Superlux HD-681 modifications

[clausdk]

Feb 20, 2010 17:14:28 GMT andy said:

Frans,

thanks for my muff's!

feel a lot better than the standard ones, though i may have to try a cone modification as the opening is a little smaller then the originals and i appear to have big ears!

thanks again

Andy

I do not thing that works, those velour pads are glued not stitced like the leather ones..
If you try you should heat them a bit 45-50 degrees C or so, that will make the platic a bit softer and maybe helps with the "memoryeffekt".

[audiofil]

Well, I've joined the HD681 club

They've got here yesterday morning and have been playing almost continuously since.
I've gave them a good listen only this afternoon, as they sounded a bit too raw and aggressive at the beginning.

Now I can understand what the fuss is all about
It's still really damn hard to imagine that 25 euro (what I've paid for them) can sound so good and musical.

Putting back the K701 does reveal shortcomings and rough edges, but this is expected and obvious (they're a world class headphone and, of course, 14x more expensive).

I couldn't resist a first mod and this had to be the cable.
Inspired by their HD668B model, I've installed a 3.5mm jack at the headphone's end. For simplicity I've just cut the cable an inch lower than the strain relief and terminated it with a Neutrik male jack.

The cable I chose was a blue Vandamme Starquad (the only better cable easily available to me).
I've installed a female connector also on the stock cable for comparison.
I'm not much of a cable believer and try to use as much common sense as I can with these things, but the differences were instantly discernible and significant.
They simply sound smoother and there is better definition in everything.

On the down side:
I feel there is too much bass and treble energy on the expense of texture and fine detail. Also a mild "blur" in the sound which makes me think of interior resonances inside the headphone cup.
I am aware that some of the symptoms may disappear after burn in.

What do you guys think about dampening the housing with something like Dynamat or similar products?

[Deleted]

Give these cans a little time.
They 'alter' the most in the first few days.

The bass becomes 'better' over time and highs mellow out a bit.
The filter is highly recommended if you feel the treble is too much.

The velour pads also affect the lows and highs (a bit) for the better and much in comfort (unless you have big ears ? ?).

You'll understand the fuss even better after the filtermod, pads, rings and some play-in time.

[audiofil]

Of course you're very right Frans.

I've let them play almost non-stop since my last post. They have close to 60 hrs and the sound did improve.

However my nit-picks with them still apply.
To me they sound a bit to hi-fi-ish. It's not a proper word, I know, but I cannot find a better term. Very nice on the ear and works great on certain music and not so great on others.

The new remasters for Pink Floyd, YES, Mike Oldfield, etc sound addictive (and fun!) with these headphones.
Likewise for electronic-type music like Vangelis, Jarre or Dead Can Dance

On the acoustic side of the spectrum, this is where my nit-picks stand.

A well recorded piano can get a slightly glassy and some of the natural ambiance and reverb gets somewhat lost.
Brass instruments sound very nice, but not as present and authentic (perhaps?). They have good dynamics and details, but that natural bite and reediness (nor sure it's a word) these instruments present is simply not as obvious as it should be.

I've tried a parametric EQ on them to further investigate their tonality (good and bad).

They can get pretty good with a gentle bass (-3db) and a slightly steeper (-6db) treble roll off.
I've found a 4-5db emphasis around 1khz to work even better.

Unfortunately software EQ degrades the sound quality too much and it's not a long term solution, but it can provide a good insight for tonality problems.

Therefore Frans' filtermod is pretty much a must for me.
On the other side I'm still contemplating the idea of dampening the cups. The filtermod will get the treble back where it should be, but the bass might get even more prominent because of the contrast created (lesser highs can give the impression of more bass).

I've ordered a sheet of Dynamat and I'll start experimenting. I'll also try metal caps (coins) to see if it can bring further improvement.

Unfortunately my job will keep me away from home for the next 10 days, but I'll report back after the first experiments.

PS:
If it's not too much trouble Frans I'd like to buy from you a second HD681 (for comparison) + your external filter.
Please leave me a PM with specifics (payment method, when is the next "batch" of orders, etc).

[Deleted]

Well you're absolutely spot on with the EQ to make them 'right'.
The graphs tell the same:
Bass is too pronounced (but I like this personally)
the highs (details) are over the top but give the can's their 'character' which I (being 48) like personally, the 'overly detailed' sound I mean.
(The DT880/DT770/HD250/Grado/K701 also poses this 'overly detailed' hump which is preferred by many over perfectly flat response that sounds 'dull')
The mids are somewhat recessed at a specific freq. range.. no doubt about it.

This, unfortunately, cannot be solved by (easy) passive filtering like the reduction of the 'too much' over the top treble by the filtermod.
I can live with it (the recessed mids) and the cans as they are now are very pleasing to my ears (even with the EQ faults that still exist)

EQ, however, is not the ONLY aspect for good sound reproduction. the housing of course also has influence so experiment away and let the forum know.

The SQ/EQ is also determined by the amount of air and the compliance of the air in front and behind the driver (the ratio), break-up properties, shape, mass and sonic properties of the membrane, the 'damper sticker' e.t.c.

