[jinteddy7]

They are made in Canada, stocked in Malaysia and if shipped to the USA, go through two sorting facilities before arriving (one in Singapore and then Germany). 
 
Cheers,

Jin
Turbulentlabs.com

 

[7keys]

  In case this is helpful to those of you out there who have Magnums, there are a few things I'd like to point out about making your Magnums sound their best. Like Grados, there is much to be said about the effect that the pads have on the sound. Likewise, your DAC and amp will also have a great influence on the sound you get out of your Magnums. To this end, I've found that using gear with great synergy is something that takes the Magnums from good to outstanding. After owning the Magnum V5 since they came out and testing them in a variety of configurations, I've made the following observations and conclusions:
 
Your source, amp, and pad choice will work together and place the resulting sound somewhere on the spectrum between airier, detailed sound and a fuller, more impactful sound, with less soundstage. The key is finding the perfect balance. I've tried bowl pads, flat pads, quarter-modded hd 414 pads both regular and reversed , and G-cush pads. I've also tried taping my pads. My DAC is my Aune T1. The nice thing about the T1 is that it uses a tube, and the tube I choose determines the characteristics of the sound. I have tubes that are warmer,more intimate sounding and ones that are detailed, ones that are forward, aggressive sounding, etc. The T1 sound options, amp options and the pad options give me a ton of potential for tailoring the sound in different ways.
 
Here is what I've learned:
 
The Magnums are naturally extremely detailed. It is one of the most detailed headphones I've heard, and I've heard a lot. All current Grado headphones absolutely pale in comparison with respect to detail (mind you, I have not had the pleasure of listening to the HP1000, sadly). In my experience, you need something like the HD800 to surpass the detail of the Magnums, and even then, you are making sacrifices in other areas like intimacy. What I'm getting at is that the Magnums basically have clarity and detail to spare.
 
They also have a respectable soundstage for the type of sound you get out of them. There are many headphones that will give you more spacious soundstage, but I have to say the Magnum does not leave me wanting in this area. I might feel differently if I listened to Classical music. Magnums make up for this somewhat with great instrument separation. 
 
The Magnums have the potential for tight, impactful bass. It's not the deepest. If you are a basshead, there are many other headphones that will give you more bass. But to me, the bass of the Magnums is extremely satisfying with the right setup.
 
This is where synergy becomes important. Many people have tried to use flat pads or taped pads with their Magnums and Grados to get more bass presence. Most of the time, however, people conclude that too much is lost with respect to soundstage and details. I tend to agree. But after quite a bit of tinkering, I've found the balance I've been looking for. The formula for greatness, for my tastes, looks like this:
 
1) Get a source with great details and great soundstage. For me, I chose a tube that is both detailed and punchy sounding (Genalex Gold Lion, although I have an expensive vintage tube coming in the mail because I'm curious).
 
2) Your amp will make a difference, but the one you choose is going to be a matter of personal preference. Right now, the built in amp in my T1 is actually doing a nice job. I've tried numerous other solid state amps and while they do change the sound some, the difference usually isn't massive. You really just need one of good quality that will give you oomph in the low end and isn't overly bright. I plan to experiment with more amps in the future.
 
3)  Most people prefer the L-Cush bowl pads with their Magnums. The bowls do, in fact, sound great, but they will never give the best bass response. Because the Magnums are so detailed and because I've chosen a detailed source, however, I no longer feel like I'm compromising when I take off the L-Cush pads and put on a flatter pad. The best pad overall for me has been the HD 414 pad, quarter modded, and NOT reversed. The HD 414 pads in this setup bring out the bass potential in the Magnums without tarnishing its other great qualities.
 
So, in summary, if you have a source with nice detail and soundstage, and if you have an amp that provides some punch, and if you slap on the HD 414 pads, the result is a Magnum that provides a uniquely intimiate, detailed, tight sound that is simply not available elsewhere.
 
Edit: My Magnums have aluminum chambers. I will soon have a set of Vibro Classic wood chambers. I will see if the wood chambers have an impact, good or bad, on the sound and report back because I know most of you use wood.

