Superlux HD-681 modifications

[filthandfury]

Hey guys, headphone noob here. Was wondering how simple the filter is to install? And precisely what parts are needed? Thanks guys.

[PinkFloyd]

Nov 22, 2010 22:36:00 GMT filthandfury said:

Hey guys, headphone noob here. Was wondering how simple the filter is to install? And precisely what parts are needed? Thanks guys.

Hi Man,

Frans will point you the filter mods (I don't have the link to hand) welcome to the forum

Mike.

[filthandfury]

Nov 22, 2010 22:53:38 GMT PinkFloyd said:

Nov 22, 2010 22:36:00 GMT filthandfury said:

Hey guys, headphone noob here. Was wondering how simple the filter is to install? And precisely what parts are needed? Thanks guys.

Hi Man,

Frans will point you the filter mods (I don't have the link to hand) welcome to the forum

Mike.

I saw the filter mod in the first post, but being a bit crap at electronics I don't know what the components are!

EDIT from what I can see, I'll be needing:
4 x 470µH Inductor (?)
4 x 1µF Capacitor
2 x 39Ω Resistor
2 x 56Ω Resistor

But as I said, not great with electronics...

[Deleted]

I have these parts in stock.

Inductor: 470uH, EPCOS B82144A2474J, Farnell order code: 517070
Capacitor: 1uF/X7R ceramic multilayer, AVX SR305C105KAATR, Farnell order code: 1650727
Resistors: dependent of filter:

first post filter:
filters only the sibilance leaves the overly detailed sound as it is.
Second post filter:
sounds more in the direction of Sennheisers and the exagerated highs are more level.
You can choose values inbetween to taylor the sound to your ears.

maximum highs, sibilance gone HD681 character remains (first filter):
R1=R2=56 Ohm
R3=R4=39 Ohm

slightly less treble but still close to original HD681 character:
R1=R2=56 Ohm
R3=R4=47 Ohm

less treble but still brighter then Sennheiser signature in general (second filter):
R1=R2=39 Ohm
R3=R4=56 Ohm

About equal to Sennheiser signature in general bass more prominent:
R1=R2=39 Ohm
R3=R4=82 Ohm

Schematics can be downloaded here:

first filter: www.mediafire.com/file/40xejhxi0uatswu/HD681-filter%20schematic.pdf
second filter: www.mediafire.com/file/zi7sei0uiluemih/HD681%20filter%20medium.pdf
How to install in the HD681: www.mediafire.com/file/r0xl50wd76hnaa5/HD681%20modification.pdf

[filthandfury]

Nov 23, 2010 7:56:21 GMT @solderdude said:

I have these parts in stock.

Inductor: 470uH, EPCOS B82144A2474J, Farnell order code: 517070
Capacitor: 1uF/X7R ceramic multilayer, AVX SR305C105KAATR, Farnell order code: 1650727
Resistors: dependent of filter:

first post filter:
filters only the sibilance leaves the overly detailed sound as it is.
Second post filter:
sounds more in the direction of Sennheisers and the exagerated highs are more level.
You can choose values inbetween to taylor the sound to your ears.

maximum highs, sibilance gone HD681 character remains (first filter):
R1=R2=56 Ohm
R3=R4=39 Ohm

slightly less treble but still close to original HD681 character:
R1=R2=56 Ohm
R3=R4=47 Ohm

less treble but still brighter then Sennheiser signature in general (second filter):
R1=R2=39 Ohm
R3=R4=56 Ohm

About equal to Sennheiser signature in general bass more prominent:
R1=R2=39 Ohm
R3=R4=82 Ohm

Schematics can be downloaded here:

first filter: www.mediafire.com/file/40xejhxi0uatswu/HD681-filter%20schematic.pdf
second filter: www.mediafire.com/file/zi7sei0uiluemih/HD681%20filter%20medium.pdf
How to install in the HD681: www.mediafire.com/file/r0xl50wd76hnaa5/HD681%20modification.pdf

Thanks man, very useful! How much would it cost me to take some of those parts off your hands

[Deleted]

PM me with the wanted parts and amount (resistors cost next to nothing)

[filthandfury]

PM sent :]

[Deleted]

I got another pair and it's different looking to the first. I'm not able to compare so easily because I didn't notice until I took my fluffy pads off my other pair. I think it sounds the same.

The second pair has duller red flashing and has 'Professional' written on the cups.

Exactly the same inside - they are really lovely sounding and at £19 they are a steal.

Before you ask, I bought them for someone at work who thinks a pair of headphones at this price can't possibly work. (Yes, a hi fi snob)

[Deleted]

Something like this:

www.fortemusic.com.ua/resources/images/mm_files/1167.jpg

The guy should hear them with a filter and velour pads..

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2010 18:46:25 GMT @solderdude said:

Something like this:

www.fortemusic.com.ua/resources/images/mm_files/1167.jpg

The guy should hear them with a filter and velour pads..

That's it Frans. My first pair don't look like that. I've put the velour pads on them and the filter is attached - easier on the ear with the filter in front.

