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Post by inspired on Dec 26, 2009 0:36:39 GMT
I received some cash as Christmas gift and decided to invest some of it in the Superlux HD-681's. I'm hoping I can score some of the aluminum rings from Mick. The look alone is worth this mod as I like the appearance of metal versus red plastic, plus the sonic benefits too!
There is a US eBay seller that has them at $45 USD delivered right now.
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rickcr42
Fully Modded
Rest in peace my good friend.
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Post by rickcr42 on Dec 27, 2009 19:02:15 GMT
probably earcup damping bro,absorbs the "plasticky" tone and evens it out across the bandwidth of the aluminum.That the mod looks good though does not hurt ;D
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 27, 2009 22:31:54 GMT
probably earcup damping bro,absorbs the "plasticky" tone and evens it out across the bandwidth of the aluminum.That the mod looks good though does not hurt ;D The more I am listening to these (with alu rings fitted) the more I am convinced that they do bring about an overall improvement to the sound.... quite amazing how something as, seemingly, minor as an aluminium ring can play such an important part on SQ ;D I've experienced about 7 pairs of the HD-681 now and they are consistently good, fantastic for such a "reasonably priced" product, and shows that quality control / parts are very reliable and consistent..... I am listening to the HD-681 on a daily basis and actually prefer them to all the other 'phones at my disposal.... they suit my ears perfectly and once the German "red leather" pads arrive should also fit the bill comfort wise too. Maybe people are laughing at me declaring "he must be deaf!".... I don't know, and I don't give a toss..... to my ears the HD-681 provide maximum musical enjoyment at a cheap as chips price.... remember, Rick, this is what this forum was all about.... cutting through the bullcrap and saving people money...... In all my time listening to headphones I have never come across such a bargain (and giant killer)..... £14.99 GBP...... I still can't believe how little these cost and continue to look at the rest of my 'phones saying "OW MUCH?!!"..... Believe me, as good as my Senns, Grados, AKG's, Beyers etc. are they are not worth $$$ (or in some instances $$$$) compared to the HD-681..... The "finish" may not be the best in the world and they may not look like expensive penis extensions but, boy, they sound good and that's the MAIN thing. (in my book) Whether you choose to just "listen to them" or "tweak the arse out of them"..... doesn't matter at all..... MANY hours of musical enjoyment are guaranteed for a VERY small entrance fee.  |
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Post by rayg on Jan 1, 2010 3:28:08 GMT
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 4, 2010 21:22:45 GMT
I recabled my HD-681 yesterday and have to admit it has really brought the best out of these 'phones.... I was pretty amazed when I had a listen with the new cable fitted, much more definition to the sound, more air around instruments, wider soundstage and bass that only the HD-250ll can match. I'm not usually one to go down the "cable" route but when I had a look at the HD-681 cable decided it had to go.... it's not even shielded, just three cores in a PVC sleeve. I chose to replace it with Evolution pro (24AWG OFC XLPE conductors, twisted together with a drain wire and then screened in an aluminium foil) I used the drain wire for the ground connections. Terminated with a Neutrik Pro 6.3mm jack. It's pretty easy to do and WELL worth the effort. Desolder the existing, cable taking a note of what wire goes where, and then remove the cable entry grommet from the old cable...... it is glued on the cable but quite easy to remove in one piece if you pull it over itself and pull off the end of the cable (the glue bond will break) Just a case of glueing it onto the new cable and then soldering the wires in. I didn't bother rewiring the rest of the connections inside the 'phones, just the main cable.... I don't quite know "why" it should sound so much better and can only assume it's because the Evolution cable is shielded (plus it is OFC)..... whatever the case, they sound much better now    |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2010 21:30:34 GMT
That looks really good.
Pads next?
Ian
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Post by puffin on Jan 4, 2010 21:37:47 GMT
I chose to replace it with Evolution pro (24AWG OFC XLPE conductors, twisted together with a drain wire and then screened in an aluminium foil) I used the drain wire for the ground connections. Terminated with a Neutrik Pro 6.3mm jack.
Mike do you have any of that cable spare so that I can treat my prize winners. If you do, can you let me know how much a piece would be the same length as the original.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 4, 2010 21:38:26 GMT
I'd be happy to recable a couple of UK based member's HD-681 for the price of parts and shipping just so they can confirm (or not) that this makes one helluva improvement to the SQ....
