Just listened to some Fostex T50RPs today... WOW!

[jgray91]

 
Quote:

Spoiler: For%20convenience

 
Okay, so using double sided tape to attach the srh1840 pads directly on top of the stock pads (with everything stock on the t50rp) is a MAJOR improvement.  Part of me is happy where I am; the other part of me is not too happy wearing ghetto looking headphones -- the tape is showing between the sandwiched pads.
 
Improvements over stock:
-Clarity
-Sound-stage
-Comfort
-Tighter bass
-Clean vocals
-Reduced resonance
-No longer "plasticy" sounding
 
Drawbacks:
-Reveals bad source 
-Makes channel imbalance more noticeable
-Due to increased distance from  drivers, reduced efficiency
-Needs more power to sound good (low volumes don't sound amazing)
-Does not increase the amount of bass (for bass heads)
-Not good for anyone without an amp (I could barely get mine loud enough straight from the xfi... which sounded TERRIBLE anyways)
-Kinda ugly without a permanent mounting solution
 
I am not trying to get ahead of myself, but of the dozens of configurations I tried with my previous set (OS), it never sounded this clean.  I am really happy with this setup as is.  I was always tweeking things to fix one issue, just to create another.  I am considering gluing the srh1840 pads directly on the stock as a permanent solution.  I doubt this is a panacea considering the nearly infinite configurations; however, for those not willing to do tons of modding, this could potentially be simple solution without needing even open anything up.  I would really appreciate anyone willing to try this out to confirm the improvement or to tell me I am crazy.
 
 

Edit: Added Photo (forgive the low quality)
 

 
 

 
Have you tried mounting the shure pads directly not on top of the stock pads? Sorry if I missed you did. Scratch that, I didn't read properly. You're contemplating it. I think I've read that headband padding is from a Senn 580 correct?

 

[headphonatic]

I'm thinking of getting the Shure Srh1840, but I've built my cans around the Shure Srh840 pads, does anyone have both?

 

[mrscotchguy]

 
 
For the sake of clarity, the following picture shows my working T50rp in its current condition.  These are new stock (NS) that have not been irreversably modified.  The cups have never been opened.  Just the following has been done:
 
1) Attached srh1440/1840 velour ear pads over the top of stock pads with double-sided "mounting tape"
2) Temporarily zip-tied Sennheiser hd580 cushion on the stock band to prevent my brain from oozing out of my raw scalp.
 
*Note: The original pads have been removed to sample the srh1440/1840 pads directly on the outer cups. 
 
Quote:

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For those interested in above items:
1) Shure srh1440/1840 replacement ear pads $24.99/FS: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_2?rh=k%3Ashure+1840%2Ci%3Ami&keywords=shure+1840&ie=UTF8&qid=1335667329
2) Sennheiser hd580 replacement headband pad $8.07/B4 Shipping: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/352734-REG/Sennheiser_052715_H_52715_Replacement_Headband.html
 
 
 
 
 

 

[mrscotchguy]

 
Quote:

I'm thinking of getting the Shure Srh1840, but I've built my cans around the Shure Srh840 pads, does anyone have both?

 
I own both the srh840 pleather pads as well as the new srh1440/1840 pads.  I do not like the srh840 pads because they do not fit the headphones properly.  They are a pain to get on, the material that hold it to the outer cup stretches and becomes loose.  Pleather also causes my ears to sweat which is gross 

.  The 840 pads are much better than stock at both comfort and sound.  The 1440/1840 pads are much more comfortable than the 840 or stock, but probably not better in sound quality.  The 1440/1840s fit on the outer cup WAY better.  I 100% recommend the srh1440/1840 pads if you are willing to play around with it... as the always say "YMMV"
 
Quote:

 
 
Have you tried mounting the shure pads directly not on top of the stock pads? Sorry if I missed you did. Scratch that, I didn't read properly. You're contemplating it. I think I've read that headband padding is from a Senn 580 correct?

 
I have tried mounting the shure1440/1840 pads to the outer cups directly.  There was a slight improvement in sound quality, but not enough purchase the velour pads over the srh840 pleather pads other than comfort alone.  The quality is not noticeably better unless the srh1440/1840 pad is attached directly on top of the stock pad(s).  Keep in mind, I have not done any modifications beyond comfort.  There is absolutely no modification to the inside of the T50rps.  Because of this, I have no idea what would happen to the sound quality if anything was "tampered with" on the inside while still using this configuration.  I can say this, replacing stock pads with the srh pad attached is not fun/easy.  At this point, I am very happy with the current setup (sound quality).  I will only be modifying the aesthetics now.
 
Please ask more questions if that did not clear things up.
 
