peterinvan
1000+ Head-Fier
Incremental mods since post #10975...
BALANCED CABLE
Spoiler alert... The balanced cable didn't make much improvement to the SQ, only a small improvement to the sound stage and seperation
The 3.5mm socket was making a poor connection (right side cutting out periodically), and I brought a balanced cable for my Audeze LCD-2F with me, so I installed two Amphenol AG4MCC 4-Pin Mini XLR Male Chassis Connectors. I used an awl tool to remove the locknut:
Unsoldered and removed the socket.
Positioned the XLR locknut on the inside of the cup, and used a warm soldering iron to burn a hole from inside the cup, in the center of the nut ...
Using a slow speed, I drilled through from the outside using a 10mm bit. I did not need to remove any of the old socket bracket, as the drill bit cut right through it.
I pre wired the XLR sockets. Soldering was tricky. I got the pin-out diagram on Google, and I tested my wiring with a small battery before plugging into my amp
I plugged the the female plugs on the balanced cable into the sockets during installation, to guide them and tighten them up. Had to place the lock washer on the outside to seat the socket securely.
I masked the outside of the old 3.5mm socket, and fIlled under the XLR socket with hot glue. Used black felt tip to blacken the hot glue.
.
Results:
Left and right cups are now reversed on my head.
Balanced cable is microphonic.
I now need only the middle setting on the gain switch of the CEntrance M8.
TUNING FOR Brainwavz HM5 Velor Memory Foam Pads
Started with the DBV#3 mods...
http://www.head-fi.org/t/618659/fostex-t50rp-incremental-mods-and-measurements#user_Simplified_and_Consolidated_Pictorial_for_DBV_3
The HM5 pads looked more comfortable, so I purchased them to see ...
I used a hair dryer to help with the pre-stretching of the HM5 pads. I slowly stretched the edge of the rubber pad lip as I pulled it onto the cups.
My musical taste is mostly Jazz and Classical. I wanted more volume and weight to the bass, but retaining clear mids and highs. I cut six 5mm holes in the stiff felt pad. Removed cotton balls and used a small amount of pillow batting.
This gave me good bass quantity (albeit with a bit of bloom and a reduction in speed ... A fair compromise). Mids, vocals, and treble are clear and smooth. No sibilance, and tight cymbals and high hats.
The velour pads are VERY comfortable... Reminds me of the HD800s I recently auditioned. Lost some of the isolation, and they leak a tiny amount.
EDIT: I have switched back to the 840 pads. I have compromised on SQ vs. comfort. The 840 pads have tighter and faster bass, which is important to my enjoyment of my Jazz albums
COMFORT STRAP
I got a sheet of leather, black waxed string, and a hole punch from Michaels. For my large head the strap is 26cm. Use less for smaller heads. To get the curve, I used the edge of a 48" glass table...
I punched a 3mm hole about 8mm from the end, slit the leather at the side and punched two 2mm holes for the stitch. Used a cheap elastic hair tie. I like the elastic flexibility when getting a comfortable position on my head.
The "final" result (at least till I get another idea!):
BALANCED CABLE
Spoiler alert... The balanced cable didn't make much improvement to the SQ, only a small improvement to the sound stage and seperation
The 3.5mm socket was making a poor connection (right side cutting out periodically), and I brought a balanced cable for my Audeze LCD-2F with me, so I installed two Amphenol AG4MCC 4-Pin Mini XLR Male Chassis Connectors. I used an awl tool to remove the locknut:
Unsoldered and removed the socket.
Positioned the XLR locknut on the inside of the cup, and used a warm soldering iron to burn a hole from inside the cup, in the center of the nut ...
Using a slow speed, I drilled through from the outside using a 10mm bit. I did not need to remove any of the old socket bracket, as the drill bit cut right through it.
I pre wired the XLR sockets. Soldering was tricky. I got the pin-out diagram on Google, and I tested my wiring with a small battery before plugging into my amp
I plugged the the female plugs on the balanced cable into the sockets during installation, to guide them and tighten them up. Had to place the lock washer on the outside to seat the socket securely.
I masked the outside of the old 3.5mm socket, and fIlled under the XLR socket with hot glue. Used black felt tip to blacken the hot glue.
.
Results:
Left and right cups are now reversed on my head.
Balanced cable is microphonic.
I now need only the middle setting on the gain switch of the CEntrance M8.
TUNING FOR Brainwavz HM5 Velor Memory Foam Pads
Started with the DBV#3 mods...
http://www.head-fi.org/t/618659/fostex-t50rp-incremental-mods-and-measurements#user_Simplified_and_Consolidated_Pictorial_for_DBV_3
The HM5 pads looked more comfortable, so I purchased them to see ...
I used a hair dryer to help with the pre-stretching of the HM5 pads. I slowly stretched the edge of the rubber pad lip as I pulled it onto the cups.
My musical taste is mostly Jazz and Classical. I wanted more volume and weight to the bass, but retaining clear mids and highs. I cut six 5mm holes in the stiff felt pad. Removed cotton balls and used a small amount of pillow batting.
This gave me good bass quantity (albeit with a bit of bloom and a reduction in speed ... A fair compromise). Mids, vocals, and treble are clear and smooth. No sibilance, and tight cymbals and high hats.
The velour pads are VERY comfortable... Reminds me of the HD800s I recently auditioned. Lost some of the isolation, and they leak a tiny amount.
EDIT: I have switched back to the 840 pads. I have compromised on SQ vs. comfort. The 840 pads have tighter and faster bass, which is important to my enjoyment of my Jazz albums
COMFORT STRAP
I got a sheet of leather, black waxed string, and a hole punch from Michaels. For my large head the strap is 26cm. Use less for smaller heads. To get the curve, I used the edge of a 48" glass table...
I punched a 3mm hole about 8mm from the end, slit the leather at the side and punched two 2mm holes for the stitch. Used a cheap elastic hair tie. I like the elastic flexibility when getting a comfortable position on my head.
The "final" result (at least till I get another idea!):