My experience with the Magnum V4 is much like yours except for the choice of pads. I found the S-Cush and 414 pads gave more bass but I found there wan't enough detail and seemed a little muddy,  I liked the L-Cush the best. 

 

[joeq70]

My experience with the Magnum V4 is much like yours except for the choice of pads. I found the S-Cush and 414 pads gave more bass but I found there wan't enough detail and seemed a little muddy,  I liked the L-Cush the best. 

In about a week or so my V4 pair should be built and I'll be able to compare the V4 to the X and the wood cups to aluminum. I'm really curious to see if any of my preferences change with the different part combinations.

 

[Thade]

Well I just received my Magnums !

Still waiting for cups....

 

[joeq70]

I opened a case on Etsy for the cups...a shame. Hopefully he gets back to me soon.

 

[Klaatu]

Wow. I had a great experience dealing with Luke, but this was a few years back. My Vibro Vintage cups are #3 off his line. At the time he was pretty active on these forums and responded to emails within a couple hours. 
My dealings with Jin were rather straight forward and I got the drivers pretty quickly too.

 

[Thade]

  Wow. I had a great experience dealing with Luke, but this was a few years back. My Vibro Vintage cups are #3 off his line. At the time he was pretty active on these forums and responded to emails within a couple hours. 
My dealings with Jin were rather straight forward and I got the drivers pretty quickly too.

Good News! I have been in contact with Luke and my cups are on the way. We all have some distractions from time to time so I can totally relate and I understand the brief delay. 

 

[joeq70]

Good News! I have been in contact with Luke and my cups are on the way. We all have some distractions from time to time so I can totally relate and I understand the brief delay. 

I got a shipping notification too. Woohoo!

 

[fleasbaby]

  Good News! I have been in contact with Luke and my cups are on the way. We all have some distractions from time to time so I can totally relate and I understand the brief delay. 

 
 

I got a shipping notification too. Woohoo!

 
NICE!
 

 

[ambchang]

I finally got my aluminum sleeves done.  The intent is to recreate what the magnums were supposed to be, which was full aluminum shells, and they are finally done.
 
They didn't come out perfect.  The fit for the drivers and the SR325i cups were perfect, so good that they could be friction fit (I put in a little glue just in case), but there are two minor issues with the sleeves.
 
1) The drill hole for the cable is a little small.  I still managed to fit the cable in, but the thick plastic housing didn't go through.  It's not a big deal for me.
2) The threaded holes I wanted to use to hold in the drivers were a little high.  But the thing is that the fit is so good, I could friction fit anyways, so it's not an issue.  I can choose to have the drivers sit flush and not use the threaded holes, or have the drivers sit back a little and use the threaded holes, but I decided to have them sit flush.
 
I used a stock SR80 cable, magnum v4 drivers, SR325i cups, these aluminum sleeves, and some foldable headband I bought from a member here.
 
The sound is great, and I am just basing my hearing on the memory I had of the wooden sleeves SR325 goldie cups magnum v4 I had a little earlier on.  The sound is very open with the aluminum cups, very detailed, but I wouldn't call it analytical or anything. I am listening to Buena Vista Social Club right (only listening for like 10 minutes or so), and there is a lot of weight in the bass, and a lot of clarity in the guitars and the vocals.  Just a nice, clean sound.
 
Below are some photos.
 

 

 

 

 
 
Yes, the cush are crushed, but I am waiting for it to bounce back to shape.
 
Overall, I am really happy with them, and I have finally achieved my dreams of having a full metal magnum v4.
 
HUGE thanks to wje, who hooked me up with the magnum v4 drivers.  I wouldn't know where I can get those otherwise.
 
Next step, metalize my SR80s, and maybe get a Magnum X.
 
BTW, a few here expressed interest in the sleeves, if you are still interested, let me know.  these come in batches, so I have a LOT left.
 
BTW2, funny thing is when I was picking up the sleeves, I get to talk to the manager of the place, and he mentioned he was contacted by magnum to make these shells back in the day.  Not sure if he actually made it for him, but it's interesting nonetheless.  He also makes parts (he showed me an all brass volume control) for a high end audio maker, I forgot the name of the company though.