First two to PM me only, I don't have the time to do this on tens of pairs..... There's a choice of blue, red or black Evolution cable.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 4, 2010 22:17:56 GMT
I chose to replace it with Evolution pro (24AWG OFC XLPE conductors, twisted together with a drain wire and then screened in an aluminium foil) I used the drain wire for the ground connections. Terminated with a Neutrik Pro 6.3mm jack.Mike do you have any of that cable spare so that I can treat my prize winners. If you do, can you let me know how much a piece would be the same length as the original. I have hundreds of metres of the stuff in three different colours Puffin (I use it for everything) Red, blue or black...... a quid a metre (£1) seems a fair enough price? (and that will be a "generous" metre too!) Why not just take me up on my offer? send them over to me and I'll do it for you at parts / postage cost. Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 4, 2010 22:18:50 GMT
That looks really good. Pads next? Ian The reason I fitted the red Evolution cable Ian..... I have a pair of red leather pads on their way as we speak  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2010 22:25:59 GMT
That looks really good. Pads next? Ian The reason I fitted the red Evolution cable Ian..... I have a pair of red leather pads on their way as we speak You'll be wanting some nice red trim next instead of those bloody metal ones!!! I've got some enamel paint. Ian |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 4, 2010 22:34:59 GMT
The reason I fitted the red Evolution cable Ian..... I have a pair of red leather pads on their way as we speak You'll be wanting some nice red trim next instead of those bloody metal ones!!! I've got some enamel paint. Ian Yeh, I know what you mean..... it seems to be going the other way now but remember it's not about "colours" it's about SQ.... the rings add dampening, the pads add comfort and the cable improves the SQ...... Still awaiting the two PM's from members who would like a free recable ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2010 14:19:04 GMT
Does this solve the 'microphony' of the cable ?
(when touching the cable you can hear this due to the stiffness of the original cable in the left ear piece)
I can see you use the HD681 all day because Yellow Bear never wear's it !
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 5, 2010 15:03:11 GMT
Does this solve the 'microphony' of the cable ? (when touching the cable you can hear this due to the stiffness of the original cable in the left ear piece) The evolution cable is extremely flexible and pretty much acoustically "dead" in that respect.... it's more "rubbery" than plasticky and, as such, non microphonic in operation. Oh he wears them, but only when I've gone to bed |
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Post by puffin on Jan 5, 2010 16:28:50 GMT
I chose to replace it with Evolution pro (24AWG OFC XLPE conductors, twisted together with a drain wire and then screened in an aluminium foil) I used the drain wire for the ground connections. Terminated with a Neutrik Pro 6.3mm jack.Mike do you have any of that cable spare so that I can treat my prize winners. If you do, can you let me know how much a piece would be the same length as the original. I have hundreds of metres of the stuff in three different colours Puffin (I use it for everything) Red, blue or black...... a quid a metre (£1) seems a fair enough price? (and that will be a "generous" metre too!) Why not just take me up on my offer? send them over to me and I'll do it for you at parts / postage cost. Mike. Mike, I did PM you last night? Anyway I will send them off to you as suggested. Cheers. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2010 17:26:10 GMT
Dont entirely agree with the contact adhesive method Mike, IMO the araldite route gives time to position the ring, where as the contact adhesive method has to be right instantly, and as perhaps some members are not quite so good with there hands, my method gives time for adjustment. GET AS MUCH OF THE OLD GLUE OFF AS POSSIBLE, important as a good fit depends on it. I find that putting a small blob at 6 points round the shoulder, and diameter of the cup close to the shoulder, gives time to slide ring on to cup (gap at 12o clock sighted through headband slot). DO ONE CUP AT A TIME, WITH A FRESH MIX FOR EACH CUP. Do a dry run first, get the ring in position, then slide it back down the headband out the way, place the cup on the edge of a table, flat face down, quickly apply your glue, fit the ring, apply pressure against shoulder, and compress on to cup at the same time, remove any over spill from cup and ring with kitchen roll paper( you have 3-4mins to do this before adhesive starts to set, which is ample). Nothing wrong with your method Mike, the end result will be the same, IF your confident enough to get it right first time. The small rings, i used the exact same method as you. Good luck all those that have ring sets coming, they have been sent should be with you by the end of the week  Regards Mick. |
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matt7941
100+
Mmmmmmm... Pork scratchings.....
