Here is a picture of a completed earpad unit:         The process for making this involves cutting out a foam...

Thanks for contributing your experience crazychile!    Just modded my ear pads to increase the amount of room for my ears, and the results have been awesome!   I stuck a foam ring in the stock pads to boost them, then applied a sticky-back foam to that combo to enable me to adhere the pads...

Thanks for your input DecentLevi!  Because the ESP950 isn't the flashiest or newest headphone out there it is really hard to find others who enjoy it.   I have really been wowed by how much better the stock amp has gotten with a quality tube preamp.  I was wondering... would you be able to...

 Welcome to the owners club!   An improved power supply does indeed yield good results (See earlier posts for tested options ...).  Additionally, adding my Valhalla 2 in as a tube preamp has done a lot for layering and dynamics.  I think that the preamp might also take some of the load off of...

You are precisely correct.  The rep I talked with was pleasant enough and put up with my call-backs due to the fact that the ESP-950 was originally excluded from the sale.     On a more progressive note, I have been playing around with using my Valhalla 2 tube amp as a preamp for the E-90...

I know that it has already been mentioned that KOSS is running a 40% off sale price for the ESP950's, but thought it was worth it to share that the 40% can also be used for parts/accessories.  I picked up a few sets of pads and another headband (Normally $50USD...).     I plan on modifying the...

Oh , one more note on the power supply.  It's probably going to cost a bit more to get a good one.  I had a really strange phenomenon happen with the first, very cheap, supply that I purchased.  It would actually cause a hum in the headphones when the headphones were unplugged from all gear...

If the headband is real leather, it's still pretty rough looking (in comparison to what it could be...), and could do with some improvement.  I am planning on using some thicker leather on top with some more structural support to increase the sturdiness of the feel in hand, while increasing the...

    I actually purchased this one here and use it with an adapter to the proper 2.5mm barrel size:    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QZ7RG8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00   I would advise you be very careful and ONLY get an adapter that is regulated AND exactly...

My apologies. Seriously thought you were joking since you replied OT in a stax thread about a headphone that is known for having a TON of mid-bass.      Here is a quick answer anyway:   Look to lower the mid-bass (100 hz hump) and you should see some better clarity overall.   Here is a...

For your DT990 simply adjust your EQ to resemble this mountain range:           ;)

I have recently obtained a pair from Sonic Electronix as well and they seem to be completely new and untouched (No musty smell either...).  Good to know another Headfi'er found such a fantastic deal on these 'phones.   Overall, I have been VERY impressed with the ESP-950s and experienced no...

Hey! Sorry for the delay in reply.  The brand of foam that I purchased was sold by Hobby Lobby under the name of, "Silly Winks Foam Sheets."  I assume that you could always use the more mainstream brand of Creatology, but the Hobby Lobby house-brand is high quality and will probably be cheaper...

Wow... Awfully quiet here.  Come on guys, someone ought to be interested in improvements to one of the best closed headphones on the market. I even added pictures for y'all! 

I am starting this thread with the dual purpose presenting the mod I have implemented for my HP50's and to provide a space for mods that anyone else comes up with.   My mode is not dissimilar from many mods for other headphones but it has such a dramatic effect upon both comfort and sound...

Before you fret about not getting into "Hi-res" audio take a look here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLEhfieoMq8&spfreload=10   Going balanced might produce a more tangible result that buying a ton of new "hi-res" audio to go with new "hi-res" gear.

Haha.  I appreciate the sentiment.  I am working on my MDIV at the moment,  but will be aspiring to both traits for the remainder of my days.   Definitely wary of getting sucked into hype about DAC's.  A guy did a double blind test on the forum a while back between the Modi and the Bifrost and...

Thanks Bill.  I always enjoy your thoughts as we have had some similar experiences in terms of headphone/amp history (HD6XX, iGrado, HE-300, NAD HP50, Valhalla 2 and Magni).   Regardless of my tinkering, nothing else I have can touch the HD650's through the Valhalla 2.  Seriously FANTASTIC.  ...

Have you checked out Tyll Hertsens' website? I'll post a link below to his "Wall of Fame" where he recommends headphones that he has reviewed for different price ranges. One cool thing about his reviews is that he gives you a frequency response graph so you can get a sense for how different...

I am definitely being careful with the volume.    I thought since the Valhalla 2 is functionally intended to serve as a preamp that this kind of set up would be more acceptable than doing something like running a 3.5mm to RCA from my phone HPO to the amp.  The low gain option does indeed sound...

Has anyone here ever run a Valhalla 2's RCA output into a solid state amp like the magni?   I have been playing around with this setup as it should allow me to more properly drive my low impedance headphones like my MS1000i's and HP50's. Am I making a serious error by running this set up, or...

LOL. I was going to see if anyone had made a joke yet about the EL-8 being so ugly that they had to get Stevie Wonder for their endorsement. :P   SW: "Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?  No....? Well, no one told me!"