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Post by cyteen on Nov 15, 2009 17:24:13 GMT
From what I read the 681 and the 688 are the ones that sound good the rest are disappointing. But the 330's, being open backed, do look like good candidates for driver transplants like this guy did to his pair of DT990. www.diyhifi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1244&hilit=koss I have a couple of pairs of Koss KSC-75 with broken cables that could use a new comfortable home. But again I've yet to see the 330s for sale.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 16, 2009 11:55:43 GMT
I contacted Supelux re: the 668, and the possibility of obtaining a pair for review and here is what they had to say: "Hi Mike, Thank you very much for your email. I have reviewed the threads on the forum. We are very grateful to hear the feedback from the end-users, good or bad. This will keep us moving forward. We, Superlux brand, have a humble desire to produce high quality gears with low cost. We want everybody to enjoy music without spending too much money on the gears. Some people call it "cheapy", but the truth is, everyone should have the right to enjoy music at an affordable price point. The money you pay won't goes to the pop starts' pocket or the greedy CEOs' (Forgive me, if this sounds a bit like marketing term!) I have forward your request to our European distributor. They will contact you for further service. Unfortunately, we do not move our complete headphones line to European market yet. I guess you can buy it in the UK only until next year. If, by any chance, you go to Messe Frankfurt music show next year, please come to visit us. I would like to express our thanks to you. All the best, Andrew Chung"Very nice e-mail
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toad
Been here a while!
I am the Super Toad, the Original Toad, the Whole Toad and nothing BUT the toad.... don't forget it!
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Post by toad on Nov 16, 2009 14:09:49 GMT
I went over all the red bits except the L & R on my HD681s with a black marker pen. They look much better. Very much like the HD668s in the pics a few posts up.
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Post by andyr on Nov 16, 2009 21:34:17 GMT
I received my HD681s early last week, and as Mike requested here are my thoughts. First of all I must admit that I'm crap at describing stuff. First up was Grace Jones' Island Life album. Plenty of bass, detail and speed. The vocals were a bit shouty and rough. But considering that was straight out the box, pretty damn good. After a few hours on repeat, I put on two of my favourite albums, Ray Lamontagne's Till The Sun Turns Black and K.D. Lang's Hymns Of The 49th Parallel. These phones seemed to really bring the vocals to life, capturing all the emotion. By now the bass had filled out quite a lot, and the vocals had become much smoother. I wanted something between my laidback and dark sounding Senn HD600s and my bright and aggressive Grado SR-80s. The HD681s definitely fit that bill . I'd say if anything slightly nearer the Grados. I'm stunned that these phones only cost just over £20. I'm already thinking that the Grados will only get used with the walkman from now on. As for the Senns, I think they will also take a backseat most of the time, but for some recordings particulary jazz, they would be better. They just seem to flow more, but it is still early days. andy
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Post by andyr on Nov 16, 2009 21:37:06 GMT
Just remembered... Got to change those pads.
andy
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pjc68
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You dissin me?
