KSC-35 Mod Question

[Charlie615]

While I was trying the KSC-35s without the pads today, I noticed the piece of hard plastic between the driver and the pad. The plastic has holes in it, but the plastic still covers quite a bit more of the driver than the holes expose. I could be totally wrong, since I don't know much about audio equipment, but it seems like this would block a lot of the sound from the driver.

The plastic piece popped out and went back in easy enough, so I figured I have nothing to lose by trying something different in it's place. Within the next day or two, I'm planning to go to the hardware store and see if I can find some wire mesh that I could cut to fit as a replacement.

Since I'm a headphone/audio equipment newbie, I have some questions also.

1. What do you guys think? Good or bad idea?
2. Has this already been tried, and if so how did it turn out?
3. Does anyone have any other ideas as far as alternative materials that could be made to fit and still be strong enough to protect the driver?

Thanks,

Charlie

 

[BowerR64]

My guess is that it would increase the mids and highs and may become harsh. You can try it but remember that you may want to revert back.

 

[smith]

Charlie - How did you find the sound without the pads ?

 

[Charlie615]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith Charlie - How did you find the sound without the pads ?

It seemed to me that the highs were a slightly clearer and less rounded. I'm not sure if that's the best way to describe, but that what came to mind while I was listening. However, they seemed much more comfortable with the pads to me.

Charlie

 

[boodi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith Charlie - How did you find the sound without the pads ?

I currently use ksc 35 without pads , more for a comfort issue .
anyway i also perfer the sound of 35s without pads by a good margin

 

[AudioNoob]

ermmm, you are actually thinking of removing the diaphragm and replacing it with wire mesh, i don't think it will work, i think you'll lose some range of sounds, and you'll have harsh highs, well, it will be cheap so try it, modding is always fun.

 

[Charlie615]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudioNoob ermmm, you are actually thinking of removing the diaphragm and replacing it with wire mesh, i don't think it will work, i think you'll lose some range of sounds, and you'll have harsh highs, well, it will be cheap so try it, modding is always fun.

It's not the diaphram. It's a piece of plastic between the diaphram and the pad. It looks like it's just there to protect the diaphram. I'll post some before and after pictures once I get the materials. Hopefully, that will be this evening.

 

[Charlie615]

I have to say I'm pretty happy with this mod. Too me, the highs sound much better (clearer and brighter). I'm sure somebody with more audiophile insight could do a better job of describing it, but that's the best I can do with my limited experience.

Below I've described the steps I took to do this mod. If anyone has any suggestion on how to improve the procedure, please let me know.

*** Attempt this mod at your own risk. There is potential for damaging your headphones when you take them apart, and I'm guessing it will void your warrenty if there is one. ***

All that was need to do this mod was drywall screens from the hardware store, something sharp to cut the screen, and a bit of glue.

Steps:
1. Take the foam pad off by gently pulling it off the little pegs that hold it on.

2. Pry the existing cover off with a thin screwdriver or knife. Being carefull not to damage the driver/diaphram underneath.

3. Use the original cover as a template to cut out your screen the right size.

4. Cut the inside of the original cover out as seen in the fourth image below. This is so you can use it as a base to raise your screen above the diaphram.

5. Attach the screen to the top of the original cover. Some glue that isn't too strong would seem to be best. Then if you find a better screen it won't be too hard to get the first one off.

6. Put the new cover in, and put the pad back on.

First here is a pic of the stock cover.

This one is with the driver and diaphram exposed and the cover beside it.

This is the the new screen cover I cut out from a 3M Drywall Screen I got at Home Depot. This screen was basically what I was looking for, but it's abrasive. I would have prefered a plain metal screen, but I couldn't find any.

I had to cut the original cover to lift the screen up high enough that it wouldn't be touching the diaphram. So basically no going back at this point, but I figured it was only $30 so if I really hated them I'd just buy new ones.

Lastly, this is what it looks like with the new cover on.

 

[null]

cool! you may also want to try the pad mod as well. also works for ksc-35s, 50s, 55s, 75s, etc.

 

[Charlie615]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null cool! you may also want to try the pad mod as well. also works for ksc-35s, 50s, 55s, 75s, etc.

Thanks null, I will give that a try. I just picked up a new pair of pads at Radioshack this evening, so it's perfect timing.