I received my T50 (presumably the v0) yesterday. Replaced the cable and the plug, removed the digusting damping that turned a weird yellow. Maybe it was supposed to be that way, but it still looked gross. Essentially, I did the equivalent of the grill mod done for Hifiman's HE series.
The headphone smell a bit odd like mint but the unpleasant kind. I wiped them down which removed some of the smell. The cable was pretty much destroyed though functional. The 1/4"'s strain relief spring was rusting and had particles falling off of it. Basically the cable and plug had to go. I played around with some pads and found the best results with the Audeze Vegan pads.
I think that's pretty much it as for changes. The drivers work perfectly and the overall condition is great for its age besides some creaking and a crack along one of the earcups.
Problems that occurred: a bit of buzzing on the right grill during heavy bass sections - seems to have occurred after I removed the old damping material
As for my first impressions with Audeze Vegan pads:
- Powerful bass response with very good sub bass - I'm talking like DT770 (with the pleather pads) level of power; possibly a bit bloated
- Neutral mids though lacking a bit of engagement; otherwise sounds pretty flat, nice, and smooth
- Somewhat dark, lacking a bit up top; note: I tend to lean towards brighter signatures
Overall, very smooth listen with a powerful bass response. Signature with the Audeze vegan pads remind me a bit of the HD650. I haven't heard any of the LCD series (surprisingly) so I can't give comparisons there. Hopefully at a local meet, someone will have an LCD so I can make a comparison.
Brief comparisons:
vs HD580 - T50v0 is darker and more recessed in the midrange with a much more powerful and deeper bass response
vs T20v1 with HM5 sheepskin pads and dampened - T50v0 is darker, midrange seems to be a bit more recessed on the T20v1, a lot more treble on the T20v1 (which probably contributes to why I think the midrange seems to be more recessed); my T20v1 is definitely V-shaped sounding
vs HE-500 - HE-500 is brighter and has more midrange presence, bass is a lot more powerful on the T50v0, may extend more on the T50v0 though I'm not 100% on that
I didn't like the sound stock (not removing any damping) with the stock pads. Sounded a bit too shouty for my liking. Not to mention uncomfortable.
Here are a couple of pictures of before and after:
This is without the Audeze vegan pads.
I got more pictures, but I'll post it in an album when I got it ready.
Overall, it was a fun little "revive". Definitely a keeper.
Anyone with tips/advice on damping or pads the T50v0 or T20v1, please do let me know! I'd like to reduce the treble and bring out the midrange more on the T20v1. I'd like to possibly tighten up the bass on the T50v0, and bring up the mids and treble a little bit.
Also would like tips on helping to remedy the buzzing on the right grill.