Superlux HD-681 modifications

[puffin]

;D

[Deleted]

@ puffin;

BRILLIANT !!

[Deleted]

Hi Folks,

I will be ordering parts for the LAST time by the end of this week.

Those who want to order:

filterparts (E 8.10)
Boxed filters (3.5 or 6.3 mm plug) (between E 18 & E 26)
Filter modded HD-681's (E 25.-)
Velour pads (original AKG-K240) (+/- E 19.-)
I only charge the actual shipping costs depending on weight and destination.

I make NO profit on shipping or parts/assembly
(that's why I stop doing this after this final order )

P.M. me for details.

Frans

[MaN227]

so what would these cans cost total, if all the mods were done to them that have been brought up in this thread? reason I ask is I see mention of this 681 being a copy of the AKG Acoustics K-240, if I read it correctly that is lol, and the k240 can be had for 100 usd shipped

I have seen the 681 for 45$ . a difference of 55 $ .... so bottom line is can all these mods be done within a cost of 55$ ? filter, pads, rings & caps, and cable? So, I'm trying to make sense of all this, as to why I would not just buy the AKG ? is the modded 681 better sounding than the stock AKG? will the delivered cost to me be less money? at this point I just scratch my head .... help me understand, thanks

[Deleted]

Well ... ONLY the outside of the AKG K240 is copied.
It sounds like a TOTALLY different can and can't be compared in any way but it's looks ..

Some will prefer the K240 and others the HD681 ... that simple

I personally feel the HD681 sounds MUCH better ... others will disagree I am sure.
A matter of TASTE

[Deleted]

I have been asked several times if other cans (than the HD-681) can be modded with a filter also.
So for general info on this.. a short essay.
(don’t know where to post it …is a little bit off topic)

You can correct SOME can's quite easily using passive filters but in about 90% of the cases this can't be done.
It might be impossible to find certain values of parts.
If it needs to 'lift' a certain area's more than a few dB's.
The type of correction (bandwith or frequency(ies)) can not be made with available parts.
If the impedance of the can throws dirt in your face.
If the can needs ‘extensive surgery’ meaning more than one area needs to be addressed you can forget about this option also.

In other words.. you might 'correct' one thing and make other feature(s) of the can worse.

Further You would need the graphs (which are easy to obtain in most cases) BUT which is the 'correct' graph?

Example I have found 3 different graphs of an HD650 measured by different guys/equipment.
When normalised and laid on top of each other there are big differences in the curves.
This is caused by the equipment, microphone, corrections, artificial heads used, software e.t.c.
For this reason also people experience the same can differently because of differences between the listeners perception/taste/mood/ear shape/sensitivity/experience e.t.c.

You would have to own the can (must be played in ?) in order to 'see' where the point lies when you attack the character of the can too much or correct it too little.

Graphs and ears don't tell the same story.

An ‘ideal graph’ can usually doesn't sound that good either and most of them need/have a certain 'character' which you like or don't.

You can equalize a lot of cans but reflections, break-up patterns, resonances of the diaphragm, and other 'mechanical problems/assets' still would make 'm sound bad.

As Rick said earlier in this thread.. It only works when it just needs a 'nudge'.

Example: I have a Beyer DT330 and once equalized (with Winamp) it still sounds like crap.
Have a ‘filtered’ Creative Aurvana Live = Denon D1001 = Foster OEM product and although it has improved it still isn't a great can. (others may feel I am wrong though, matter of taste ;D)

If you have a specific can that needs a 'nudge' and, besides the acoustical ones you already may or may not have done , you may want to find out if a quick ‘electrical fix’ is possible you can always PM me and I'll see what I can come up with.

Frans

[clausdk]

Just looked at the "other place" for some Superlux info..
Not much there and those who got them does not really like them.

Have made a few posts just to stir things up a bit..

[clausdk]

Better get the flamesuit on, they are pretty aggresive..

[toad]

Feb 1, 2010 13:37:56 GMT @clausdk said:

Just looked at the "other place" for some Superlux info..
Not much there and those who got them does not really like them.

