VRacer-111
1000+ Head-Fier
So it looks like I am not alone in searching for a bright, clear sound. So after reading your post today, I was curious about what is under the pad. I did not intend for this to happen, but it did.
When I pulled off the earpad to see what was underneath, the bottom side of the pad, that driver cover, came off. Again, I didn't intend for this to happen, but I figured since it did... I would do it on the other side too.
It is definitely brighter. It's borderline piercing, and the soundstage is a bit different honestly. But it's not all bad. I have done this on purpose on other headphones and been pleased with the results. I might also try a bit of looser foam padding I have from another set of headphones to see if that tames it to just right.
This is why I want to know the best way to measure headphones, because I would love the know the science behind what I am hearing.
EDIT: I added the looser foam, and it's close, though perhaps a bit too close to stock; comparing is a challenge sometimes. If it could be just a bit thinner I best it would be near perfect (for those looking for a brighter sound).
EDIT 2: I think I am going to leave it like this for now. No cover + thin foam to tame it just a tad. The more I listen the more it seems like a good balance. The other option is EQ, which as has been said, these work extremely well with.
STAX Lamda series... bang for the buck they are incredible. SR-L500 is what my end goal is for my highest end headphone - really like it's sound - even more so than the SR-009, which is a spectacular sounding headphone. Will complete my headphone type selection: Stax SR-L500 for the open electrostatic driver, modded Monolith M1060 for the open planar , modded Fostex TH-X00 PH for the closed/semi-closed dynamic, and modded Philips SHP9500 for the open dynamics.