In these aspects the HD681 has fine, but certainly NOT THE finest properties.
It remains a E 15.- retail set of cans.
production of the whole thing can't cost more than a few dollars. ;D

In this light (value) the HD681 is UNBEATABLE.
In absolute SQ there will be 'better' cans.. of course... but at a price .

For the moment I do not plan to sell more (modded) HD681's e.t.c. because my daytime job at this point is very demanding (takes a lot of spare time too) and I am getting 'near overworked' again (having dizzy spells is my bodies sign to take it easy) so I might be doing group buys mods again but certainly NOT in the near future.

You can always ask me again in 1 or 2 months or so.
Things SHOULD be better by then and time will be available.

[audiofil]

I agree with you completely.

My critical observations might sound a bit excessive and probably better suited with headphones costing 3 figures.
But sonically this is where HD681 really belong.

I'm quite sure that with a better finish and a higher price tag these cans would have taken the headphone world by storm.

[Deleted]

AND a different brand on it perhaps ... ;D

[jkeny]

I'm due to receive a pair of these soon & I wanted to re-wire them for balanced operation. Any suggestions for balanced wire in keeping with the price of these headphones.

Has anybody tried balanced headphones before?

[clausdk]

I have just put a new cable on mine. I am not sure can hear the difference, but it feels better..

But I have figured a way to mod the headband, very easy
I saw some had rubbed of the red paint and it looked cool, I wanted to do the same, but then I thougt why not just turn it around and point the red letter inward, so I did that, looks good and is easy to do, without any solvents or damage to the plastic, which I am going to swap with some leather in the near future.

[PinkFloyd]

Feb 23, 2010 21:43:21 GMT @clausdk said:

I have just put a new cable on mine. I am not sure can hear the difference, but it feels better..

But I have figured a way to mod the headband, very easy
I saw some had rubbed of the red paint and it looked cool, I wanted to do the same, but then I thougt why not just turn it around and point the red letter inward, so I did that, looks good and is easy to do, without any solvents or damage to the plastic, which I am going to swap with some leather in the near future.

The parcel arrived then Claus?

[clausdk]

Feb 23, 2010 23:05:54 GMT PinkFloyd said:

Feb 23, 2010 21:43:21 GMT @clausdk said:

I have just put a new cable on mine. I am not sure can hear the difference, but it feels better..

But I have figured a way to mod the headband, very easy
I saw some had rubbed of the red paint and it looked cool, I wanted to do the same, but then I thougt why not just turn it around and point the red letter inward, so I did that, looks good and is easy to do, without any solvents or damage to the plastic, which I am going to swap with some leather in the near future.

The parcel arrived then Claus?

Oh yes it have, I have sent you a pm about it.

Just loaded with good stuff, thank you very much.

Those beads do I just thread them onto the wires and hide them in the plugs ??

Those RCAbullets look awesome.

[Deleted]

Oh no ...

Ferrite beads are for suppressing RF signals generated by SMPS or other high speed switching devices and will only have any effect when mounted close to the source and preferably have 3 to 5 windings (10 Mhz to 1 GHz range)
These ferrite's will dampen RF signals so manufacturers can pass EMC tests when output levels are just above limits that would otherwise mean a no-pass.
Ferrites are intended for filtering common mode signals (if that means anything to RG members) not differential mode signals (i.e. the electrical signals in the cable)

Better use nicely colored beads from the wife's necklace then... at least it looks prettier and will have a similar effect.

I surely hope no one will be claiming it has any audible effects here in the Grotto ...

IF you can hear any differences you can be 100% sure it is a 'Placebo' effect..

[mingo]

This afternoon I received my modded HD-681 from Frans.
As I do not know the original version without modifications, I cannot compare. The SQ is good and will hopefully improve eventually. It is somewhat different from my AKG K701.
Now I think of further improvements. Can one of the experts here sum up the best ways to improve the 681?
Recabling is not on my list as I believe the improvement will be very slight.

Thanks in advance.

[andy]

Mingo,

Once the Frans filter has been fitted (i think your allready have this) then there are only a couple of things that can be done.

Replacing the cable, this does appear to have quite a nice effect to the mid and upper frequencies, i used a Mogami quad cable with a neutrik silver plated plug and i very much like the sound.

The two pence mod, this is a Pinky special and involves gluing a two pence peice to the end cap of the speaker unit, this little extra weight helps with damping.

Replace your ear pads with velour pads, Frans may be able to tell you where to get these from, mine came from Frans!

As far as i know thats about it, all of these offer a very slight improvement in the sound but asdded up together make quite a difference, the HD681 is a great can to start with so there are not a huge amount of modifications that can be done.

If you come up with any others then please add them to this thread for us all to try!

Andy

[toad]

Give the 681 a chance to bed in too. Frans has probably only put a few minutes listening time on them. Leave it connected to a radio or mp3 player for 2 or 3 days then have another listen.

