[Kabeer]

A

I'll keep that in mind if I get my on another one.
I just wish to have more time so I can start experimenting with them.  

Ask defectiveaudiocomponent and dbel84. They done some good mods in the ase40 apparently. Problem is the limited space inside.

 

[Neogeo333]

Hopefully Don will chime in soon and give me a few hints to tame the mid and clear up the lows.  Dont know why this ortho loves SS amp more than tubes?  Been using it with my Eximus DP-1 and its  singing better than with my tube amp which got more ummph.  

 

[nick n]

Has that Akai only got one magnet per driver?

 

[dBel84]

iirc it has a conventional ortho construction. I cannot recall the specifics of what I did - distant recall says I treated like a T50 or OEM ie the RP18
 
..dB

 

[iQEM]

or you could peek onto what i did to Victor HP D-50, i have share all on the wikiphonia page..
maybe would end up with a diff result, but i remember that HP D-50 have issues with space as well inside the cup..
and if you gave up on those, i would happily give my best offer for it..
since there's no Akai ortho yet here on indonesia..
it would be a super rare here, just like the T30 of mine or Victor HP D-50..
they both are one and only...

 

[Ishcabible]

I just impulse-bought this after the first two were bought within 50 minutes of each other: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161220907108 
 
I've wanted one since I saw their entry in Wikiphonia years ago, but never bit because I've only seen them go for unreasonably high prices on eBay. $55 shipped for NOS is still on the high side I'm assuming for their sound, but it's the lowest I've ever come across.

 

[gurubhai]

I got one myself couple of weeks back from the same seller.
Quote:

  I just impulse-bought this after the first two were bought within 50 minutes of each other: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161220907108 
 
I've wanted one since I saw their entry in Wikiphonia years ago, but never bit because I've only seen them go for unreasonably high prices on eBay. $55 shipped for NOS is still on the high side I'm assuming for their sound, but it's the lowest I've ever come across.

Nope.

 

[Ishcabible]

Nope.

Ooh this is good news; is the description on Wikiphonia accurate?

 

[Kabeer]

Ooh this is good news; is the description on Wikiphonia accurate?

Accurate yes, but pressure can be varied easily by bending headband to be loose. Also whilst it is v.fast and all, dont expect supperr high fidelity. Its a v.fast and fun can with good bass to treble and balance, but like just lower fidelity than the best orthos. Has a bit of grainyness. A bargain though, I think you would enjoy it if you just enjoy it for what it is and dont expect a Stax O2.

 

[Ishcabible]

Thanks! That's perfectly fine with me! Honestly, I'll just be happy if it performs as well as the pair of portable headphones I just bought because those cost more.

 

[takato14]

  Thanks! That's perfectly fine with me! Honestly, I'll just be happy if it performs as well as the pair of portable headphones I just bought because those cost more.

The Smela TDS-16 is easily a great portable itself as well; the pads seal nicely and give you some isolation. They're also very small, much smaller than they look in pictures. Definitely impressive little beasts.
 
I kept one of the three pairs I bought for myself for the sake of collection, but I don't use them all that often. They're hard to adjust to as far as the tonal balance goes.

 

[Ishcabible]

That was my intent with them; I just bought a Mikros 90 because I remember being rather impressed with them when I tried them ages ago, but I wouldn't mind if these sound better at less than half the price. I probably will be less comfortable shoving them in a backpack, but these seem pretty sturdy.

 

[takato14]

  That was my intent with them; I just bought a Mikros 90 because I remember being rather impressed with them when I tried them ages ago, but I wouldn't mind if these sound better at less than half the price. I probably will be less comfortable shoving them in a backpack, but these seem pretty sturdy.

Only thing about them I'd worry about build wise is the cable... which is downright atrocious. You'll see why when you get them.

 

[MuZo2]

I also have which I bought 6 months back. TDS-16  needs portable amplifier to drive them. I need to change the pads on those. 
 
 

 

[takato14]

  I also have which I bought 6 months back. TDS-16  needs portable amplifier to drive them. I need to change the pads on those. 
 
 
 

Uh, disagree. These are the easiest to power orthos I've ever had. And, don't change the pads unless you want to change every single characteristic of the sound (including isolation).