[GREQ]

Sorry to dig this out again now, but my CD1700s have just arrived and I'm interested if you know any indicators whether it is the CD3000 driver version. On the box, drivers, anything that could confirm this? Thanks

You'll have to take off the ear pads at the very least.
CD3000 drivers should have a metal perforrated grill/acoustic lens.
Also, CD3000 drivers solder-tabs are on the middle center-ring around the driver magnet.
CD1700 solder-tabs are offset to one side.
So you should be able to easily open it up just by removing a few screws and take a look at the back of the driver.
( Don't forget to use a magnet screw driver, so the screws don't fly into the driver )

Also, you'll be able to see the colour of the paper-damping. If it's black, you've likely got the worst variant with no bass or treble.

The CD3000 driver version is at this point a myth - there is currently NO evidence on the whole internet that these ever existed - only hearsay.
I'm actually amazed that this myth is still going on at this point, with SO many people still believing it due to some obscure posts made over 10 years ago.

The very least you can hope for is the regular CD1700 driver version with the white-paper damping material on the baffle.

@nofarewell - let me know how it goes, I'm also curious to see if there are any other versions out there.

 

[nofarewell]

You'll have to take off the ear pads at the very least.
CD3000 drivers should have a metal perforrated grill/acoustic lens.
Also, CD3000 drivers solder-tabs are on the middle center-ring around the driver magnet.
CD1700 solder-tabs are offset to one side.
So you should be able to easily open it up just by removing a few screws and take a look at the back of the driver.
( Don't forget to use a magnet screw driver, so the screws don't fly into the driver )

Also, you'll be able to see the colour of the paper-damping. If it's black, you've likely got the worst variant with no bass or treble.

The CD3000 driver version is at this point a myth - there is currently NO evidence on the whole internet that these ever existed - only hearsay.
I'm actually amazed that this myth is still going on at this point, with SO many people still believing it due to some obscure posts made over 10 years ago.

The very least you can hope for is the regular CD1700 driver version with the white-paper damping material on the baffle.

@nofarewell - let me know how it goes, I'm also curious to see if there are any other versions out there.

Thanks! So basically the metal grill seems to be the ultimate indicator.
I didn't know about this theory being over a decade old, there is a very comprehensive thread mostly about the CD3000, I saw it there:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/son...the-legendary-prince-aka-baby-mdr-r10.845464/

 

[GREQ]

Thanks! So basically the metal grill seems to be the ultimate indicator.

I would say the rear of the driver is a better indicator, or just as important, especially since no photos exist of the mythical cd3000 version.

I didn't know about this theory being over a decade old, there is a very comprehensive thread mostly about the CD3000, I saw it there:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/son...the-legendary-prince-aka-baby-mdr-r10.845464/

This thread seems to only echos previous myths without providing any new solid evidence.
I can't remember where I read about it first, but this thread is a newer one.

I can only assume the rumours started because of a Japanese blog-post from 2011 where someone transplanted MDR-CD999 drivers into a CD1700.
Perhaps someone only saw the 2nd-from-last photo of the results and mistook that as a piece of 'evidence' that some extra special version existed.
Here is that blog post I'm talking about - https://bukiyoubinbou.hatenadiary.org/entry/20110416/1302951238

 

[nofarewell]

I would say the rear of the driver is a better indicator, or just as important, especially since no photos exist of the mythical cd3000 version.


This thread seems to only echos previous myths without providing any new solid evidence.
I can't remember where I read about it first, but this thread is a newer one.

I can only assume the rumours started because of a Japanese blog-post from 2011 where someone transplanted MDR-CD999 drivers into a CD1700.
Perhaps someone only saw the 2nd-from-last photo of the results and mistook that as a piece of 'evidence' that some extra special version existed.
Here is that blog post I'm talking about - https://bukiyoubinbou.hatenadiary.org/entry/20110416/1302951238

That's how myths start for sure I'd be really interested in a CD1700 with CD999 drivers though. Never heard the CD999, but by the specs, it should sound good.

 

[nick n]

is there not a part code stamped on the driver rears?

 

[GREQ]

is there not a part code stamped on the driver rears?

Out of the only driver pics that I've seen, there were 5 different codes, but their meanings are not yet clear.

This is likely the only reliable info on the different known versions:

021 - black magnet + white baffle damping (acoustic lens unknown) (no measurement) (from 'The Legendary Prince' thread)
121 - black magnet + black baffle damping + white acousitic lens 'donut' damping version (huge rolloff in bass and treble)
521 - metallic magnet + white paper damping (no acoustic lens damping) (neutral) (I own this one)
531 - appears to be the same as 521 (@Feilong4 owns this one)
721 - metallic magnet + white paper damping (acoustic lens unknown) (no measurement) (from Japanese blog)

Seems like if it starts with 5, it should be a keeper.
From visuals alone, 7 should be fine too.

Since Purk owns the one starting 021, it's probably safe to assume it's also a keeper.

The only known one to absolutey avoid is the version with black baffle paper (121).

 

[dynavit]

 

[Ontour]

Howdy friends!
I'm a relatively new member here and am the appreciative recipient of some this board's sage advice. I own a pair of all original, vintage Yahama YH-1000. Here are a few pics. They were originally purchased by my father, in Westport, CT. I am unsure of the store name, somewhere in the early 80's. They survived many years by sitting in his stereo cabinet, with his Yamaha B-4 amps, powering his Yamaha NS-1000 M's. Quite a set up to grow up around. Anyhow, the amps are gone and so are the speakers, but the headphones live on! Thanks for hosting a helpful and friendly message board!

 

[JadeEast]

Two amazing vintage pieces in those last two post. One a rare as hens teeth peak vintage Orthodynamic tech gem with family history... and the other one is not only a Jelkin float swiss crash helmet style design but has an AMT driver too... and balanced??? Both of those seem like super special magical beasts to me. Things like these are not going to be showing up on massdrop.com or where ever

 

[dynavit]

Hallo,
yes, the ERGO AMT was recabled by ATT Saar to give him more bass. But bass still is the weakest part of it. Mids and Highs are magically, very fast and clean. So if you listen to the right music, it is first class. Good for hot weather. Problem: the cable is heavy like a snake.

 

[dynavit]

Here is an other vintage headphone from my collection with „character„:

 

[Quinto]

 

[SHAMuuu]

Here is an other vintage headphone from my collection with „character„:

Awesome collection you got there/ ... especially those boxy beasts!

 

[GREQ]

Stax and Sennheiser can move over for a second, we're bringing out the top-tier, connosieur, michelen-star, gourmet-s*** out.

Alpha Electronics SDH-7
• Frequency range: 25-15,000 Hz
• Max input: 0.5W
• Weight: 350g

I didn't want to buy this headphone, it just came bundled with my Trio KH-83 and has just been in storage for years.

It's actually not the worst I've ever heard. That award still goes to the Telefunken TH60.
The ear pads are also kind of amazing - they appear to be made of some kind of closed-cell rubbery foam that feels like gel and they're still squishy today, although a little stiff. However they do provide a decent seal.
If all you have are Telefunken TH60, then consider these an upgrade!

 

[dynavit]

One more of the „boxy beasts“: