Grado modders go Magnum
May 28, 2012 at 1:38 AM Post #1,546 of 4,997
I ordered a sample of that memory foam stuff and use it to deaden things (ie: tube dampeners) and it works great for that. But, it is very different than the foam that Grado uses. It's "visco-elastic", it has properties of fluids and solids, and as a result, it doesn't really feel like it would let sound pass as well as more traditional foams. But, then again, what do I know?
 
May 28, 2012 at 2:23 AM Post #1,547 of 4,997
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Jin,
 
I think your prospect sounds quite interesting.  Granted, I don't have any Grados or Magnums at the moment, but one can never tell ...  Also, have you had a chance to view the sides of the TTVJ "Flats" yet?  It looks like they're built from a few different types of foam, where the densities vary a bit. Do you think your vendor might be able to work with a few densities, or keep it all one density?  I wonder if "memory" foam can be created in a dark color for use with a Grado / Magnum?  


I tracked down the foam suppliers for the exact foam (i was told that it was the exact foam upon comparison and testing) that grado uses for their L'cush/bowl pads. The foam company i found specialises in foam for technology applications and they do supply / manufacture the foam for a few audio companies including Sony for their earpads.
 
I even visited a foam company who produce memory foam to understand the differences in foam and the sonic differences that could occur if used on audio application. Memory foam is mostly used for mattreses but due to its nature, it is not appropriate to be used on audio products. (However encasing it in a leather cover for earpads is fine just not bare as an audio pad) Other types of foam including memory foam is very different in the fact that it does deadens air passing through and is not applicable for audio products.
 
Had a lenghty 1 hour discussion with the foam suppliers. =) The foam comes in black and is supplied to different audio companies. The foam that Sony uses is in a dark grey and is denser and lasts only 3 years, I will not be using that foam as my main aim is to have minimal or no sonic differences between using my pad and a L'cush / bowl pad if possible even though using the foam that Sony requested might increase the sound quality, i wouldnt risk it deteoriating the sound quality for grado fans. 

Im just trying to solve the comfort problem, while improving on the design so that it does not look goofy on the head like the G-cushes (the look and design of the earpad is of an utmost importance to me),  while maintaining the same sonic signature as much as possible. If it makes the sound signature better then it would be a nice bonus =) haha Hope that helps
 
I have not been able to test out the flat pads yet but in reference to the bowl pads which have denser layers than others, the effect is not achieved by pasting different layers together but more of dipping the section in a substance. I have yet to inquire about the substance to be applied to the earpads. I have always wanted to test out the flat pads but since im opting for a semi-circumaural design like the bowls, i researched more on bowls and their mods to solve the comfort problem and a few quarter mod designs.
 
May 28, 2012 at 9:01 AM Post #1,549 of 4,997
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Anybody interested in a closed design using Grado shells and Koss KSC-75?
Look here -->

One thing i can say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G work on the L-cush leather covers. I am extremely jealous. I have tried my hand at making those but due to the thickness of cowhide they didnt turn out as well as yours. Great work!
 
May 28, 2012 at 12:06 PM Post #1,550 of 4,997
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One thing i can say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G work on the L-cush leather covers. I am extremely jealous. I have tried my hand at making those but due to the thickness of cowhide they didnt turn out as well as yours. Great work!

 
Yes, those leather covers are truly unique!  I love the variations of the "Strato" -- wood species, an aluminum and wood option, etc.  Now, all we need to hear is some sound impressions with various genres of music. 
tongue_smile.gif

 
May 28, 2012 at 12:22 PM Post #1,551 of 4,997
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One thing i can say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G work on the L-cush leather covers. I am extremely jealous. I have tried my hand at making those but due to the thickness of cowhide they didnt turn out as well as yours. Great work!


