What is this mod you're speaking of please?
Im intrigued![Headphone Smile :) :)](https://cdn.head-fi.org/e/headfi/smily_headphones1.gif)
Im intrigued
![Headphone Smile :) :)](https://cdn.head-fi.org/e/headfi/smily_headphones1.gif)
What is this mod you're speaking of please?
Im intrigued![]()
I think insulating tape might leave a residue depending on the quality of the tape.
I just cover the bass ports with a tiny square of transparent tape. I think insulating tape might leave a residue depending on the quality of the tape. I tried covering the whole faceplate, but I found the tape edges to be uncomfortable if they touched my ears.
The "Tape Mod" = covering the bass adjustment hole w/tape (supposedly) does beneficial things to the SQ, i.e. reduces the mid-bass bloat and smooths out the mids and highs.
I don't find it to smooth out the mids and highs lol. It actually increases the mids/vocals significantly and makes the treble more upfront and aggressive. It does quite the opposite of smoothing them out.
Two things: first, I spent a bit of time today trying various tips for my IE8 (Monster hybrids, Sony hybrids, small silicone bi-flange that I think came with the IE8, and Comply T-500), and I keep coming back to the Comply. They just seem to have the best mix of bass response, isolation, clarity, and comfort of all the ones I've tried. I saw the recommendation for the Hifiman RE series bi-flanges, and I might give those a go too. Naturally, I'm open to any other thoughts anybody has! (I have a set of custom tips I had made for them, but they were uncomfortable and difficult to get in and out, so I haven't used them in a while).
Second, I just saw the reference to the 'tape mod' and tried it out, and WOW-- it really does make the bass SIGNIFICANTLY less overblown and wooly!! I've only been listening for a few minutes, so we'll see how it works in the long term, but so far, I'm very impressed!! Major kudos to whoever figured this out!!!![]()
Who here is crazy enough to punch holes in the IE's back plate to covert it to a semi-open iem? ME! I put 3 holes per IEM.
Initial impressions : EPIC. The sound stage is a lot massive and improved the treble and holographic-ness of the sound. Sounds like an open can but still blocks outside noise unlike open cans.
Other observations :
- I though the hole would make its bass bloated like maxing out the bass port. Apparently, it doesn't. Even with holes, the bass port still controls the bass. Which is a good thing!
- Bass didn't reduce, but sounds much more deep. (probably attenuated some of the excess mid bass?)
Worth a try if you are fine having reduced outside-world isolation. As for me, I never really liked closed headphones and this mod has made me use the IE8s again instead of open cans at home!
pictures to follow. it doesn't look pretty though.