Just a couple mods so far on the new Grado...

[outlawdon]

Nothing special. Bought this used last week for $80 and been enjoying it WAY too much! Pandora Radio on the iphone plus this equals very good, fun, detailed and engaging with just the right amount of bass for me. I listen from anything from trance to adult contemporary to classic rock to top 40 pop to hard rock to metal. This bad boy does it all well and the iphone 3GS powers it with no problem at all. I'm usually at 60-75% of the volume and it's plenty.

Just finished adding metal mesh grills and sanded off the silver letterings to a smooth flat finish. Ordered the HD414 along with the PX100 pads already. Maybe a recabling later. Looked at some wood cups but it's not worth the cost for these inexpensive cans plus who knows what's the return on investment besides some gorgeous looking phones. I'm new to Grados and this forum but love and enjoying modding as with all my other toys.

 

[Palpatine]

I like that look.

 

[Head Injury]

70-75%? Alright, pretty much confirmed that I'm a darn safe listener. I sit at 30%

. But the iPhone has restricted volume, right?

Those look great. Less extreme than a woodie mod. Still look like SR80s, which is a plus. Hope you enjoy their sound as much as you must enjoy their looks.

 

[outlawdon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Head Injury /img/forum/go_quote.gif 70-75%? Alright, pretty much confirmed that I'm a darn safe listener. I sit at 30% . But the iPhone has restricted volume, right? Those look great. Less extreme than a woodie mod. Still look like SR80s, which is a plus. Hope you enjoy their sound as much as you must enjoy their looks.

Thanks! You're only at 30%? That's pretty low. Obviously, it depends on the music source, setup, ohm and sensitivity of the headphones. Again, I'm using a 16G Iphone 3GS running Pandora Radio version 2.0.4 through a Grado SR80i. Your mileage may vary. I just tried 30% volume and it's really really soft. 60-75% is where I'm comfortable at and get the best overall balanced sound.

 

[Mochan]

When I listen to TF10s I am at like 20% of an iPod Nano 2G. For Grado SR60 I usually push 60%. 30% only if it's the dead of night alone in my room with no silence, and I'm listening to something slow and relaxed.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

wow that's hot, did you just sand down the stock cups by hand?

Are your grills curved or is that the lighting?

 

[outlawdon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Sneis /img/forum/go_quote.gif wow that's hot, did you just sand down the stock cups by hand? Are your grills curved or is that the lighting?

Thanks! Yes, I sanded it down by hand. Actually pretty easy. Started with 120 grit sandpaper which removed the plastic pretty fast. Then jumped to 400 and then 600 grit sandpaper. It's not to my liking yet, so I'm going to try even higher grit paper to get a smoother shinier finish.

And yes, the grills are curved. I pushed them upwards with my fingers to form a curve and then used epoxy on the inside to secure them. The curve helps to override the imperfection and perimeter material left inside from the original plastic grill. It it was flat vs curved, it wouldn't lay down as flat and flush.

 

[outlawdon]

Update 3/23/2010...

My simple DIY driver and driver enclosure damping with felt adhesive pads that I cut out. I can really tell highs are much smoother and less harsh. Electric guitars especially in rock and metal music is smoother and crunchier.

Resonance is lessened a small bit and sounds are more precise and to the point, almost as if instruments sound a little more 3D or binaural. I would call it better imaging and resolution. I can place different sounds,vocals, instruments in space more precisely. Volume sounds lessened a little though...maybe about 5-10% or so. Not sure why. Maybe less resonance and reverb within the enclosure? Pink Floyd and progressive trance sounds amazing! Of course, it's depends on the music source and recording. Overall, I like this cheap, basically free mod.

 

[NimbleRabit]

Those look very slick, nicely done. I know it's not what this topic is about, but what case is that on your iphone?

 

[outlawdon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NimbleRabit /img/forum/go_quote.gif Those look very slick, nicely done. I know it's not what this topic is about, but what case is that on your iphone?

Thanks man!

It's an Incase Slider.

Slider Case for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G : Incase Product

 

[WayTooCrazy]

Sorry for digging up an old Thread, but where did you source the Grill material from?

 

[baka1969]

Good choice of music.

 

[outlawdon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayTooCrazy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sorry for digging up an old Thread, but where did you source the Grill material from?

It's galvanized metal mesh from Orchard Supply and in a roll.

If interested in some, I can actually send you some to make screens. Just paypal me $4 for shipping and material. Let me know.