Ian

[Deleted]

Hi Guys, particularly Frans ,
I don't know whether this is the right place to put this but if not, will someone point me in the right direction please.
An hour or so ago I received a cardboard box from The Netherlands containing a well packed Fransified HD681 - thanks Frans, great srvice . I immediately put them on and connected them up and PANIC !! - they were worse than when I sent them to him. I then swapped them with my Senn HD280 and the deterioration was confirmed - the 681s were much worse.
Then a thought occurred: the 681s felt very cold, having just been driven round the UK in a courier van, so I let them warm up for a few minutes to room temperature and tried them again.
RELIEF, they were better than at first so I kept them in place and listened to a few tracks. I know an imagination well disposd to hearing an improvement can play some funny tricks but I am convinced that I can hear them improving as I listen whilst typing this. If the warm up continues and the burn in improves them further these are going to be bloody good. The most noticeable improvement seems to be at both ends, the bottom end goes lower and not so monotone, reverberation on decaying notes seems more noticeable, and top end seems clearer, cleaner, sweeter, somehow. I'm hopeless at describing why I like a certain sound but I do know I like this sound.
I'm going to visit another more experienced audiophile tonight to pick up part of a group buy that I have participated in. He is a member of another place and, as far as I am aware is unaware of this RG thread on the HD681s so I'll solicit his opinion on them whilst I'm there and let you know. He'll only get to know the background after he's listened to them.
Thanks again Frans, you're a bloody marvel
Cheers,
Dave.

Edited PS
Just listened to a track (Oxygen by JMJ) in which there is an opening few seconds of silence on one track with music on the other and then vice versa and I've never heard it so clearly seperated - brilliant!!

[Deleted]

Hi Dave,

Yes ... the temperature is of big importance as the membrane has a totally different compliance and brake-up pattern (especially the lows will suffer from cold because of compliance and the highs will be squeeky because the membrane is so stiff of the cold that a larger area of the membrane emits the treble.
The membrame doesn't move as a whole like in Orthos'or electrostatics.

So if it gets warmer it will be more what it is intended to do.

If you make it even hotter (in a sauna) the tonal character will change also.

This is true for a lot of cans by the way.

Glad you like it.

[clausdk]

I need a red leather jacket or coat or bag or just about anything made of leather..
I have planned everything out how to make a new headband for the 681.

If anybody could help with the leather part, I will make an ekstra headband or two

I have only got some old brown worndown coat, black or red would be much nicer..

So please look in your closets and atticts and see if you have some broken outworn things of leather lying around.

[MaN227]

Claus,
I'll see if I can scrounge up something black or red, or even blue (the cable I have is PF's blue cable, that Frans did up for me when doing his filter mod, thanks again Frans, MOST appreciate it, and Mike as well for providing it, you guys are awesome Hell I may as well thank Mick again too for rings and caps , super duper man)

If I have to I'll go buy a coat from the GoodWill store and mail it to you lol (if they have leather). I like to hope I can contribute, in my own small ways, and I am willing to do this.

I guess if I were to ask, without asking details. how much material (leather is needed for one band? and how many do u intend to make, I ask as that will make a difference to what is acceptable in size., jacket, purse, boots, hats, gloves, ...... pants lol .... as I bet a dollar to a doughnut if its at least decent many will line up for them/ it as it were lol

one last thing, thick as can be leather, or thinner , supple leather?

just send me PM Claus if you wish.

Peace,
Chaz

EDIT: Mike if you happen to have read this , is there anything you can do about the smiles? for example I use the well established keys for a smile : ) and i frown and say no lol wtf
;D

the first and 6th ( with cans on) ones are backasswards . and here i was wondering as I wandered about the Grotto why so many people are frowning lol now I know. good day turn that frown upside down lol

[covenant]

Its funny to think that there could be people sitting at home listening to music with the crotch of a pair of red leather pants from an unknown body on their head.
I hope the leather gets a good wash first.

[Deleted]

Feb 26, 2010 8:06:12 GMT covenant said:

Its funny to think that there could be people sitting at home listening to music with the crotch of a pair of red leather pants from an unknown body on their head.
I hope the leather gets a good wash first.

[MaN227]

Feb 26, 2010 8:06:12 GMT covenant said:

Its funny to think that there could be people sitting at home listening to music with the crotch of a pair of red leather pants from an unknown body on their head.
I hope the leather gets a good wash first.

lmfao , so you want yours "conditioned" with baby batter jk man jk u put a smile on my face thx man

mine could be made from the nut sack of a YAK for all I care , I'll just trim the top edge for headband and the rest I'll wear as a hat (also good for gathering water at the stream for a refreshing drink), Boda's are So over rated. ;D FTW!

[clausdk]

Man
Fantastic attitude, I will make as many headbands as possible and send them a long for RGmembers.

I need twice the size of the normal headband to make one set, so form a jacket I would be able to make 10 sets or so.

But do not run out buying anything, we need to keep it cheap ;D ;D

It must be the thinner type of leather, is is a nightmare to sew the thickker leather--

[MaN227]

I happen to have a Nicole Miller of New York , smooth, soft, supple black leather hanging in the other room right now. not sure if it needs reincarnation or not ...... hummmm what to do , what to do .... ;D

[PinkFloyd]

I've got a pair of red leather trousers and a green handbag if they're any good to you Claus?