Yes, didn't mention it but I made the K7XX balanced too, change the 3-pin mini XLR plug inside the cup with a 4-pin one so it looks 100% stock. They sound great, no question about it, but the amp upgrade really expose their limit...sigh...I definitely need better cans...sigh again...I'm getting TH-0XX in 6 weeks or so which by all accounts gotta be noticeably better, still I'm afraid I will have to get mentally prepared to shell out much more than that. Would love to hook something in the caliber range of LCD-3...another sigh...may borrow from the local shop to check that (and my wife ain't really liking any of it)
Anyhow, had it running continuously since yesterday, notice it is running a bit hotter, just an observation, not so hot to concern me. And let me expand on my comments regarding the sound.
The stage is certainly wider by a lot. So much so that Dr Chesky's right/left ear test doesn't feel like he's whispering right in my ears. It is close but no longer possess that spookiness of a real person whispering, down to feeling his breath. Now it feels as if he's whispering from about foot away. And the imaging, the spacial orientation of the instruments is much more accurate. Again from Dr Chesky's test tracks, there's one where he walks around with a shaker announcing his position. Before, when he announces his position right behind the microphone it felt quite distant, like few feet away at last, not right behind the microphone. Now it is indeed right behind the microphone, it feels as if he's talking right behind my neck, literally, which is how it is supposed to be.
I don't plan to do more mods though, I love what you've done but I'm afraid won't have time for it. I can imagine the sound on your must be really something, that...im afraid requires exquisite cans to appreciate it. I'm grateful that you posted your project for it inspired me to whip the solding gun and dare my ability in that regard. It was 100% worth it, for it not only transformed a great amp into an exceptional one, but also came with the sense of pride for doing it myself.
Will let it burn for a couple of more days and go for another evaluation session.
Anyhow, had it running continuously since yesterday, notice it is running a bit hotter, just an observation, not so hot to concern me. And let me expand on my comments regarding the sound.
The stage is certainly wider by a lot. So much so that Dr Chesky's right/left ear test doesn't feel like he's whispering right in my ears. It is close but no longer possess that spookiness of a real person whispering, down to feeling his breath. Now it feels as if he's whispering from about foot away. And the imaging, the spacial orientation of the instruments is much more accurate. Again from Dr Chesky's test tracks, there's one where he walks around with a shaker announcing his position. Before, when he announces his position right behind the microphone it felt quite distant, like few feet away at last, not right behind the microphone. Now it is indeed right behind the microphone, it feels as if he's talking right behind my neck, literally, which is how it is supposed to be.
I don't plan to do more mods though, I love what you've done but I'm afraid won't have time for it. I can imagine the sound on your must be really something, that...im afraid requires exquisite cans to appreciate it. I'm grateful that you posted your project for it inspired me to whip the solding gun and dare my ability in that regard. It was 100% worth it, for it not only transformed a great amp into an exceptional one, but also came with the sense of pride for doing it myself.
Will let it burn for a couple of more days and go for another evaluation session.