Say cheese!!!!!
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Post by matt7941 on Jan 5, 2010 20:05:35 GMT
Good evening folks. After listening to the HD681s via the Aune, I can only agree that recabling does make a worthwhile difference. I have gone down the same route as Dean after opening the wee beasties up and finding the numerous joints and steel rods used as signal carriers to the right ear piece. I used the Van Damme cable and it was very easy to work with and has resulted in a slightly more refined top end and a superior sense of air, space and more accurate soundstage. The plug is a nice little Neutrik. All told probably about an hour or so's work and I'm quite pleased with the results.   Apologies for the picture quality. Cheers Matt |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2010 20:36:44 GMT
This headphone is turning into a real stunner thanks to RG!!
They really look good.
The worst thing with the 681 is the pads imo. It'll be interestting to see how much difference a swap will make.
Along with new cable, rings fitted and the rather nice sounding leather pads that Mike's getting, there's a little gem there for such daft money.
It's easy to overlook something like this just because of the price, but I've got to admit, they are a lovely sounding headphone and now turning into stunners!!
Ian
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 5, 2010 21:07:23 GMT
Nice work Matt I chose to stay with the single entry purely because I prefer single entry over dual entry.... less cable kicking about the head area etc. I'm not sure the rods are steel, if they were I doubt they would accept solder "that" easily..... I would assume the rods to be copper plated but, without stripping them out for a good look, that's only a guess ;D Of course, dual entry is the ONLY way to go if you want to bypass the rods and wire the drivers direct.... just how much extra performance can be squeezed out by going down this route is one of those "how long is a piece of string" questions. I, too, have experienced more air, width and better bass control and have only changed the cable type.... I think the shielded cable helps things a LOT.... the "type" of conductor less so.... obviously, if the rods ARE steel then they are less than ideal as conductors but if they are copper coated then they are as good (if not better) as copper wire. I am sitting listening to my HD-681 as I type this (Yello - The Eye) and have to say these are one of the best pair of headphones I have heard, at any price, (and I've heard a good few pairs over the years ) They are just SO bloody musical and the bass response is way up there with the likes of DT-770 and HD-250ll Linear.... My HD-600 sound like muffled turd compared to the HD-681 and I can longer listen to them! I've got 200 metres of Evolution starquad (same as the Van Damme in all but name) so will try dual entry on one of my other pairs of virgin HD-681..... I've also got 50 metres of Evolution microphone cable which is EXTREMELY flexible: •Red and blue OFC copper conductors •Constructed with standard cotton fibres •Reduced microphonic noise, and stops capacitance fluctuations •60pF core to core •Inner pair are closely lapped in an OFC copper spiral screen •Flexible yet rugged matt abrasion resistant PVC/neoprene jacket •Available in black, blue, red, green and yellow for easy identification for multiply mic requirements I'll try it single entry on another virgin pair of HD-681 and then compare all three to "stock"...... yup, you guessed right, I've bought 4 pairs of the HD-681.... Under £80 shipped for the lot...... even if you were to be really ham fisted and totally destroy a pair you're only talking £18 to buy a new pair so these are the perfect 'phones to tweak! As stock, they are the headphone bargain of the century (no doubt about that) but with a little bit of titivation I am convinced these could easily beat the majority of headphones costing in excess of £300. Remember, these are not the only pair of headphones I own and I am talking from "hands on" experience with a vast array of expensive headphones here.... no other pair I have heard has the potential the HD-681 does. Let's really rev this thread up a notch and go to town on these beauties.... they have proved extremely responsive to Mick's aluminium rings and even more responsive to recabling..... I just wonder how much more performance we can extract out of them? |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 5, 2010 21:29:44 GMT