 

[7keys]

  I finally got my aluminum sleeves done.  The intent is to recreate what the magnums were supposed to be, which was full aluminum shells, and they are finally done.
 
They didn't come out perfect.  The fit for the drivers and the SR325i cups were perfect, so good that they could be friction fit (I put in a little glue just in case), but there are two minor issues with the sleeves.
 
1) The drill hole for the cable is a little small.  I still managed to fit the cable in, but the thick plastic housing didn't go through.  It's not a big deal for me.
2) The threaded holes I wanted to use to hold in the drivers were a little high.  But the thing is that the fit is so good, I could friction fit anyways, so it's not an issue.  I can choose to have the drivers sit flush and not use the threaded holes, or have the drivers sit back a little and use the threaded holes, but I decided to have them sit flush.
 
I used a stock SR80 cable, magnum v4 drivers, SR325i cups, these aluminum sleeves, and some foldable headband I bought from a member here.
 
The sound is great, and I am just basing my hearing on the memory I had of the wooden sleeves SR325 goldie cups magnum v4 I had a little earlier on.  The sound is very open with the aluminum cups, very detailed, but I wouldn't call it analytical or anything. I am listening to Buena Vista Social Club right (only listening for like 10 minutes or so), and there is a lot of weight in the bass, and a lot of clarity in the guitars and the vocals.  Just a nice, clean sound.
 
Below are some photos.
 

 

 

 

 
 
Yes, the cush are crushed, but I am waiting for it to bounce back to shape.
 
Overall, I am really happy with them, and I have finally achieved my dreams of having a full metal magnum v4.
 
HUGE thanks to wje, who hooked me up with the magnum v4 drivers.  I wouldn't know where I can get those otherwise.
 
Next step, metalize my SR80s, and maybe get a Magnum X.
 
BTW, a few here expressed interest in the sleeves, if you are still interested, let me know.  these come in batches, so I have a LOT left.
 
BTW2, funny thing is when I was picking up the sleeves, I get to talk to the manager of the place, and he mentioned he was contacted by magnum to make these shells back in the day.  Not sure if he actually made it for him, but it's interesting nonetheless.  He also makes parts (he showed me an all brass volume control) for a high end audio maker, I forgot the name of the company though.

Very nice!

 

[joeq70]

Hey all, I've been an advocate of the Magnum X for a long time, but I had something of a revelation just now as I just finished building my old V4 drivers into Vibro Classic cups. I remember when I originally purchased the X drivers that I immediately noted some differences between them and the V4. Essentially, I tried the X and said "Even more clarity and more bass, hurray!" Once again, I've had the opportunity to visit this comparison. One thing that struck me after I listened to this newly completed V4 build is that holy crap, the mids on these are seductive. It's like listening to a high end record player, very sweet and analogue sounding but still detailed. The V4 has less bass than the X and the X is more clean and detailed sounding (especially in the aluminum shells) but man, the V4 is really, really good at what it does. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE the X. In fact, I built the V4 back up in anticipation of selling them, but after listening them, the sound is so sexy and non-fatiguing that I don't know if I can bring myself to do it. By the way, I took these pics with the L-Cush pads, but the HD 414 pads absolutely crush them in sound, imo.
 
Here are some pics:

 

 

[sling5s]

Anyone compare the Magnums with Grado PS500e.  

 

[joeq70]

  Anyone compare the Magnums with Grado PS500e.  

I'm not 100 percent if it was the PS500 or the PS500e that I listened to the other day. The PS500 has more bass quantity but inferior bass quality to the Magnum X. Otherwise, the PS500 sounds worse in all respects.

 

[sling5s]

  I'm not 100 percent if it was the PS500 or the PS500e that I listened to the other day. The PS500 has more bass quantity but inferior bass quality to the Magnum X. Otherwise, the PS500 sounds worse in all respects.

That was probably the PS500.  I had the full Magnum and Wooded Magnum and the PS500e sounded really close in sound signature, but better bass, mids and treble, to my ears.
Just wanted some other impressions.