"Mad Dog" by MrSpeakers, modified Fostex T50RP review - Page 118

ALO continental. From experience

I've also read that the more affordable National does a good job, too

I received my Mad Dogs last week (love 'em) and so far they seem to work well with my JDSlabs C421.  I'm using the hi-gain setting and not having to turn the volume up very high.  The bass boost has come in handy for a few albums as well, although for the most part I leave it on flat.  

 

I also have a Leckerton Audio UHA-6s mkii coming this week, will post how they work with the Mad Dogs if anyone is interested.  

I'd like to add to my earlier comments that the comfort of the MD is just sublime. They are like an old worn leather jacket that makes you go ahhhh, when you put them on. 

I'd like to assemble a custom cable for my MD:  the problem is the 3,5 mm. plug to earcup.

It seems impossible to me  that you can't find this custom jack on the market of electronics components..

Is anybody doing a custom cable for the MD other than the v-modo cable, without doing a dual entry into the cups? 

This is one major reasons why I decided I would use my MDs while traveling. They actually are better than or at least equal to my Beyer COPs comfort-wise...which is quite amazing.

 

Matt, I think if you inquire with Dan, he might have some solutions available, or consider it.  I've also heard that LFF (Paradox builder) also does some custom cable work for the Fostex, too.  I'm not sure if he limits his cable work to the Paradox, though.  However, do keep in mind, the recable efforts are futile at best.  The solder tabs require the use of aluminum solder, if one wants to replace all of the internal wiring.  Given that the internal wiring is of an "OK" quality, just using a high-end cable that terminates at the 3.5mm plug, may not be enough to improve the sound vs. the cost of the cable.  I personally think that one is best to stick with the V-Moda cable and enjoy the sound.  Put the money into some other goodies or more music.

 

Now, I should clarify though, that if one is quite serious about going with a more custom, single-entry cable, then there are options.  I've read of one person who used 90 degree 3.5mm connectors to plug in at the cup level.  I believe the connectors were of the Neutrik brand.  However, the plug was not deep enough, so some of the plastic had to be cut away, so the cable would properly fit in.  Also, when one looks at cable (e.g. Mogami, Canare, etc.), they tend to be a heavy jacketed cable.  Some people might be adverse to using such a heavy cable for a single entry point.  I have not sought out any cable other than 4 conductor cables.  There might be a 3 conductor cable available that might reduce some of the thickness of the jacket and make it more feasible.  Yet, I think the effort would be more than what would would achieve by any improvement in sound.

Thanks for the info W!! I haven't tried the v-moda cable but have one on the way. If there were something like the v moda cable that terminated to a 1/4" plug that would be nice. Then there would be no need for an adapter for those of us with 1/4" entry plugs on our amps. 

 

1/8" to 1/4" adaptors are available at RadioShack, most electronics stores or on Amazon.  They are inexpensive...  

 

I just leave my 1/4" adaptor plugged into my desktop amp when I go portable.

How much do the Mad Dogs increase the comfort? Also i've heard the Shure pads increase the bass. Do you think this would be better for electronica/alt. rock if I got the Shure pads?

There's definitely more bass with the dog pads than with the shure 840 pads.

 

Incredibly comfortable with comfort strap and dog pads. Stick with this combo for bass. 

Speaking of cables, I read at Fostex website that they now have a replacement cable for the T50RP that's more suited for portable use. Cable length is 1 meter and terminate to a 1/8" straight plug, while the other end is the same angled plug.


As for DIY cables, Neutrik plugs won't fit into the cup. The diameter of the outer hole on the cup is about 7mm, while the plug's housing is about 8.5mm. A friend suggested to use Oyaide plugs, though I've not tested it yet to be sure.

--edit: added link to the website & details from the website
Edited by gorboman - 11/12/12 at 7:24pm

What are people's opinions regarding the Dog Pads vs the Shure pads? From what I can gather from previous posts, the comfort is better, bass slam is greater, and the mids are smoother with the Dog Pads. How about the treble? Does it get much darker with the Dog Pads because I enjoy the treble the way it is now with the Shures and find the comfort just fine.

I can say (having compared both) that neither is "the better version". They have their own sonic character. However, comfort wise, I found the Dog Pads to be the better one. YMMV.

 

If only I can own both version.