That's because if a few say they don't like them, the "sheep", have to agree. They don't know how to have an original thought.

[rickcr42]

Well ... ONLY the outside of the AKG K240 is copied.It sounds like a TOTALLY different can and can't be compared in any way but it's looks ..Some will prefer the K240 and others the HD681 ... that simple I personally feel the HD681 sounds MUCH better ... others will disagree I am sure.A matter of TASTE

depends on use.In the studio it is way mor important to have KNOWNS (how a thing will sound every time and in what combinations) than it is to search for some holy grail of perfect sound.

forminstance.mix long enough with 240's and you KNOW what the end product will soun like on thesmall desk and large format monitorsds but introduce an unknown (the 681) and all that is out the window and why I totally have divorceed my thoughts from the Superlux as an AKG cloner

[insomniac]

Feb 1, 2010 13:44:27 GMT @clausdk said:

Better get the flamesuit on, they are pretty aggresive..

Good luck ;D

[Deleted]

The Superlux is only in appearance a clone of the AKG K240.
Rick is perfectly right; it is unwise to change from any KNOWN can anyway if you use it like Rick does. No matter if it is an AKG or any other can.

If you are looking for a new set of cans for domestic use or even for in a studio when you have not gotten used to a certain can the HD681 will do just as well.
You will going to have to mod it to get it to sound excellent though.

Because of the huge (but not dominant or overwhelming ) bass (in comparison with the K240) you will have to take this into account when mixing I recommend. ;D

For studio use you can also audition the Shure SRH-840. a relatively cheap and excellent sounding, good isolating set of cans..
You won't have to mod that one !!

Frans

[Deleted]

Well ... ONLY the outside of the AKG K240 is copied.It sounds like a TOTALLY different can and can't be compared in any way but it's looks ..

I can assure you that the outside of the 240`s has not been copied to produce the upgrade on the 681`s, to produce a copy you have to see the original first, and as the rings where produced before the photo of the 240`s appeared on this thread, they may be similar, but not a copy, and the fact that they are similar, is purely coincidental, so i take exception to that.

They are a £15 set of Headphones, that sound very good as they are. Those of you that have had upgrade rings, they are still a £15 set of Headphones are they not!! those of you that have filters, they are now, what £35, plus another £10 for a rewire, so we are still under £50 for a fine sounding set of Phones, get real some of you, if you dont like them, go and spend £200 or a lot more, on a set of Phones, that you still wont like in all aspects of there SQ.

[Deleted]

HeliHarris is right on the money here:

They are a £15 (also E 15.-) set of Headphones, that sound very good as they are. Those of you that have had upgrade rings, they are still a £15 set of Headphones are they not!! those of you that have filters, they are now, what £35, plus another £10 for a rewire, so we are still under £50 for a fine sounding set of Phones, get real some of you, if you don't like them, go and spend £200 or a lot more, on a set of Phones, that you still wont like in all aspects of there SQ. :'

I'd like to add that HeliHarris his rings sure make 'm look like £200 cans.

But to be honest on the copy bit (with or without the consent of AKG and Beyer I don't know )..
Look at Superlux's HD660 and the Beyer DT770-Pro
Compare the AKG K240 to the Superlux HD681..
not EXACT copies ... but they do come very very close in my book what the look is concerned.

[rickcr42]

Just out of curiosity,what notch filter inductors are you folks using ?

I plan on the fastron VHBCC Series 23 due to they treating me good in past audio filters at headphone levels (and seed sown by the Linkwitz Labs ref, Headphone Amp with dedicated "made forthis only" headphone EQ filters,X-Feed and Drive levels.



The only thing holding me up so far is Mouser order size-the parts are less than the damn postage even WITH the vishay resistors and film caps

[MaN227]

interesting info guys, thanks

I guess I should say my interest in the 681 was for music enjoyment, nothing critical as mixing, studio and such.

Hi rickcr42 its been quite some time hope all is well man.