I found a place selling deer hide, I bet that would make some supple pads.
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/
 
May 28, 2012 at 12:25 PM Post #1,552 of 4,997
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Yes, those leather covers are truly unique!  I love the variations of the "Strato" -- wood species, an aluminum and wood option, etc.  Now, all we need to hear is some sound impressions with various genres of music. 
tongue_smile.gif

I correct my previous statement, the ones i made were downright ugly. cant wait for the tutorial =) will grab some lambskin to make those when the time is right.
 
May 29, 2012 at 11:52 PM Post #1,553 of 4,997
I'm falling even deeper and deeper in love with these. I've been listening to the Pixies and Violent Femmes most of today. The amount of punch in the bass is insane, and it's so well defined and clear. It's punchy, not bloated. It's controlled yet so strong. The clarity at the top is insane, too. Everything is so well controlled, though.
 
May 30, 2012 at 12:54 AM Post #1,554 of 4,997
Has anyone had a review on how well magnums fare against PS500's? would really want to know the impressions
 
May 30, 2012 at 4:30 AM Post #1,556 of 4,997
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Well if the HF500's are anything like the HF-2's then the Magnums blow them away on every level

 
Since I had the HF-2 and the Magnums (v.4), I thought the Magnums were a few notches better.  The PS-500s are supposed to also be a bit better and resolving than the HF-2s.  While I haven't heard the PS-500s, it could essentially put the Magnums on par with the PS-500s.  So now, it would come down to value.  If you could build a really nice pair of Magnums with woodies for about $350 (US $$) compared to a new pair of PS-500s at $599 a pair, the Magnum would seem like a more logical choice and allow you to retain the capability to truly have a "custom" set of headphones with the Magnums.  I don't know of too many people taking a $599 pair of PS-500s and modifying them.  
 
May 30, 2012 at 7:46 AM Post #1,557 of 4,997
the magnum V4 is at the level of the  JG hp-1000.
i think that a comparison with the hf-2(or ps-500 but i don´t listened this headphone) does not make sense.
i had the hf-2, hp-1000 and magnum(V 3.5 and V4.0)
from a reliable source, the 4.0 has been compared with thegrado hp-1000 is(directly modified by joe grado)
and the hp-1000is sound a little better but with a huge difference of the price
 
May 31, 2012 at 1:32 AM Post #1,558 of 4,997
Since I had the HF-2 and the Magnums (v.4), I thought the Magnums were a few notches better.  The PS-500s are supposed to also be a bit better and resolving than the HF-2s.  While I haven't heard the PS-500s, it could essentially put the Magnums on par with the PS-500s.  So now, it would come down to value.  If you could build a really nice pair of Magnums with woodies for about $350 (US $$) compared to a new pair of PS-500s at $599 a pair, the Magnum would seem like a more logical choice and allow you to retain the capability to truly have a "custom" set of headphones with the Magnums.  I don't know of too many people taking a $599 pair of PS-500s and modifying them.  


Hi, I'm a little crazy. Have we met? :wink:

Actually, I've not found a reason to mod my PS500s yet, except put on a set of bagels. They've been outstanding.
 
May 31, 2012 at 11:58 AM Post #1,559 of 4,997
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Hi, I'm a little crazy. Have we met?
wink.gif

Actually, I've not found a reason to mod my PS500s yet, except put on a set of bagels. They've been outstanding.

 
Yes, I'm sure we've talked in the other forums.  I own the HifiMAN HE-400s, HE-500s and previously owned the HE-5LEs.  I also own a pair of Fostex T50RPs, so I'm in the modding thread a bit, too.  Like you, I'm also a bit crazy, too.  But, don't let that ruin the fun we're having here. 
biggrin.gif

 
May 31, 2012 at 2:21 PM Post #1,560 of 4,997
Hi all, I am here to join the fun.
 
I just got a pair of Magnum v3 drivers and stock Grado cables through another head-fi member yesterday, and I am thinking of installing them in a set of wooden cups I got from MrHee (great worksmanship for a fantastic price, btw).  Now, I am waiting on the gimbals, headband and stuff.
 
Just want to ask, how do you install the drivers into the cups?  Is there a better way than glue?
 

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