They are absolutely amazing for the price. Build isn't fantastic but at that price, just get another pair!!

[aroundykooshball]

Hello. I'm not certain if this is the right thread to ask these questions in but I searched and couldn't find another one.

Has anybody put the filter mod on a Superlux HD 681B? The balanced version? According to the Superlux official website the curve looks a lot closer to the 668b on the lower end but with a little more bass.

If I want a hd 688b like sound should I get a hd 681b and put the filter mod on or should I just get hd 681 and put the wool and filter mod on?

Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality from the 668b over the 681?

And lastly, someone said in this thread I think it was that the 668b's don't have enough punch with mp3s without an amp. Is that a big problem? Would the slightly higher base of the 681b make up for that?

I'd mainly be listening to rock-type stuff, but I'm little put off by the rumours of too-much base and highs of the 681.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[Deleted]

Nov 24, 2010 7:07:10 GMT aroundykooshball said:

1: Has anybody put the filter mod on a Superlux HD 681B? The balanced version? According to the Superlux official website the curve looks a lot closer to the 668b on the lower end but with a little more bass.

2: Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality from the 668b over the 681?

3: And lastly, someone said in this thread I think it was that the 668b's don't have enough punch with mp3s without an amp. Is that a big problem? Would the slightly higher base of the 681b make up for that?

4: I'd mainly be listening to rock-type stuff, but I'm little put off by the rumours of too-much base and highs of the 681.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

1: Not tried. The filter only adresses the highs so if you want a more flat representation the F version with filter will provide just that.
The B version has the same characteristics as the HD681 down to 50Hz only below 50Hz (where the deep rumbles are) the B has less of that (no subwoofer effect)
The F version has much lower bass levels (I would probably not like the F version)

2: quite different sounding.. read this thread: rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=5788 the SR850 sounds the same as HD668B to read about sonic differences

3: The efficiency of these cans is almost the same.
HD668B is slightly less efficient and will become more inefficient when a filter specifically desigined for it will be used (NOT the same filter as HD681 !)
The extended bass makes it sound fuller.
If there is little bass in the music material the HD681 won't be producing bass either.
The HD681 is not boomy or bass heavy like Monster beats e.t.c.

4: Rock type stuff doesn't sound boomy and there won't be an overpowering bass with them but you will need the 2nd filter or something between the first and second filter for rock music if you don't like over the top highs.

[UzminiNu]

Nov 23, 2010 18:35:28 GMT @iancraig10 said:

I got another pair and it's different looking to the first. I'm not able to compare so easily because I didn't notice until I took my fluffy pads off my other pair. I think it sounds the same.

The second pair has duller red flashing and has 'Professional' written on the cups.

Exactly the same inside - they are really lovely sounding and at £19 they are a steal.

Before you ask, I bought them for someone at work who thinks a pair of headphones at this price can't possibly work. (Yes, a hi fi snob)

The "New" design is awailable at least since August.
I would say the color of rings is Bordeaux red.

[aroundykooshball]

Nov 24, 2010 7:35:40 GMT @solderdude said:

Nov 24, 2010 7:07:10 GMT aroundykooshball said:

1: Has anybody put the filter mod on a Superlux HD 681B? The balanced version? According to the Superlux official website the curve looks a lot closer to the 668b on the lower end but with a little more bass.

2: Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality from the 668b over the 681?

3: And lastly, someone said in this thread I think it was that the 668b's don't have enough punch with mp3s without an amp. Is that a big problem? Would the slightly higher base of the 681b make up for that?

4: I'd mainly be listening to rock-type stuff, but I'm little put off by the rumours of too-much base and highs of the 681.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

1: Not tried. The filter only adresses the highs so if you want a more flat representation the F version with filter will provide just that.
The B version has the same characteristics as the HD681 down to 50Hz only below 50Hz (where the deep rumbles are) the B has less of that (no subwoofer effect)
The F version has much lower bass levels (I would probably not like the F version)

2: quite different sounding.. read this thread: rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=5788 the SR850 sounds the same as HD668B to read about sonic differences

3: The efficiency of these cans is almost the same.
HD668B is slightly less efficient and will become more inefficient when a filter specifically desigined for it will be used (NOT the same filter as HD681 !)
The extended bass makes it sound fuller.
If there is little bass in the music material the HD681 won't be producing bass either.
The HD681 is not boomy or bass heavy like Monster beats e.t.c.

4: Rock type stuff doesn't sound boomy and there won't be an overpowering bass with them but you will need the 2nd filter or something between the first and second filter for rock music if you don't like over the top highs.

Thanks a lot frans. I didn't know about the SR850s. You can get them around for the same price that you could get hd668b's a year ago, I like that. Thanks again.

I have one last question: Do you think the average guy would be happier with a modded 681 (wool + filter) or a hd668b/sr850?

