Received package from Shapeways on 11/28. Took a few quick pictures just so folks could see what they looked like...
Packaging...
Polished Metallic Plastic...This has a silver appearance overall, with particles of metal, similar to metal flakes in paint, visible in the surface, and a matte finish somewhat similar to a cast aluminum piece...
Black Strong and Flexible, inserted in MS1 headband for comparison...
The finish on the Black Strong and Flexible is very flat black, with a matte texture.
Side by side with MS1 for comparison, you can see the difference between the gloss Grado finish and the matte black strong and flexible, as well as the height difference between the MS1 "2009 Version" cup. Had the MS1 been the "original" version, the height would be about the same...
Looking down on Black Strong and Flexible cup (without driver), lots of open space....
Looking down on Polished Metallic Plastic in MS1 frame (no driver)
Side by side view...
General observations about these two materials:
These are extremely light weight.
These are very open.
While I wouldn't consider these fragile, you could break through the grille with a determined effort to do so, but the benefit is nearly no acoustic reflection.
Shouldn't be an issue with any due care. They are both nylon, with the typical durability expected of a part made with nylon in this size.
The finish on both parts is matte in appearance, the Black Strong and Flexible is very flat black, like the appearance of charcoal.
The Polished Metallic Plastic, though polished, is not a shiny or glossy finish, but more like you see if you break an aluminum casting and can see the metallic crystals. If not polished, it would have likely been as flat a finish as the black is. While I like the metallic finish, and think it looks nice especially in contrast against the black Grado gimbal and foam pad, if you are looking for something that mimics machined aluminum, this is not it.
They easily fit in and out of the Grado gimbal with a slight effort, perfect fit.
The light weight of these C6 cups should make for a very comfortable headphone for prolonged listening.
There is a
very slight density difference in resonance between the two, bouncing them both slightly on the counter, the Black Strong and Flexible resonates about one chromatic note step below the Polished Metallic Plastic. Both parts have a resonance (all things do), but generally sound pretty dead. Connected to the V6, especially with the provided foam tape, should be very inert. You will essentially be hearing the driver itself with minimal interference from the cup.
Hope this feedback helps others with their selection, and I look forward to seeng the results in others choices of materials.