[Metabolife]

From what I hear, the HE90s are the best headphones for mids and highs due to their electrostatic drivers, and the L3000s are some of the best in the bass department. Why not combine the two concepts to make one amazing do-it-all headphone?

Would this be possible? I know I would be on line to buy a pair of these super headphones. No matter how many years I would starve for.

 

[Carl]

"AKG K340".

 

[Uncle Erik]

Doesn't the K-340 use a piezo element and a dynamic?

As for mixing electrostatic panels with dynamic drivers... it's easier said than done. I think it'd be especially difficult in a headphone. They're small and it'd be difficult to accomodate the size of an electrostatic panel as well as the dynamic driver. Can't say it couldn't be done, however, it'd be tough.

If you want to see a combination of the two in action, take a look at Martin Logan loudspeakers. They have several models that use an electrostatic panel for mids and highs and a dynamic driver for bass. They're pretty good- go audition some if there's a store nearby. You'll be impressed.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik Doesn't the K-340 use a piezo element and a dynamic?

Electret + dynamic.

Quote:

As for mixing electrostatic panels with dynamic drivers... it's easier said than done. I think it'd be especially difficult in a headphone. They're small and it'd be difficult to accomodate the size of an electrostatic panel as well as the dynamic driver. Can't say it couldn't be done, however, it'd be tough.

You can cut electrostatic diaphrams in whichever shape you want, so if you made an O shaped diaphram and mounted a small dynamic subwoofer in the middle it'd work. Alternatively you could do what AKG did and use 6 smaller electret/electrostatic elements in a ring around the dynamic transducer.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Thanks for the reply; I didn't know that. How does the K-340 cross over between the two?

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Not everyone loves the bass of the L3000.

Not everyone loves the warm tones of the AKG340.

-Matt

 

[barkas]

The K340 uses 1, not 6 electrets, a big one mounted in the middle. Crossover is mechanic with the dynamic driver mounted behind a panel and 5 small passive diaphragms linking it to the main chamber with the electret.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik Thanks for the reply; I didn't know that. How does the K-340 cross over between the two?

From my understanding, they're just connected up in parallel, not even using a passive crossover, and the differences in impedence at various frequencies steers the majority of the signal to the more suited driver. Hopefully someone who has opened a pair up will be able to comment on whether this is accurate.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by barkas The K340 uses 1, not 6 electrets, a big one mounted in the middle. Crossover is mechanic with the dynamic driver mounted behind a panel and 5 small passive diaphragms linking it to the main chamber with the electret.

Wait, what are those satalite diaphrams if not electrets?

 

[barkas]

EDIT: the electret is the big metal thing in the middle, those are just passive diaphragms to tweak the frequency response or something.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by barkas EDIT: the electret is the big metal thing in the middle, those are just passive diaphragms to tweak the frequency response or something.

Interesting. What technology is used to drive them? Electrodynamic? Electrostatic?

 

[barkas]

Nothing is used to drive them. They are PASSIVE. Like in a passive radiator subwoofer

 

[Carl]

Passive radiators in a headphone. Now that is cool.