Hello 
Brand new member, first (mandatory) post.
A short introduction;
Life long hifi dude, constantly chasing great listening experiences in the _low_ budget segment.
I usually have the "snowflake"- approach, sitting home testing. Hearing for pro's rather than con's...
My personal references regarding sound/tonal balance, leans towards the dark, smooth side. I also often listen to music with poor audio quality, so....yes, a "forgiving" reproduction is overall better suited for my ears.
So, the PortaPro's entered my house again. Its...over 15 years since last time I owned these (imo) rather stylish icons.
(Two AKG's, a JBL and a Amadeus has been used from time to time these years, but not often. Recent changes in my personal life made headphones more convenient)
Once again I was blown away by the Portas; The sound is good for the bucks! But even for my ears they are a bit restrained in the top, and are slightly too bass-heavy. The bass is also a bit...fluid, sloppy.
I found an article describing the "kramer-mod", to further improve the sound, in exactly these areas I mention. Afraid of damaging the drivers, i let the plates/diffusors whatever be, and instead tried an old trick; removing a circle shaped piece in the middle of the foam surrounding the "cans".
This had quite a big effect on the sound; the top end opened up..vocals and cymbals came lurking out from the shadows. And, even better comfort for long listening-sessions
But, the bass changed aswell, and got even more bloated. This was an unexpected result for me.
I actually wonder if the "new design" may put less pressure on the middle of the ear (can clearly feel the difference changing to un-tweaked model), and resulting in a slightly different physical opening in the ears?
My hifi-brain cant quite understand that a tiny thin foam-substance is capable of damping frequenses sub 100hz !?
Then again, my knowledge regarding headfi is level NOOB.
So, yes. A nonsence post, but now I'm on a roll.
Any input regarding tweaks, or other budget equipment is highly appreciated.
Really want to try out Philips Fidelio x2. By what I read, they may sound like an ok upgrade from the Portas, but still many of the qualities I like
Ps: My sincere apologies for battering the english language!
Brand new member, first (mandatory) post.
A short introduction;
Life long hifi dude, constantly chasing great listening experiences in the _low_ budget segment.
I usually have the "snowflake"- approach, sitting home testing. Hearing for pro's rather than con's...
My personal references regarding sound/tonal balance, leans towards the dark, smooth side. I also often listen to music with poor audio quality, so....yes, a "forgiving" reproduction is overall better suited for my ears.
So, the PortaPro's entered my house again. Its...over 15 years since last time I owned these (imo) rather stylish icons.
(Two AKG's, a JBL and a Amadeus has been used from time to time these years, but not often. Recent changes in my personal life made headphones more convenient)
Once again I was blown away by the Portas; The sound is good for the bucks! But even for my ears they are a bit restrained in the top, and are slightly too bass-heavy. The bass is also a bit...fluid, sloppy.
I found an article describing the "kramer-mod", to further improve the sound, in exactly these areas I mention. Afraid of damaging the drivers, i let the plates/diffusors whatever be, and instead tried an old trick; removing a circle shaped piece in the middle of the foam surrounding the "cans".
This had quite a big effect on the sound; the top end opened up..vocals and cymbals came lurking out from the shadows. And, even better comfort for long listening-sessions
But, the bass changed aswell, and got even more bloated. This was an unexpected result for me.
I actually wonder if the "new design" may put less pressure on the middle of the ear (can clearly feel the difference changing to un-tweaked model), and resulting in a slightly different physical opening in the ears?
My hifi-brain cant quite understand that a tiny thin foam-substance is capable of damping frequenses sub 100hz !?
Then again, my knowledge regarding headfi is level NOOB.
So, yes. A nonsence post, but now I'm on a roll.
Any input regarding tweaks, or other budget equipment is highly appreciated.
Really want to try out Philips Fidelio x2. By what I read, they may sound like an ok upgrade from the Portas, but still many of the qualities I like
Ps: My sincere apologies for battering the english language!