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Post by pjc68 on Nov 16, 2009 22:34:50 GMT
I got a pair of these the other day from reverb. All i can say really is that i am hearing detail with these that my grado sr60 cant convey . I played running on faith by Eric clapton on the unplugged cd, and could hear the backing singers very clearly, the tapping of claptons foot to the timing of the song, not only could i hear it i could feel it, i had to keep taking the phones off because it felt like someone next door was making banging noises. On my mp3 player Jonny cash,s were you there, i could hear the hiss of the analogue tape all the way through the song plus the backing singers separately, funkadelics free your mind and your ass will follow cd showed george clintons experemental recording technique even more. All this from 2 hours burn in, cant wait till they have about 500+ hours on them, f**k me 20 quid what a bargain. How much better do they get after about 100+ hours guys. paddy
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 16, 2009 22:42:02 GMT
Just remembered... Got to change those pads. andy Yes, the pads are the only real aspect of the 'phones that are a bit of a let down.... if Superlux provided velour pads with these they would be a much more ear friendly pair of 'phones. Cosmetics aside (ie: that awful RED trim) and the pads I really can't fault these headphones and, at the price, still have them down as the headphone bargain of the millenium.... I would be more than happy to pay double the price if Superlux came up with some velour pads and a nice leather headband..... I can't fault the SQ, it's superb (and gets better with usage).... these 'phones have one of the best bass delivery I have ever heard..... Superlux are watching this thread so, come on guys, anything else you'd like to see in the next generation of Superlux 'phones? I'm hoping they will send me a few samples that I can pass round the UK circuit..... there's no reason at all that Superlux can't compete with the big boys (Sennheiser / AKG / Beyer etc.) they just need "presence" and iron out a few minor niggles..... I'm more than happy to help them Mike.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 16, 2009 23:14:41 GMT
How much better do they get after about 100+ hours guys. paddy Mine have a good few hundred hours on them now and all I can say is they keep getting BETTER and BETTER.... forget the price, these are CLASS headphones full stop!
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toad
Been here a while!
I am the Super Toad, the Original Toad, the Whole Toad and nothing BUT the toad.... don't forget it!
Posts: 1,223
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Post by toad on Nov 17, 2009 10:18:20 GMT
I think Superlux should make velour pads available as an upgrade accessory. I'd certainly buy a couple of pairs for my HD681s. Anyone else want a set?
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toad
Been here a while!
I am the Super Toad, the Original Toad, the Whole Toad and nothing BUT the toad.... don't forget it!
Posts: 1,223
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Post by toad on Nov 17, 2009 10:39:10 GMT
I got a pair of these the other day from reverb. All i can say really is that i am hearing detail with these that my grado sr60 cant convey . How much better do they get after about 100+ hours guys. paddy Hi Paddy, My HD681s have far surpassed my partners Allesandro MS1s which are very similar to the SR60s. As for how much better they get. Mike is right, they just keep getting better. I have two pairs and the pair I have at work get a few hours use most days and they are settling into one of the enjoyable listens I've ever heard. One of the best all round cans I've come across. I was listening to some Harry Connick Jr yesterday through a modest little Go Vibe DAC into my Novo and the sound was lush and warm but still with plenty of detail. Any harshness the cans had (which was not a lot) has gone. Anyone wanting to dip their toe into the quality headphone market could do a lot worse than get a pair of these. The amazing thing is that even through the headphone out on my portable CD player or MP3 player they still sound good. A very forgiving phone with lower quality sources. Ian
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Post by derekrumble on Nov 17, 2009 12:39:46 GMT
Has anyone else been 'Googling' and found the Samson sr850 'phones?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 13:46:56 GMT
Has anyone else been 'Googling' and found the Samson sr850 'phones? The Superlux HD-681 rebranded as "Samson SR-850" with a massive price hike too
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Post by derekrumble on Nov 17, 2009 20:20:01 GMT
Has anyone else been 'Googling' and found the Samson sr850 'phones? The Superlux HD-681 rebranded as "Samson SR-850" with a massive price hike too Yes, I noticed how expensive they were. With SQ like this they will get away with it - as long as a prospective buyer hasn't found tyhis thread! Viva Rock Grotto. D.
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Post by derekrumble on Nov 17, 2009 20:24:18 GMT
Sat sitting here with Emma Kirkby on laptop/CD, wife next to me watching Hobly. 681s settling in really well. I can just hear Hobly, wife can't hear Emma. Just noticed how finely etched the sound is getting - wonderful harpsichord.
