Grado modders go Magnum - Page 79

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Edited by thelostMIDrange - 2/22/12 at 7:48pm

It could also be a comparison-based difference you guys are detecting. If that makes sense. For most, it seems like they hopped from Grado's drivers over to Magnum V2.5s or what not, and then moved on to V3.5 and V4 from there and probably left their Grados in the dust. So perhaps they felt that the V2.5s were warm in comparison to 125/225/325/MSPros (just to name a few) and continued to use those for a while, and got used to them. Then once they moved on to a V4 they noticed the edginess in comparison to the V2.5, without directly comparing them to their old Grados, only comparing them by memory, which if you ask me, isn't worth much... So if someone happens to still have their original Grados, older Magnum drivers and their V4s, and then did a comparison test, maybe the results wouldn't be so far off. 

Just an observation and maybe somebody has already done this - just thought I'd point it out.

the problem with that is the variation within v4. any findings based on one particular set in one particular set of cups is really not meaningful and more misleading than anything else. but if you are unaware of this variance, it would seem to be a meaningful comparison i can understand........ I am struggleing with even finding what is common to all the v4's i've heard. And i'm usually not at a loss for such a thing. Maybe a grado thrown in the mix would highlight the commonalities among the vary'd v4's though. maybe not.

 

Valid thought indeed. I can't speak for everyone, but I have a pair of SR225i that I used as a benchmark. Compared my Grey V4 to my SR225i and then compared my Black V4 to my SR225i. I'm using the same cups (Cabillas sapella) and same cable for all of the setups. True I didn't compare the grey V4 to the black V4 (although thelostmidrange did), but I did compare them both to a benchmark. 

 

and what did you conclude?  at least they are the same cable and cups, but if the drivers still sound edgy, maybe not a great example to put up against the 225.......sorry about those drivers by the way. have they changed at all? I'd send your old set back but don't have them any longer either.......

Edited by thelostMIDrange - 2/22/12 at 7:50pm

Sibilance to me is kind of like the sound the old man in Family Guy makes when he says words with Cs or Ss. Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szzoWz6qK3g
I'm not sure if I am thinking of the same sibilance as you are, but what I noticed was more prevalent in The Suburbs song, probably because that song has more vocals than the other songs I heard. I heard it whenever he started the chorus "Sometimes I can't believe it...." But it wasn't much at all; I was picking it out more than just pure listening. I wouldn't have noticed it unless I was doing analytical listening, which isn't my thing. I don't think it's what these headphones were made for either, but I could be wrong.

After all that, it didn't hurt my ears, which is the "true" test... that's a good album!
 

 

I'm going to have to compare my two Magnums side by side one day and maybe the weekend but as for now they do sound similar. For one the treble is similar in that it is smooth but very detailed. They also have a similar tone and this is what I would prefer the Grado sound to be instead of the current Grado lineup which I do not like as it is too bright for me.

 

However I don't hear any sibilance so I guess I got one of the good drivers. Also I used to have the v2.5 in the aluminum chamber and 325i cups and they were way too heavy but they sound similar but a bit more smooth than before.

I just want to add that I think that none of my issues have to do with Ohrenholz and his exquisite work... cups, cable et al. Like others have specified, I think the issue possibly lies with a different manufacturing process in the drivers. Ohrenholz has been great to deal with thus far in the process and I'm confident that all parties will be happy in the end. That's his guarantee and that works for me. I'm hoping this works out quickly so he can still an awesome product. That obviously goes for Symphones as well.

correct me if i'm wrong since i'm not real knowledgable about headphone history or modding, but isn't this the first time in recorded history that the average joe has had access to a specifically designed aftermarket headphone driver to use as he pleases? If so, isn't it clear that since none of us are trained in headphone building or ear acoustics etc, that the results of the final phones would vary widely and not result in reference class sound?  isn't it an art/science that takes some time to get together. I haven't learned alot of what to do, but at least I found some things that don't work and found some of the more important variables. The process would go much faster if cup makers became more than cup makers. and they should charge for this extra service. namely the weeding out of poor sounding woods, the classification of drivers and take the time to swap them in a few cups before sending them out the door.. ........Let's say the average cup is $140, trust me, the improved sound from finding synergy between driver and cup would be worth an extra $80-100 to the consumer. The differences can be dramatic and over the long run, the extra investment is minimal. And this would be more do-able if less attention was 'paid' to appearances.

Edited by thelostMIDrange - 2/25/12 at 2:22pm

Well, my v4s made it home today. I'm guessing I've lucked out and gotten a pair with the "laid-back" sound, judging by recent comments.

I can't put my initial impressions into words very well, as I'm getting constantly distracted by the music while trying to type. Coming from MS1is to these is...an eye-opener. So far, every album I've played sounds like it's a lovingly crafted remaster (not that "Dave Mustaine, what the $#@! are you doing?!" sort of remaster). Similar, although much less grainy and waaaaaaaaaay more detailed, mids and highs, but that bass is something else. Not overpowering, just punchy, beautifully textured and separated. Love at first listen.

I think I'm going to actually enjoy the next 295 hours.

metal cups mozu?

Marty cocobolo.

I recently heard magnum in cocobolo and it wasn't quite the experience you are describing. it wasn't 'marty cocobolo' though. enjoy !

 

 

No worries at all! I'm still very grateful for the trade. I was able to build my little dad a pair to get him to listen to more music. 

 

As far as changes, I can't say for sure. It may have gotten smoother as it burned in, but still not to the level of the grey drivers. I actually had my friend bring his grey driver V4s over (same batch as my original) and compared them a bit -- it wasn't extensive or anything but both of us agreed the black driver was edgier. My pair is loaned out at the moment so it's been a couple of weeks since I've heard them.