I use akg k701's, senn hd650's through a canamp, they are different but I like them both at different times for different reasons. I say this as for some reason, my mind keeps thinking the 681 sound wise (after mods) to be sort of in the middle of those two cans. if that even makes sense lol . Mind u, just thinking out loud.

this is a great forum and you all are an excellent lot , by any measure. I for one am most greatful for the sharing, kind nature that I feel.

solderdude & heliharris PM comin'

[Deleted]

how about the metal work? rings caps ? I've not seen mention anywhere of cost.

They are a £15 set of Headphones, that sound very good as they are. Those of you that have had upgrade rings, they are still a £15 set of Headphones are they not!!

FOC, in my own time, and at my convenience.

[rickcr42]

I use akg k701's, senn hd650's through a canamp, they are different but I like them both at different times for different reasons. I say this as for some reason, my mind keeps thinking the 681 sound wise (after mods) to be sort of in the middle of those two cans. if that even makes sense lol . Mind u, just thinking out loud.

I'm with you on this one-domestic music appreciation.................or not

Where I am at now is that I got my Grado/Alessandro's back so first I need to is to burn the 'Grado cable in by pumping MASSIVE QUANTITIES of music though them ( ) then doing the stock v filter and both v Alesandro eval and when done ?

Decide if they go into the "stable" with my other cans that are actually used or if they end up "gifted" as they were to me they maybe suiting another human more.

I need my "control" cans and now that they are back in house ?

let the party begin !

BTW-My cans went from comfortable if ratty looking shoe to all stiff and shiny,a thins thast i am having a hard time dealing with ;D

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 1, 2010 20:34:10 GMT @heliharris said:

how about the metal work? rings caps ? I've not seen mention anywhere of cost.

They are a £15 set of Headphones, that sound very good as they are. Those of you that have had upgrade rings, they are still a £15 set of Headphones are they not!!

FOC, in my own time, and at my convenience.

Mick, you haven't been supplying your work to people FOC have you? No no no..... your time, and your expertise deserves recompense..... You have worked hard (in your spare time) to provide your mods.... you should be asking a fair price for them.

Mike.

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 1, 2010 20:08:37 GMT rickcr42 said:

Just out of curiosity,what notch filter inductors are you folks using ?

I plan on the fastron VHBCC Series 23 due to they treating me good in past audio filters at headphone levels (and seed sown by the Linkwitz Labs ref, Headphone Amp with dedicated "made forthis only" headphone EQ filters,X-Feed and Drive levels.



The only thing holding me up so far is Mouser order size-the parts are less than the damn postage even WITH the vishay resistors and film caps

Hi Rick,

Fran is the man to answer your questions but..... did you see his tutorials?

www.rock-grotto.co.uk/HD681.pdf

www.rock-grotto.co.uk/HD6812.pdf

His "filter in a box" is just SPOT ON

Mike.

Keep the faith Bro'

[rickcr42]

Hi Rick,Fran is the man to answer your questions but..... did you see his tutorials?

absolutely but the question is how many here have EVER used small inductors for audio in their entire life (unless in a power supply that is but we are now into SIGNAL path territory ).My guess is not many most havinga real phobia against correction filters for audio and why the question.

I have no doubts the original sounds good but can it be bettered ?

time will tell................................tick..........................................tock....

[Deleted]

At least I made you THINK,never a bad thing no matter what the topic

[mingo]

Being new to this forum I thoroughly enjoy the postings in this exciting thread. Keep going.

You live as long as you learn.

[Deleted]

> edit <

[Deleted]

Got an answer from Andrew Chung on the sticker part:

He put this in his e-mail and I will honour that request!

Hello Frans (please keep this email confidentially~~ it is only for you. Thanks)

Sorry about late response ...

~~ CLASSIFIED Technical info followed and is NOT disclosed by request ~~

Thank you very much!

Andrew Chung

Goang-Fann Co., Ltd
superlux.tw


At least I KNOW now.. but can't tell.. sorry.
Suffice to say though it is NOT the 'sticker' ALONE and they DO have a research laboratory !

Wait till the new versions come out (february in Europe he told me) and SEE/HEAR for yourself.

Frans