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Post by clausdk on Nov 17, 2009 20:25:58 GMT
I think Superlux should make velour pads available as an upgrade accessory. I'd certainly buy a couple of pairs for my HD681s. Anyone else want a set? Velourpads will make the bass a lot less prominent, I wold go for pleather or leather instead.. Does AKG pads fit them ?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2009 20:38:03 GMT
I am in the process of having some Turned Aluminium rings made at the moment. to replace those nasty red ones fitted as standard. The four 14mmID chamfered small ones on the Headband, and the two 26mmID medium rings on central headband mount are complete and ready to fit, the two large 98mm ID(103 OD) are proving a little more problematic to produce as they are a tapered knurled ring, but should have these early next week. When fitted if someone would be kind enough to explain to me how to post photographs on the Forum, i will post pictures of the modified Phones for your scrutiny and thoughts.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 20:57:07 GMT
I think Superlux should make velour pads available as an upgrade accessory. I'd certainly buy a couple of pairs for my HD681s. Anyone else want a set? Velourpads will make the bass a lot less prominent, I wold go for pleather or leather instead.. Does AKG pads fit them ? I agree there Claus, to keep maximum bass integrity leather would be best.... I believe the AKG-K240 / 271 pads fit perfectly.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 21:16:03 GMT
I am in the process of having some Turned Aluminium rings made at the moment. to replace those nasty red ones fitted as standard. The four 14mmID chamfered small ones on the Headband, and the two 26mmID medium rings on central headband mount are complete and ready to fit, the two large 98mm ID(103 OD) are proving a little more problematic to produce as they are a tapered knurled ring, but should have these early next week. When fitted if someone would be kind enough to explain to me how to post photographs on the Forum, i will post pictures of the modified Phones for your scrutiny and thoughts. Sounds great man Let me know when you're ready and I'll host the photos for you. Mike.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2009 21:28:24 GMT
Yes my leather AKG 280`s fit perfectly.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 21:43:35 GMT
I've been looking at replacement velour pads on Thomann and they are 15 euros + £10 shipping.... so, it costs more for a set of pads than it does for the actual headphones! The stock pads aren't too bad when you get used to them, they're a bit stiff at first but soon soften up the more you wear the 'phones.... as comfort goes the HD-681 are actually pretty good, a lot more comfortable than Grado SR-335i (for example)... leather pads and a leather headband would really take these headphones up a notch though.... the drivers are BLOODY good and, sonically, these 'phones are pretty much on the ball.... just the cosmetics that need a bit of a makeover. I really do hope Superlux bring out a higher grade version of the HD-681 with real leather trimmings and aluminium rings (let's see what the heliharris ones look like ) .... maybe a nice shade of red or brown leather for a change? Black is sooooo, erm, "black" looking ;D Funny though, isn't it.... here we have a bloody good, VERY reasonably priced headphone and automatically we want to change it and turn it into something that looks and feels better.... not satisfied with the sweet music they make and content to put up with the pleather pads..... oh no, we've tasted from the Superlux honey pot and we want more I still reckon these are my best headphone purchase EVER.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 21:44:09 GMT
Yes my leather AKG 280`s fit perfectly. How do they sound with the leather pads fitted?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2009 22:30:05 GMT
OK Mike. better still i will send you a complete set, to see what you think of them, my photographic skills are some what lacking im afraid.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 22:33:07 GMT
OK Mike. better still i will send you a complete set, to see what you think of them, my photographic skills are some what lacking im afraid. No worries, I'll optimise them in photoshop (by the way, my "photoshop" skills are somewhat lacking )
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2009 22:46:47 GMT
Very, very good indeed, im not very good at defining the way sound sounds if that makes any sense, but i do know when some thing sounds right, because, you stop listening to the phones, and start listening to the music, thats my way of accessing Headphones, and indeed all Hi-Fi equipment, that probably sounds a load off B``locks to your more experienced Ear Mike, but Hey! i dont give a sh`t.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Nov 17, 2009 22:55:49 GMT
Very, very good indeed, im not very good at defining the way sound sounds if that makes any sense, but i do know when some thing sounds right, because, you stop listening to the phones, and start listening to the music, thats my way of accessing Headphones, and indeed all Hi-Fi equipment, that probably sounds a load off B``locks to your more experienced Ear Mike, but Hey! i dont give a sh`t. Message understood and I agree.... no need for poetry mate, "sounds good" is all that matters. Mike.
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