 

 

[jgray91]

 
Quote:

 
Quote:

 
 
Have you tried mounting the shure pads directly not on top of the stock pads? Sorry if I missed you did. Scratch that, I didn't read properly. You're contemplating it. I think I've read that headband padding is from a Senn 580 correct?

 
I have tried mounting the shure1440/1840 pads to the outer cups directly.  There was a slight improvement in sound quality, but not enough purchase the velour pads over the srh840 pleather pads other than comfort alone.  The quality is not noticeably better unless the srh1440/1840 pad is attached directly on top of the stock pad(s).  Keep in mind, I have not done any modifications beyond comfort.  There is absolutely no modification to the inside of the T50rps.  Because of this, I have no idea what would happen to the sound quality if anything was "tampered with" on the inside while still using this configuration.  I can say this, replacing stock pads with the srh pad attached is not fun/easy.  At this point, I am very happy with the current setup (sound quality).  I will only be modifying the aesthetics now.
 
Please ask more questions if that did not clear things up.
 
 

 
For now I also quite like how the the stock config sounds like, only the comfort is killing me. I still haven't heard this resonance thing; good thing I don't have golden ears! jk
This is okay so far, thanks for clarifying.

 

[mrscotchguy]

 
Quote:

 
 
For now I also quite like how the the stock config sounds like, only the comfort is killing me. I still haven't heard this resonance thing; good thing I don't have golden ears! jk
This is okay so far, thanks for clarifying.

 
I would suggest stuffing the pads with tissue paper or black foam strips (from packing material).  Adding extra cushion behind the earpad pushes it outward creating a better seal and helps to move your ear from direct contact with the outer cup.  If you have not removed the adhesive holding the stock pads on, it will be more tricky but still not difficult. This should relieve most of the pain.

 

[jgray91]

 
Quote:

I would suggest stuffing the pads with tissue paper or black foam strips (from packing material).  Adding extra cushion behind the earpad pushes it outward creating a better seal and helps to move your ear from direct contact with the outer cup.  If you have not removed the adhesive holding the stock pads on, it will be more tricky but still not difficult. This should relieve most of the pain.

 
I've done the ear pads stuffing already. My ears are okay for now. It's the headband that's giving me problems. I already did use LFF's headband suspension mod literally, only using rubber bands, instead of hair ties. As one can imagine, it last for a few days only. So I am in the process of making a better strap, using an old cotton gloves and said hair ties.
 
I'll keep in mind of the shure pads though, since the stock ear pads gets really hot in a few hours. Does this reduces if you stack the shure 1440/1840 pads on the stock pads?

 

[mrscotchguy]

 
Quote:

I'll keep in mind of the shure pads though, since the stock ear pads gets really hot in a few hours. Does this reduces if you stack the shure 1440/1840 pads on the stock pads?

 
Oh yes.  Velour dissipates heats quite nicely as well as breathing much better than pleather.  Yesterday I had my headphones on for about 6 hours without discomfort.  Even the pleather srh840 pads breath better than stock.  Because of the increased distance of the stacked pads in my setup, the pressure point on the top of my dome was significantly reduced.  The best way I can describe the fit now is that it is similar to how Sennheiser hd650 fits but with a better seal since the pads are wider.  I am working on a more permanent suspension mod.  I will post if it's successful.

 

[headphonatic]

Does anyone know where I can get the Riteaid Cotton Squares? The ones BMF always talks about.

 

[BmWr75]

 
Quote:

Does anyone know where I can get the Riteaid Cotton Squares? The ones BMF always talks about.

 
Riteaid drugstores.

 

[bluemonkeyflyer]

 
Quote:

Does anyone know where I can get the Riteaid Cotton Squares? The ones BMF always talks about.

 
FWIW: Rite Aid "Natural Absorbent Cotton" is loosely layered compared to Rite Aid "First Aid Rolled Cotton" that's densely packed.  Both come in a 3x3x6.5 inch boxes. I think the Natural Absorbent Cotton works much better but it's hard to find, now.
 

 

[headphonatic]

Finished the V8.1 mods, they're better textured, detailed and faster than the Rasta Pants IMO, believe it or not. Also, it fixed the recessed mids, I would recommend Everyone must try it out when BMF releases it. Clarity also increased, Mr. Speakers, you got competition.

Edit: Sorry for over-hype, but damn they sound good

 

[mrspeakers]

Cool.

 

[eltocliousus]

I made a quick video demonstrating the basic T50RP mods and my own personal preference, hopefully to help those who are anxious to start modding, it isn't fantastic and doesn't go too in-depth with the materials but I would have killed for something like this when I started, just to show how easy it actually is, and thankyou to bluemoneyflyer for helping me when I began, top bloke!
 

 

[headhog]

^ Nice work this definitely helps me out thanks!