"Open Alpha" T50 3D printed headphone project from MrSpeakers

[THEYiftah]

Fantastic project.

 

[socks2sound]

Hi all,
I've been excited to do this project and I am familiar with CAD, so I have made some modifications to the original design to use threaded inserts, I haven't tested the design yet, but it is meant to use M2xOD3.2xH2.5 threaded inserts and M2x8 screws.

Find all CAD files and OBJ files here:
https://mega.nz/folder/jooDAIDD#GtaZl4e_go8DDi-u3JKzSw

Do let me know if you need any help.

Your mega file only has the left cup. Unless I missed it?

 

[jgs2n]

Can you mirror the print in your slicing software?

 

[socks2sound]

Can you mirror the print in your slicing software?

I usually use a service to 3d print my stuff but I guess I'll learn how to use slicing software now

Edit: Huh, it was easy. Thanks @jgs2n

 

[musicfan145]

Well after seven years of service, I decided to rebuild my Open Alphas. The pleather on top of the original Fostex headband started to crumble, and one of the cheap 2.5mm TS jacks I used had started to lose connection. This time I went with the hirose jacks and bass adjustment screw (but keeping the screw boss reinforcements I originally added way back when). On my original build, I just used a flat black finish, because I didn’t have the patience, skill, or workspace needed to get a decent glossy finish. Now I do, so this time I went metallic red with multiple clear coats.

I re-used the same baffle assembly, one I had modified a bit from the original models. I also reused the wool stuffing and made sure to put exactly the same foam liner, but this time I used a cri-cut type machine to precisely cut gaskets from 1mm EVA foam. The screw holes in the Fostex drivers were worn out from all the disassembly/reassembly of the original tuning process, so I also carefully drilled them out for new larger screws.

For the headband, I ordered the leather strap from Dan Clark Audio, and when I disassembled the Fostex MK3 headband, I found this 14mm spring steel band inside. It was painted black, so I just buffed it some with sandpaper to give the finish you see in the photos. I used the original end brackets, but designed and printed a couple of tapered inserts to transition from the wide original bracket to the narrow steel band.

Still not perfect, but they sound and feel as good or better than before, and look a whole lot better. With the more durable headband and jacks, they should be good for many more years of service.

 

[camride]

Now that the new T40RP mk4 is out is anyone planning to "upgrade" their Open Alphas to the new driver? Or is it just me?

I got my T50RP mk4 in a few weeks ago and plan to pull the drivers out and put it in one of my Open Alphas. Not 100% sure which one yet though as I have 3. My first set is beautifully painted but older and the 3d print isn't as nice. Also ended up filling in the bass ports so it's completely closed. I have a new one that still has the bass port and is raw 3d printed, then I have the open back version I found on one of the stl sites. Probably will do the newer one with the bass port as that should give me the most flexibility with tuning.

I'll post some pics and results once I get them in. I don't have any kind of testing equipment though so it'll be subjective opinions only.