MrSpeakers ETHER Flow and ETHER C Flow -- Inspired by Electrostatic Headphones

[dieslemat]

Tuning kit with the white pads adds a fair amount of body to the mids, especially the lower end, while preserving resolution. These are still very early impressions, but I’m digging the sound, as it seems like it has a nice, smooth output, and the added warmth when playing with the pads is a very welcome addition.

Need to throw the e stat pads back on, but they felt a little too forward/harsh after installing the 1.1 kit. (Edit: the e stat pads with the white tuning pad warm things up a bit without sacrificing the HUGE soundstage that comes along with the stat pads. Still not quite as deep as the normal pads, but it was always going to be a trade off)

Interested to hear other people’s thoughts.

Even without the 1.1 tuning kits the e-stat pads are a bit harsh on the highs. Do you find that as well?

 

[kellte2]

Even without the 1.1 tuning kits the e-stat pads are a bit harsh on the highs. Do you find that as well?

I agree about the stat pads being harsh re highs. They weren’t really designed to be used with this headphone, but it is a fun “mod” to really blow up the soundstage. There is a nice new level of warmth and increased resolution using the stock, angled pads with the white tuning felt after the 1.1 update. Definitely enjoying.

 

[masterkaj]

Tuning kit with the white pads adds a fair amount of body to the mids, especially the lower end, while preserving resolution. These are still very early impressions, but I’m digging the sound, as it seems like it has a nice, smooth output, and the added warmth when playing with the pads is a very welcome addition.

Need to throw the e stat pads back on, but they felt a little too forward/harsh after installing the 1.1 kit. (Edit: the e stat pads with the white tuning pad warm things up a bit without sacrificing the HUGE soundstage that comes along with the stat pads. Still not quite as deep as the normal pads, but it was always going to be a trade off)

Interested to hear other people’s thoughts.

So the original dampening foam is gone and the paper replaced it right? I am worried that without using any of the included tuning pads that it will be too bright because the original foam under the ear pad is gone. I don't think I'd be able to use any of the tuning pads because my ears already touch and adding those tuning kits would make it worse.

 

[kellte2]

So the original dampening foam is gone and the paper replaced it right? I am worried that without using any of the included tuning pads that it will be too bright because the original foam under the ear pad is gone. I don't think I'd be able to use any of the tuning pads because my ears already touch and adding those tuning kits would make it worse.

Consider this, if you take the original damping out, you’re going to have more room for the pads since they are now resting directly on the frame of the driver.

 

[dieslemat]

I wonder what material is the Ether 1.1 tuning pads are made from. Maybe a diy can be made for e-Stat pads.

Im still waiting for my updgrade kit to arrive

 

[Alcophone]

So regarding the earpads, Dan said this previously:

For owners who purchased their headphones prior to June 2017, you might consider ordering new ear pads, our more recent pads improved deep bass output and comfort, with a firmer feel and an upgraded memory foam.

I'm quite sure that my Ether Flow and Ether C Flow have the same pads, and their respective certificates of authenticity have the dates 7/20/17 and 8/30/17, and were purchased on 11/19/2017 and 11/22/2017, respectively.
But at RMAF, when Dan did something nice to my ECF, he also said I should get the new pads. I later went back and compared the pads on a pair of Ether Flows they had to those on my Ether C Flows, and they seemed different indeed - the new ones are definitely firmer, as Dan said, but also look more uniform, i.e. they look less... handmade.

So it seems that neither the purchase date nor the certificate date are reliable indicators of which pads you have.

 

[kellte2]

So regarding the earpads, Dan said this previously:

I'm quite sure that my Ether Flow and Ether C Flow have the same pads, and their respective certificates of authenticity have the dates 7/20/17 and 8/30/17, and were purchased on 11/19/2017 and 11/22/2017, respectively.
But at RMAF, when Dan did something nice to my ECF, he also said I should get the new pads. I later went back and compared the pads on a pair of Ether Flows they had to those on my Ether C Flows, and they seemed different indeed - the new ones are definitely firmer, as Dan said, but also look more uniform, i.e. they look less... handmade.

So it seems that neither the purchase date nor the certificate date are reliable indicators of which pads you have.

So what nice thing did Dan do to your ECF?

 

[Bastianpp]

I have the old pads..
They are unconfortable for me, i really want the new pads and tunning kit for sure

 

[kellte2]

I was looking at some unboxing videos of the Voce, and it appears that the e stat pads have also been refreshed. The pads from the video looked like they might have this new, firmer memory foam. Or else, mine are just worn out and collapsed. I have switched back to my original, angled pads and am using the white tuning pad from the 1.1 kit. Really enjoying the sound, as it it appears to have increased the resolution while adding some extra warmth to the mids. Nice upgrade!

 

[mrspeakers]

I was looking at some unboxing videos of the Voce, and it appears that the e stat pads have also been refreshed. The pads from the video looked like they might have this new, firmer memory foam. Or else, mine are just worn out and collapsed. I have switched back to my original, angled pads and am using the white tuning pad from the 1.1 kit. Really enjoying the sound, as it it appears to have increased the resolution while adding some extra warmth to the mids. Nice upgrade!

Yes, the VOCE pads are firmer. Some of the original pads were variable in firmness. If they're not holding up well email a photo to info@mrspeakers.com and we'll treat that as a warranty replacement.

 

[mrspeakers]

A number of people asked me if there will be an ETHER 2 closed. At this time, the ETHER 2 drive is less efficient than the ETHER, and closed cups loose even more efficiency. For this reason, as it stands the E2 isn't really the right platform for a DAP friendly closed headphone, so there's nothing imminent on the roadmap and ECF 1.1 will continue to be our flagship closed. I don't normally post anything about future product direction, but this question predictably came up really often so I wanted to provide some clarity that this is a "don't hold your breath" answer...

 

[kellte2]

Yes, the VOCE pads are firmer. Some of the original pads were variable in firmness. If they're not holding up well email a photo to info@mrspeakers.com and we'll treat that as a warranty replacement.

Generous offer. I am not sure they're in condition sufficient to warranty replace, but I'll take a look. They were always a little softer than the angled pads. Now that I've gone back to my old stock pads, post upgrade, I'm F5'ing your site until they come back in stock.

 

[sbradley02]

A number of people asked me if there will be an ETHER 2 closed. At this time, the ETHER 2 drive is less efficient than the ETHER, and closed cups loose even more efficiency. For this reason, as it stands the E2 isn't really the right platform for a DAP friendly closed headphone, so there's nothing imminent on the roadmap and ECF 1.1 will continue to be our flagship closed. I don't normally post anything about future product direction, but this question predictably came up really often so I wanted to provide some clarity that this is a "don't hold your breath" answer...

Bummer, lighter weight would have been delightful. Guess I won't hold off on the 1.1 upgrade...

 

[heliosphann]

The newer pads are firmer, the original pads were pretty soft. It's a different memory foam, that improved the sound and also fit. If your bass seems to drop a little below 40Hz and the pads feel cushy and not "medium firm" you probably have older pads. Sorry, there's nothing more precise I can say...

Just swapped out my original pads and I can confirm they do help increase the low end/sub-bass. Also possibly a slight bump in bass impact? The memory foam is much superior on the newer pads. Feels like it's denser and has more "squish" to it.

So I have to have them!
Leather is the same as the old one?

Leather appears to be the exact same, just the memory foam is different.

Now onto installing the 1.1 upgrade. I'll report back after I have some thoughts on it.

 

[mrspeakers]

Upgrade installation directions are added to the website on the order pages for the curious. Also posting here for convenience...

If anything is unclear let me know, please.