[ril3y]

Hello everyone,

I am new to audio stuff and am just getting started. That being said I have been making things for most of my life. I saw some grado headphones and thought I could make them look (and hopefully) sound better.

So below is my design I have made. I think I am going to eventually sell highly customized (aka laser etched with your logo etc) woodies. The prototypes below is Walnut with a zebra type wood insert.

I think however I still have some work to do. I think the "air holes" are not passing enough air out of cavity and affecting the sound. That being said I was hoping to see if anyone had any good ideas for the "end caps" that I made. I have used different wood and acrylic but if anyone has any design ideas I would love to hear about them.


Just for fun here is my spalted attempt.

This is a link to my photo build journal.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iSNKEiChmJVBGOm22

Just re-iterate, I am new to this hobby and if you don't like what I have done sorry but I am just starting out here. Also I have a bunch of non functional (little adjustments were made in following generations) that are just sitting here if anyone wants some.

ril3y

 

[buke9]

Looks pretty good. The Spalted (maple I'm guessing) is awesome looking. Do you have other Grados to test the difference with? I have a pair of RS 1's but have heard a few others.

 

[ril3y]

@buke9 thanks. Its actually spalted Tamarind. It can be hit or miss on that stuff. I agree it looks awesome and I like the dark semi transparent plexiglass look with it. Its a little bit more of a risk since some of it can be brittle but it does turn out awesome.

I have a friend with another pair of SR80e's that I have been testing against. This is how I found out that I think I need more air flow to get a better sound. The good part is all I have to do is change my end cap design and not the whole other body part.

What should I get to test against?

 

[buke9]

Are you using the SR 80 Drivers? Yes the back has a lot to do with the sound as in the pic of my RS1’s.

 

[ril3y]

Yah they are SR80 drivers. I am at the point where I am adjusting my design to let more air though. Its a bit of guess and check at the moment. Short of me building a air testing rig. Might get to that but for now I will just re laser cut and try

 

[buke9]

The more air the better for some. The grill mod made a big difference on my HE-400’s. Been meaning to find some kind of light mesh material to put behind them. Good luck with the search for the right mix would love to hear them when you find it.