[PacoTaco]

   
I should probably clear up any confusion regarding this.  The Blackwood currently uses the t50 MK II baffles, and there really isn't anything I want to change about the Blackwood tuning as is, so that model will continue to get t50rp MK II driver enclosures and baffles for as long as I have them, and then when I don't, the MK III driver enclosures will be transferred over to MK II baffles, of which I have a ton of from Omni builds.
 
Sorry if that sounds confusing.  So to make that a shorter answer:
 
1.  If you want a softer wood with the Blackwood tuning, it would be the same Blackwood tuning just with softer wood, as it always has been.  I now stock Sapele wood for the MK II instead of Cherry as used on the Vibro MK I.

I sent a reply to the email you sent me with this question before I realized you posted here. I may as well ask here so others can see it, but: Are you going to do upgrades from the Vibro mk2 to Blackwoods, and how much would they run?

 

[Textfeud]

  I sent a reply to the email you sent me with this question before I realized you posted here. I may as well ask here so others can see it, but: Are you going to do upgrades from the Vibro mk2 to Blackwoods, and how much would they run?

Misread, never mind sorry

 

[zach915m]

  I sent a reply to the email you sent me with this question before I realized you posted here. I may as well ask here so others can see it, but: Are you going to do upgrades from the Vibro mk2 to Blackwoods, and how much would they run?

 
There will be upgrades from MK II to Blackwood if desired - but the cost is going to increase $50 because of the parts needed and driver failure rate associated with the Blackwood and Omni mod.  So it will be $300 instead of $250 for the upgrade.

 

[PacoTaco]

I might have to do an upgrade to the ZMF Zebrawood Blackwood from the Vibro Mk2 when I get it from my trade. Slower decay in the bass might give the Blackwood a bit more oomph with gaming.

 

[tvnosaint]

Or just cuz they look so damn good.

 

[PacoTaco]

Or just cuz they look so damn good.

Haha, that too. I would have thought about the Brazillian Rosewood, but I'm not 100% sure about the maintenance that usually comes with that wood. Zebrawood seems like it would be a bit more unique.

 

[zach915m]

  Haha, that too. I would have thought about the Brazillian Rosewood, but I'm not 100% sure about the maintenance that usually comes with that wood. Zebrawood seems like it would be a bit more unique.

I'm not sure any maintenance is needed.  The wood is fully sealed and finished.  Wood that requires maintenance is typically "green" and/or not finished/sealed.
 
The ZMF's are all sealed and finished using kiln dried wood that has low moisture content.  The robust design of the cups enables use in different environments without having to worry about changes in atmosphere. 
 
EDIT:  Many of the ZMF's use "Tru-Oil" Varnish.  If you'd like to "refresh" your cups and you confirm with me that your set has this finish, you can buy Tru-Oil Conditioner which can be hand wiped on and off the cups for a sheen.

 

[PacoTaco]

  I'm not sure any maintenance is needed.  The wood is fully sealed and finished.  Wood that requires maintenance is typically "green" and/or not finished/sealed.
 
The ZMF's are all sealed and finished using kiln dried wood that has low moisture content.  The robust design of the cups enables use in different environments without having to worry about changes in atmosphere. 
 
EDIT:  Many of the ZMF's use "Tru-Oil" Varnish.  If you'd like to "refresh" your cups and you confirm with me that your set has this finish, you can buy Tru-Oil Conditioner which can be hand wiped on and off the cups for a sheen.

Oh, awesome, thank you. I only mentioned it so much due to Audeze having to include oil with their's a lot of the time. I may have to consider the Rosewood again for the Blackwood. It does look quite awesome.

 

[tvnosaint]

I have Grizzlybeasts old set, I like the rustic low shine looks and not jelly at all of the new woods. When I saw them the rationalization began. I'm sure he's feelin a little lonesome w/o these beauties.

 

[iamxLn]

Maybe Zach or someone else can answer this, Blackwood vs vibro mk2 for bass slam and vocal clarity?

 

[zach915m]

Maybe Zach or someone else can answer this, Blackwood vs vibro mk2 for bass slam and vocal clarity?

 
Blackwood has more sub-bass slam, Vibro more mid-bass, although the MK II's bass is positioned lower than MK I and is more linear.
 
Vocal clarity it's a toss up, the main difference in this area is the MK II Vibro images more aggressively, while the Blackwood has a "rounder" stage and decay to notes.  @Stillhart may be able to weigh in as he's one of few who has heard both, not at the same time though so I may be putting him on the spot too much!
 
Also of note, I have two Brazilian Sets of the Blackwoods left, and plenty of Zebra Wood.  I will have them for sale until thy are sold out.  I believe there are 2 closeout Blackwood sets left as well.  The Blackwood and Vibro will both go back to regular pricing this monday, the 21st.

 

[Stillhart]

It's been too long since I heard the Blackwood, sorry dudes.  Also, my basis of comparison at the time was the mk i Vibro and the new one is very different.  

 

[edvardd]

Has anyone tried the Blackwood's with Chord Mojo or any of the high-end DAP's like QP1R, LP5 Pro or others? I'm asking since Blackwoods requires some juice. I'm specifically thinking about the Mojo since I can use it as a computer DAC too. The DX80 from ibasso seems too weak to drive my Blackwoods.

 

[Stillhart]

  Has anyone tried the Blackwood's with Chord Mojo or any of the high-end DAP's like QP1R, LP5 Pro or others? I'm asking since Blackwoods requires some juice. I'm specifically thinking about the Mojo since I can use it as a computer DAC too. The DX80 from ibasso seems too weak to drive my Blackwoods.

 
If I can find my big-to-small adapter, I'll try the Vibro and Omni with the QP1R and AK100ii.  I don't have a Mojo handy to test, but I doubt it can put out enough juice to do these justice (but again, I don't have one to test so that's just a guess).

 

[tvnosaint]

I will as soon as lh labs sends the wave. So no time soon. I don't think it will be too good with the omni but it's gonna be fine with the vibro. 850 mw. Blackwoods have the same requirements or similar to the vibro I'm guessing. The vibro sounds fantastic from the 2 geek outs I use with my pcs. An older 450 and the newer v2 which 450mw and 1w respectively