Dont entirely agree with the contact adhesive method Mike, IMO the araldite route gives time to position the ring, where as the contact adhesive method has to be right instantly, and as perhaps some members are not quite so good with there hands, my method gives time for adjustment. Each to their own Mick..... the contact adhesive method not only provides "additional" damping it also gives you the option of being able to remove the rings at a later date should you choose to do so. If both surfaces have become dry to the touch then fitting together is a piece of cake..... you are still able to move the joints around a bit with contact adhesive, but I know what you mean.... it's pretty much a "get it right first time" method and, if you don't, a case of scraping off all the rubbery gunk and starting again  The original rings were fitted with contact adhesive.... if they had been fitted with epoxy we would never have got them off.... epoxy is quite a permanent fixing "solution" where you are effectively bonding two surfaces into one whole.... I was tempted to go down the double sided tape route (Carpet tape is good) for the larger rings..... it's not the Bismark we are glueing together here and just a simple case of ensuring the rings don't part company with the headphone shells..... they are SUCH a good mechanical fit that the absolute minimum of adhesive is required to hold them firmly in position..... the smaller rings only need a couple of blobs of superglue to hold them fast. Clear silicone sealant would also be sufficient to secure the larger rings.... a very thin film applied to one (prepared) surface is all that's required.... allow to cure for 8 hours or so and "job done" (as that disgusting builder says on TV)..... There is more than one way to skin a cat Mick and, thanks to the precision fit of your rings, no way is wrong.... they will all work, just a matter of what the fitter is most comfortable with. I've ordered up those Neutrik plugs and will get the HD-681 I owe you over to you ASAP Mick. Mike. |
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Post by andy on Jan 5, 2010 22:09:38 GMT
Would using deeper ear pads make much of a difference?
Iif i remember rightly the only difference between the grado sr60 and sr80 was the size of the ear pads?
this could be another cheep mod if you could find them the right size.
As for the adhesive, i used silicone sealant and it has wokred very well, would also help with damping due to its rubbery nature.
I have also wondered about strengthening the plastic cups internally by gluing some stiff wire to the plastic, i am thinking that this would work similar to the fantastic alloy rings made by Mick as not all of us are going to get a pair.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jan 5, 2010 22:46:22 GMT
Would using deeper ear pads make much of a difference? Yes. Pad thickness does play a part in the SQ..... generally the "closer" you get to the drivers the deeper the bass.... I'll let you know how I get on with the red leather pads I have on their way.... Yup At this moment in time we have the AKG K-240 / 271 as direct "plug and play" replacements plus the German leather jobs..... let's see how they pan out, I am expecting my red leathers to arrive soon. Agreed, silicone sealant is a very good way of fitting the alu rings. Butyl rubber strips ;D I can send you enough to do the job, PM me your details. |
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Post by clausdk on Jan 5, 2010 23:08:28 GMT
Would using deeper ear pads make much of a difference? Yes. Pad thickness does play a part in the SQ..... generally the "closer" you get to the drivers the deeper the bass.... I'll let you know how I get on with the red leather pads I have on their way.... Yup At this moment in time we have the AKG K-240 / 271 as direct "plug and play" replacements plus the German leather jobs..... let's see how they pan out, I am expecting my red leathers to arrive soon. Agreed, silicone sealant is a very good way of fitting the alu rings. Butyl rubber strips ;D I can send you enough to do the job, PM me your details. With a bit of luck the red pads will be with you next week, they are on their way from Germany |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 8:39:34 GMT
In Korea they have discovered the HD681 too. Finally the first (independant) measured graph and EQ solution based on measurements instead of SQ description based on earcanalshape/ear/brain/mood/preference/filsophy/'religion'/age. I like that ... goldenears.net/board/?mid=PT_GER_Sound&search_target=tag&search_keyword=HD681B&document_srl=105064Too bad I can't read Korean and automated web translation services can't well either but you'll get the picture. And yes.. I know .. measurements in the amplitude/frequency domain do not tell the whole story but they do tell the biggest part of it. For more bass leave the -4dB@40Hz out and the HF EQ is nearly identical to my filter mod (which was based on the original graph provided by Superlux and my personal earcanalshape/ear/brain/mood/preference/filsophy/age listen thingy) I wonder if and when HeadRoom starts selling these cans. Then there will be more graphs and discussions/opinions. @ mike: The red leather pads were sent on tuesday instead of monday from the Netherlands. This is because they made the letterbox opening very small to prevent damage to the mail from fireworks. So I had to go to the post office on tuesday. In some cities they even completely remove letterboxes because they have a tendency to burn on new years eve. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 17:33:40 GMT
Kam Sa Hat Me dah! ;D
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