[Joshatdot]

I got SR80's, and interested in "washing" the bowls for comfort. Do I just wash them in my normal wash clothes? What tempature? with detergent?

Also I really like the BASSHEAD tape mod. I am tempted to roll/spackle the edge of the bowls in clear GE Silicone II 100% silicone sealant. I also might do the backs of the bowls too, and maybe inner ring that attaches to the driver(for a more air tight seal).

 

[c0mfortably_numb]

No don't use regular detergent, just use a small amount of shampoo (preferably something mild, I use an unscented shampoo on mine) in sink full of warm but not to hot water, also can soften them up with a bit of conditioner too.

 

[BrookR1]

I've also seen people use Elmer's glue for the basshead mod. Obviously, this is permanent unlike electrical tape where you can take it off if you want to. If you try the silicone, please let us know how it turns out.

 

[epaludo]

And post some pictures of course ...

 

[Joshatdot]

I chose 100% silicone instead of other sealants/adhesives, cause they are made of/contain petroleum products which could eat-away the Bowl Foam.

 

[Joshatdot]

Mebby I'll hand wash the bowls in warm water with some hand soap....no?

 

[tbonner1]

The bowls can be hand washed in warm water with a soft hand soap, then air dried on a towel.

You can also do the soft cotten sock mod, rolling the sock over the bowl for added comfort and distance from the drivers.

 

[Televator]

I would be careful sealing the back and inner ring etc. Creating an 'airtight seal' could possibly change the sound again, and not necessarily in a good way... try and do all seals with removable tape first as a test before using permanent products

 

[Joshatdot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Televator /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would be careful sealing the back and inner ring etc. Creating an 'airtight seal' could possibly change the sound again, and not necessarily in a good way... try and do all seals with removable tape first as a test before using permanent products

I just sealed as much of the outer areas of my Bowls with Black tape. The low bass improved quite a bit, but also the mid-bass. The airiness, mids & highs might have been lessened some cause of the extra bass...but I can't tell for sure as I do not have a 2nd set of Bowls to AB the sound. The detail & sound stage is still there, maybe even better. I have only tested this with the Ultrasone S-Logic Demo CD, and I can definitely hear a difference.

 

[BrookR1]

Man...you're hardcore. ((

))

You can always buy a second set of bowls and switch back and forth between the two depending on your mood.

 

[mdarnton]

I've used dish soap and a lot of gentle squeezing. I think you want to be sure not to stretch anything, particularly the back where they fit on the phones. Then I squeeze them dry in a towel. A couple of hours of air drying finishes it.

Until the last (third) washing, when they finally became tolerable, I was thinking of flocking them. The adhesive for flocking is a water-based acrylic. That gave me the idea of using acrylic painting varnish, diluted, for the sealing. (Which I haven't tried, and I don't see the need for flocking now, though it would have been an interesting experiment).

In looking at the bowls, they aren't multi-density, as someone thought in one thread, but rather are dipped front and back in some sort of rubbery stuff. Wouldn't it be nice if Grado brought out bowls that were dipped all over the back and sides, but not the front/inside, nor the edge near the front? That would be like sealing them all the way around with tape, AND having the tough stuff washed off the front (which is what I think is the main sandpaper feeling of the new bowls). I wonder why they coat the front edge, since the less of it there is the better the bowls seem to feel.

 

[warrior05]

Wanted to chime in about washing if it isn't too late. The safest way to wash something like earpads is cold water and Woolite. Gentle and does a terrific job. If ever concerned about washing something, this method - IMO - is the best. I bought a used pair of K701s and the earpads were a bit brownish (yuck!). Hand washed them in some cold water and Woolite and they came out looking MUCH better.

In regards to the bass mod. I would suggest you use tape first in case you don't like the difference. Then you can go for a permanent solution.

 

[Televator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshatdot /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just sealed as much of the outer areas of my Bowls with Black tape. The low bass improved quite a bit, but also the mid-bass. The airiness, mids & highs might have been lessened some cause of the extra bass...but I can't tell for sure as I do not have a 2nd set of Bowls to AB the sound. The detail & sound stage is still there, maybe even better. I have only tested this with the Ultrasone S-Logic Demo CD, and I can definitely hear a difference.

well, if it works for you... just do it! It might cost you about $15 to fix it if it goes wrong

Interested to see how it works out...

for me personally, the bass is more than adequate with my MS2i + stock bowls (and even with the SR60 + stock bowls) so I won't be needing any bass-mods

 

[Joshatdot]

My Super Tape Mod: I need another set of Bowls to really test how the sound has changed. There is alot more bass, but I think it came at a cost of airiness, highend sparkle, and a change of sound stage.

It's like the air is compressed alittle.. To me its almost like how a air plane cabin sounds when you're in the air. I can hear soft sounds, but it's not as highend clear...kinda slightly veiled and imaging/sound stage location is slightly funny.

I wish I could describe how they sound in better terms. It's not a Senn laid back veiled sound or muffeled...its just off.

edit: It might have been my CMoy..the batts were at ~5v each, and I was getting some distortion & what not at high volumes. I don't have any extra 9v's.

NOTE: I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW... I need a better amp for my Grado's..but in due time. I want to build a PIMETA for portable use & either a SOHA or Millet Hybrid for home use.