[Tympan]

For those wondering about a trusted source for authentic ESW9 on ebay, I ordered mine from these guys:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-Technica-ATH-ESW9A-Portable-Wooden-Headphones-ESW9A-/300928981263?pt=US_Headphones&hash=item4610c3d90f
 
They were "refurb" so I was expecting some blemishes... but not a scratch! Look new to me aside from the fact the outside original box was missing and replaced with a brown generic box.
Blue coil, sparkly plastic, beautiful finish on the cups... great sounding with iphone, even better with balanced HM801... lots of bloom, organic sounding, yum! Great little cans 

 

[Maxx134]

I recieved mine from same seller stated straight from Audio Technica factory refurb in a white box with normal internal packaging from original box.

 

[kookoo]

Quote:

Woohoo two sets esw9 glossed up first coat!

 

What else you planning on doing to the ESW9?

 

[cityfear]

anyone tired the Velvet Ear Cushion Pads on their esw9?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ear-Pads-FIT-ATH-Audio-Technica-ESW9-ES7-FC7-Headphones-/251304865117?pt=US_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item3a82efed5d

I supposed it be interested to know how the sound signature would change.

 

[Maxx134]

My guess is velour will brighten the sound with less bass..

What else you planning on doing to the ESW9?

I have tried many different variations of cork and foam and both and stock fiberglass as well..
Nothing beats the "Germania mod"
I will post details as I go.
Today was an w3000anv listening day..
Best reference point for esw9 modding! Lol

 

[kookoo]

I've been very interested in the Germania Mod but i still can't figure out what's EVA foam and where to get them

 

[Maxx134]

Its basically a sound foam used for dampening by actually dispersing the sound rather than absorbing it..
Here is link to one I used:
http://www.moddiy.com/products/modDIY-Acoustic-Dampening-Foam-%2850-x-40cm-x-6mm%29.html

Or you can check ebay..

 

[Maxx134]

Finished first set..
Sounding more spacious than before as I cut the eva foam inside the cups better. (Germania mod).
Also the inside cups were reddish wich did not show outside until I did the 7coats of polyurethane (!).

 

[kookoo]

Have you tried adding the stuffing to make them into an angled pad?
I don't seem to understand where to add the stuffing

 

[Maxx134]

Actually no and the reason is that it already sits at an angle on my ear,
Due to the hinge ability to turn in and sit on ear at an angle

 

[mkmossop]

Quote:

Finished first set..
Sounding more spacious than before as I cut the eva foam inside the cups better. (Germania mod).
Also the inside cups were reddish wich did not show outside until I did the 7coats of polyurethane (!).

 
What type of wire did you use?

 

[Nirmalanow]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but someone on a thread about the Tera player suggested trying a 75 ohm adapter with the ESW9s. These adapters are usually sold for use with a Ety ER4P as described here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ETYMOTIC-ER4P-TO-ER4S-RESISTOR-ADAPTOR-3-5MM-PLUG-/290372905689
 
However, it has a nice smoothing effect on the ESW9s. I use an iCAN amp that has a 3D soundstage enhancement that adds space to the soundstage. Unfortunately, it also adds a bit of brightness by boosting the highs. The ESW9s sound great with the iCAN, but adding the adapter brings back the smoothness of the ESW9s while still allowing me to enjoy the 3D effect.
 
Anyone who wants to tone down the highs in their ESW9s might want to give this a try. The effect is subtle and does not seem to mess up any of the rest of the sound.

 

[kookoo]

these ohm adaptors tend to have different effects on different headphones. I didn't like the effect it had on my W4R, not sure what effect it will have on the ESW9 but not that keen to find out

 

[Nirmalanow]

Quote:

these ohm adaptors tend to have different effects on different headphones. I didn't like the effect it had on my W4R, not sure what effect it will have on the ESW9 but not that keen to find out

Yes, I have heard it mess up the sound of other headphones, so was surprised to like how it sounded with the ESW9.

 

[lostinthesauce]

Finally got mine in today.  Definitely congested straight out of the box; but I suppose that perhaps my Note II isn't doing it justice either.  Going to burn them in and see how they improve.
 
A lot richer than the ES88 but they don't have that solid feel they do either.  I'll definitely be babying them to keep these luscious cups looking nice.