The T50RP Paradox | reviews, discussion, & mini-tour impressions (index in second post) - Page 22

The measurements I posted on the last page come from Mrspeakers.

I see, seems like there is a large variation of sound that can be had from the same base trp50. that madog line is just about perfect isn't it according to tyll's compensation, other than I recall the dropoff should start a little closer to 2k and not 1k? this might relate to a lack of snap perhaps and why a grado for one example has plenty there (too much in fact)

nevertheless, I'm trying to get up to speed on all these mods and have a hard time figuring out what is proprietary and unknown vs what is open source and known. And the more I look into it, the more it appears that there is no defined set of mods that comprises 'the paradox' ? or if there is that even the slightest alteration either intentional or not changes the sound? Which makes sense to me because i'v found the same thing to be true with grado mods. Is LFF the originator of this mod set and also in posession of measuring equipment? \ Regardless, it sure does seem like the 50 can be made to sound alot nicer than when it's stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostMIDrange 

 Is LFF the originator of this mod set and also in posession of measuring equipment? \

I am the originator of the Paradox.

I do have measurement equipment but none of my measurements have been published to eliminate bias. I will never send, post, email, refer to or publish any measurement done by myself. I feel doing so is unethical. I use my dummy head strictly for QC.  

ALL the measurements (and reviews for that matter) found on websites, including innerfidelity and changstar, were independently done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostMIDrange 

I see, seems like there is a large variation of sound that can be had from the same base trp50. that madog line is just about perfect isn't it according to tyll's compensation, other than I recall the dropoff should start a little closer to 2k and not 1k? this might relate to a lack of snap perhaps and why a grado for one example has plenty there (too much in fact)

 

nevertheless, I'm trying to get up to speed on all these mods and have a hard time figuring out what is proprietary and unknown vs what is open source and known. And the more I look into it, the more it appears that there is no defined set of mods that comprises 'the paradox' ? or if there is that even the slightest alteration either intentional or not changes the sound? Which makes sense to me because i'v found the same thing to be true with grado mods. Is LFF the originator of this mod set and also in posession of measuring equipment? \ Regardless, it sure does seem like the 50 can be made to sound alot nicer than when it's stock.

Paradox and MadDogs are both highly regarded proprietary for-profit mods of the Fostex T50RP. A popular "open source" alternative mod that has been compared favorably to those is the BMF DBV3 mod which has been developed through countless trials and errors by a head-fier called BlueMonkeyFlyer and is documented in this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/618659/fostex-t50rp-incremental-mods-and-measurements. All three of these mods were actively developed through discussion and sharing over the past two years in this master T50RP DIY thread that continues to foster new experimentation: http://www.head-fi.org/t/452404/just-listened-to-some-fostex-t50rps-today-wow

If you'd prefer not to to DIY, the Paradox and MadDogs are both considered excellent values (the Pardox in particular are by all accounts one of the most neutral headphones available this side of the Stax 09). If you want to try modding yourself and/or want to save some $$, try out the BMF DBV3 mod and join those two threads for help and discussion. Either way, you can't go wrong.  

I'm selling my Vader Paradox if anyone's interested.

I had a chance to demo the HD800 a few days ago, which in Lisbon is really special - I made a note in my schedule to save the day. So now I'm wondering how does the Paradox compare to the HD800. I realize that comparing an open dynamic with a closed ortho isn't easy, but just a general idea would be great. Are they more or less detailed/fast? Do you lose a lot of soundstage? Any input from someone who had owned or tried both would be appreciated so I have an idea of how the Paradox might sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LizardKing1 

I had a chance to demo the HD800 a few days ago, which in Lisbon is really special - I made a note in my schedule to save the day. So now I'm wondering how does the Paradox compare to the HD800. I realize that comparing an open dynamic with a closed ortho isn't easy, but just a general idea would be great. Are they more or less detailed/fast? Do you lose a lot of soundstage? Any input from someone who had owned or tried both would be appreciated so I have an idea of how the Paradox might sound.

Aside from the Paradox being slightly closer to my version of neutrality in tonal balance, and having an even response throughout it's response, the HD800 is more in every way...gross detail retrieval, resolution of spatial cues, comfort, price, staging, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphinxvc 

I'm selling my Vader Paradox if anyone's interested.

What are you asking for them (I don't know what these normally go for) and would you ship internationally?

They sold already.  

--

Will miss 'em dearly.  

Wow. Quick sale. What do Paradox typically go for?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphinxvc 

They sold already.  

--

Will miss 'em dearly.  

What are going to replace them with? HD800? Why not keep both? Best of two worlds... ;)

/The guy that just sold his LCD-3 ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValentinHogea 

What are going to replace them with? HD800? Why not keep both? Best of two worlds... ;)

 

/The guy that just sold his LCD-3 ;)

What made you sell your LCD-3? I've actually been looking into one recently (despite already owning an HD800 that I'm happy with ), but some of the stories I've been hearing about driver issues have kept me at bay...

Either way, I'll get a chance to try them out at a meet-up next week hopefully, along with the Paradox, so maybe I could do a nice comparison with my HD800's then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by oblique63 

What made you sell your LCD-3? I've actually been looking into one recently (despite already owning an HD800 that I'm happy with ), but some of the stories I've been hearing about driver issues have kept me at bay...

Either way, I'll get a chance to try them out at a meet-up next week hopefully, along with the Paradox, so maybe I could do a nice comparison with my HD800's then...

LCD-3:

1. They are too expensive for the "added" extra over LCD-2 (this is more about value)

2. They are heavy and easily move if you don't sit still + I can't relax with them on, since they are pushed forward on my face from the padding in my chair.

3. They are open

4. Good bass, but poor soundstage and imaging

Whilst HD800:

1. Very good match with ZDSE

2. Very-very good soundstage and imaging

3. Most comfortable headphones I've worn

4. Also open

5. A bit hot in the treble (easily fixed)

Paradox:

1. Lightweight

2. Easy

3. Neutral presentation (although a bit bassier than HD800)/ No headphone-related artifacts

4. "Closed"

Therefore

1) HD800 + ZDSE = Home rig

2) Paradox + MkIII-B  + CLAS = Portable rig

The LCD-3 didn't have a purpose for me anymore, I have had it and loved it, but our romance is over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublea71 

Wow. Quick sale. What do Paradox typically go for?

Usually between $375-525+ depending on finish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValentinHogea 

What are going to replace them with? HD800? Why not keep both? Best of two worlds... ;)

 

/The guy that just sold his LCD-3 ;)

Not 800s, probably the C4 CIEM.  When I had a problem...

Problem:

I realized I didn't have time to listen to everything, nor did anything have an even enough response, so I downsized to the Paradox.  But since I got a half-decent speaker rig in my room, I've just been using those.  So the Paradox was just sitting there, too big to take to outside, not good enough to displace speakers.  Hence C4s soon enough.