NapalmK
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2010
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Eyecandy courtesy of Polarwarrior
DDVX also has another version of the mod located below.
[size=12.0pt]First off, I’d like to give credit to the original creator of this mod, Polarwarrior, and the original thread starter, Ultra-Harmonics. The original thread is located here.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I’ll be providing a similar guide to the one presented by Ultra-Harmonics (done with his consent of course). [/size]It’s not a radical change from the original thread but I feel this layout will be better for people wanting to do this mod without having to dig through the thread. I encourage you to look at his thread before attempting the mod.
[size=12.0pt]Why do this mod?[/size]
[size=12.0pt]First of all it’s relatively inexpensive so what have you go to lose. This mod cost me a grand total of $50 and in my opinion the improvements in looks and sound were well worth it. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford Lawton’s gorgeous wood cups but still want some extra class and a little taste of what they provide this is a great way to go.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]What about my warranty?[/size]
[size=12.0pt]This mod is completely reversible. The parts of the D2000 are not changed in any way and all the modding is accomplished by altering the cups. This should allow those who are worried that this mod may void their warranty to proceed with minimal risk (unless you manage to severely bugger something up).[/size]
[size=12.0pt]As an added bonus it gives those who were curious about the famous MarkL mod a chance to taste it for themselves by damping the cups all while having the option to switch back to the stock cups if you decide the sound doesn't suit you.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Third, aesthetics. These are simply stunning. Much more beautiful in the flesh than what you can see in the pictures I took.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]What you need: [/size]
[size=12.0pt]Denon D2000[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Denon D7000 wood cups (or possibly D5000 cups though I haven't confirmed it so proceed at your own risk)[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Small screwdriver[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Drill[/size]
[size=12.0pt]5/8” drill bit[/size]
[size=12.0pt](Optional) Dynamat[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Time around 30 minutes or so (It took me around 45 minutes of figuring it out and tinkering without a guide)[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Total cost:[/size][size=12.0pt]$282.50 (including Dynamat)[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Where Do I Find the Cups?[/size]
[size=12pt]This is the main problem with this mod. D7000 cups are a little scarce. However, they can be found. The FS forums are a good place to start. I purchased my cups from Lawton Audio which is another potential source for these cups. He can also perform the MarkL mod on the cups if you so desire for additional cost. Mark has asked me to make sure his policy on these cups known.[/size]
[size=medium]"...We will not sell to anyone with the intent to mis-label a D2000 as a D7000, we will not help enable that. Also our supplies are very limited, I may have one pair left now. I get inquiries a lot and I can't answer them all when we are out of stock, so please don't be offended if we can't answer every single inquiry. Thanks."[/size]
[size=medium]-Mark[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I completely agree with Mark on the points of trying to pass off a D2000 as a D7000. It's unethical and if attempted can get you banned or worse. Don't do it. If you do plan on selling it at some point please make it clear in your FS post that they are not D7000s and what modifications you performed. Also worth noting is that though I haven't tried it I'm fairly certain that D5000 cups should also work for this mod.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]How to mod:[/size]
1. First you’ll want to remove the pads on the cans. To do this push down on the pads and rotate counter-clockwise until they come off.
2. After removing the pads you will see four screws that secure the frame to the driver. Remove these.
3. The cup and driver should now be able to come free of the frame without much resistance. Make sure you don’t jerk the cup and driver assembly as the cable is still attached.
4. You should now be able to see four screws that secure the driver to the cup. Remove them and gently lift the driver off of the cup.
5. Take the D7000 cups and inspect them. You should see four screw holes and a notch just above the bottom of the cup (illustrated in the accompanying picture). Drill to a depth that is roughly 2 centimeters up from the notch (just a little bit down from the top of the yellow oval) so the posts on the D2000 will fit these cups. (Sorry about the poor picture quality on this one; my camera didn't want to focus)
[size=medium]
[size=12.0pt]NOTE: If you drill too deep on this step (like I did) there are a couple ways of fixing your error. One is to purchase longer screws and the other is to fill the holes you drilled with wood putty and use the stock screws.[/size]
6. Taking your drill and 5/8” bit, center it on the screw holes and drill straight down. If you are worried about depth stop periodically to check. The finished product should look like this.
7. Fitting the cups on the driver housing. This step is possibly the most difficult of the entire process. When I did this the fit was very snug and required some maneuvering to accomplish. I recommend pinpointing the hole that is the closest to the outer rim of the cup and beginning fitting with the hole across from it. NOTE: Make sure to wipe off any loose wood particles before fitting.
8. Follow these instructions in reverse using the stock (or longer) screws for the driver housing and cup attachment.
9. Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy!
Initial Impressions:
As you can see from the pictures I opted for the D7000 cups with MarkL mod so I can't say what the effects of each are on the sound. Anyway my impressions.
The bass is tighter. Mids are a bit more present. When switching back to stock cups the D2000 sounds somewhat hollow.
All in all, the sound seems more natural. The highs are smoother and not as sharp (still pretty crisp, a little sparkle on top I guess). Seems to have better separation and details are more noticeable. I may be imagining this but I also notice somewhat of an increase in soundstage size. Again, I'm not sure if it's mainly the result of the cups or the half MarkL mod performed on them but either way they sound incredible. The character of the D2000 isn't lost so much as refined in all aspects which was quite a shock at first. These are definitely keepers.
[size=12.0pt]Honestly the changes are simply outstanding from my view.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]If you have any questions about this mod feel free to pm me. Also if you feel there need to be more pictures explaining accompanying the first few steps let me know and I'll add them.[/size]
