[CybDev]

Kinda OT, but I'll ask anyway; how are the noise levels of the BHSE? Particularly if it has any transformer buzz in a silent room etc?

 

[johnwmclean]

Quote:

Kinda OT, but I'll ask anyway; how are the noise levels of the BHSE? Particularly if it has any transformer buzz in a silent room etc?

 
Mechanically dead quite.
A buzzing transformer is a fault and should not be considered typical.

 

[CybDev]

Yeah that's my take on it as well.
But you say mechanically, does this imply that there is audible noise in the headphones, on the signal that is?

 

[johnwmclean]

Quote:

I've mentioned it before, which is with some songs I listen to, they are uncomfortable even at my normal listening volume. Fortunately most of the songs in my collection do sound pretty amazing with the 009 / BHSE.

 
Of course, as any honest transducer would.

 

[johnwmclean]

Quote:

Yeah that's my take on it as well.
But you say mechanically, does this imply that there is audible noise in the headphones, on the signal that is?

 
There is no audible noise through the headphones at all. I listen at max volume and control digitally 

.

 

[spritzer]

The transformer vibrates and this can show up as micro phonics in the transducers.  Far worse with tubes but the BHSE is dead quiet. 
 
With DIY we can always have transformers that buzz a bit.  Mostly as the transformers are one off and not tested in circuit.  This would never be acceptable with a commercial offering as they are first sent samples to evaluate and then the actual production models. 

 

[CybDev]

Mhm, kinda sucks when you get a good one with a buzzing transformer

 

[David1961]

This is probably another silly question by me, but could the drivers in the 009 be taken out and be replaced with drivers from the 007mk1.
And if it could be done, would it work and get the 009's to sound like the 007mk1's ?

 

[complin]

Why not just buy a set of MK1's?
 
Quote:

This is probably another silly question by me, but could the drivers in the 009 be taken out and be replaced with drivers from the 007mk1.
And if it could be done, would it work and get the 009's to sound like the 007mk1's ?

 
May be that particular recording. I see you use an Esoteric, do you find its sound a bit "in your face" at times?
I went down that route for a while but found the end result a little mechanical and overly bright on some material. Problem is most popular mainstream stuff is messed with audibly so much these days before it ever reaches the consumer. 
 
Quote:

I've mentioned it before, which is with some songs I listen to, they are uncomfortable even at my normal listening volume. Fortunately most of the songs in my collection do sound pretty amazing with the 009 / BHSE.

 

[David1961]

Why not just buy a set of MK1's?

Because the look and feel of my 009's ( since I put the new headband on ) are Much better than the 007mk1's I once had.
The only other headphones I've had on that give a similar level of comfort to my 009's, are the HD-800's and my HD-600's.

 

[arnaud]

For David to accept the phone, it's gotta be brushed aluminum, otherwise that's not it . As such, you might be even more pleased fitting a porta-pro driver into the 009 shell, ALL records guaranteed to sound just fine when driven from the gsx! 

 

[spritzer]

Quote:

Mhm, kinda sucks when you get a good one with a buzzing transformer

 
It does and it's something I've been working on with my transformer manufacturers lately to try and prevent. 
 
Quote:

This is probably another silly question by me, but could the drivers in the 009 be taken out and be replaced with drivers from the 007mk1.
And if it could be done, would it work and get the 009's to sound like the 007mk1's ?

 
I've been studying my pics (don't have a 009 here at the moment) but I think this might be possible.  When the 007 was designed they engineered the drivers so that they would fit in the SR-Omega shell and the 007 and 009 driver shells are very similar.  That said 007 Mk1 drivers do not fit in a Mk2 shell properly even if they look pretty much identical.  Small differences are enough to make the swivel not work and the entire assembly is forced. 

 

[CybDev]

Given the amount of effort he put into the mod, perhaps he should design a completely new shell from scratch?

 

[David1961]

I've been studying my pics (don't have a 009 here at the moment) but I think this might be possible.  When the 007 was designed they engineered the drivers so that they would fit in the SR-Omega shell and the 007 and 009 driver shells are very similar.  That said 007 Mk1 drivers do not fit in a Mk2 shell properly even if they look pretty much identical.  Small differences are enough to make the swivel not work and the entire assembly is forced. 

Thanks Birgir. Because of the expense of my source, if or when Teac came out with a new and possibly improved version, for those that already had the K-01 they could have it upgraded. ( at an extra cost )
It would be nice for Stax to do something similar with the 009's, rather than have to buy their new flagship. ( if or when they come out with a new flagship )

 

[David1961]

For David to accept the phone, it's gotta be brushed aluminum, otherwise that's not it . As such, you might be even more pleased fitting a porta-pro driver into the 009 shell, ALL records guaranteed to sound just fine when driven from the gsx! 

The best looking headphone I've ever seen is the HE-90, but since I put the new headband on my 009 I find it to be on par with the HE-90.
You're right though arnaud, I do really like the look of brushed aluminium.