[Deleted]

Nov 24, 2010 9:45:16 GMT UzminiNu said:

Nov 23, 2010 18:35:28 GMT @iancraig10 said:

I got another pair and it's different looking to the first. I'm not able to compare so easily because I didn't notice until I took my fluffy pads off my other pair. I think it sounds the same.

The second pair has duller red flashing and has 'Professional' written on the cups.

Exactly the same inside - they are really lovely sounding and at £19 they are a steal.

Before you ask, I bought them for someone at work who thinks a pair of headphones at this price can't possibly work. (Yes, a hi fi snob)

The "New" design is awailable at least since August.
I would say the color of rings is Bordeaux red.

Yes that's it. I wonder if there's much difference? I can't hear anything.

[Deleted]

Nov 24, 2010 18:55:47 GMT aroundykooshball said:

I have one last question: Do you think the average guy would be happier with a modded 681 (wool + filter) or a hd668b/sr850?

HD681 is like an SR850 with a subwoofer and more sparkly highs.
SR850 is a bit better in voices.
That's why I keep them both.
There is no such thing as the ideal headphone (or amp or any other thing for that matter)
There is such a thing as an ideal headphone / gear for you.

Problem is.. I do not hear what you hear and don't know your preferences either (soundwise) so I really cannot recommend anything I'm afraid.

Buy both... they are cheap.. buy some velours pads and keep the one you like and sell the other one (or keep it) they won't cost you an arm or leg..

[sk971]

I have now fitted my filter (after many hours of messing it up and swearing) and have to say I'm loving the sound, all credit due to Frans!

I opted for the first version which eliminates most of the sibilance and harshness.For 99% of recordings it is perfect for me, for some bad recordings or ones where there is a singer with a high register they can sound a bit shrill. I am more than ready to accept this as they sound so good on everything else.

Reducing the treble allows more detail to come through and free's the midrange.If you are very sensitive to the treble then use the second filter mod.

Next up are some velour AKG pads ,and if I behave well between now and Xmas santa may even bring me an Indeed G2.

[utajum]

Hi there fellow modders

I was just wondering if anybody is still selling the aluminium rings... most likely not, but it doesnt hurt to ask:p

I`m also thinking of buying theese
www.htfr.com/more-info/USD/MR226067

seems they offer a reasonable shipping price

cheers

[Deleted]

No more rings I am afraid.
the HD25 pads will not fit the HD681.
Only the AKG240 pads (be them pleather or velours) will fit.
On ebay you can find cheap pleather pads but they are not as nice as the velours ones.

[UzminiNu]

Nov 24, 2010 19:01:57 GMT @iancraig10 said:

Nov 24, 2010 9:45:16 GMT UzminiNu said:

The "New" design is awailable at least since August.
I would say the color of rings is Bordeaux red.

Yes that's it. I wonder if there's much difference? I can't hear anything.

I have both, and there is no difference at all:].

At the beginning the sound can slightly differ (amount of bass), but after a week they are the same.

[UzminiNu]

To aroundykooshball

get both

the HD681 with Frans mod V2 to have dynamic and fun sounding headphones with a deep bass.
and the SR850 to have real monitoring headphones for analytic listening.

[Deleted]

Also filtermod the SR850 with it's own filter (in the SR850 thread) and this will give it better extension in the highs and much more sweet/lush highs.
The HD681 and SR850 mod are very different and can't be used for the same headphone.

[jeffc]

After owning a pair of these for over a year now I eventually got to recabling, twin entry, with cheap as chips shielded OFC home theatre cable. This stuff.

cgi.ebay.com.au/3m-PURE-OFC-3-5mm-Jack-Twin-2-Phono-Cable-Lead-GOLD-/380136569901?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item5881e7bc2d

When it arrived, I was surprised to find that it was essentially 2 joined parallel cables, easily separated, wiring somehow combined at the 3.5 mm minijack end. The screen sheathed around the signal wire acts as the return wire. This wasn't as ideal as I was hoping, which was 2 wires wrapped in mylar or copper brade, but I thought I'd give the cable a try anyway, thinking that at least it should provide good channel separation consisting of 2 completely separated cables.

Why bother try dual-entry recabling, as others have noted, the rigid links in the headband that connect the left driver to the right driver suffer from vibrations/resonance that are sufficient to degrade the sound, and quite markedly IMO based on the simple test of holding them by hand to mitigate some of the resonances whilst listening.

some pics



Anyways, the long and short of it that this recable seems to have worked very well. Overall sound signature appears more solid and focussed with better ambience retrieval, more flesh to the bones etc, the kind of sound statement that says hey, not only do I sound good, I have some class to boot.

No secrets to the install except applying some teflon spray via a cotton bud to the inside of the L cup cable relief piece to fit the cable through it, tight fit, and drilling a hole through the gromet hole filler on the R cup.

Really enjoying the touch of class to the sound that this recabling has provided.

cheers..jeffc

PS. the arrow on the cable suggests it might have some directional preference. However, its opposite to the direction I needed, and could vary from cable to cable I bet, these being ultra cheapies.

[Deleted]

Thats a super job you have done there jeffc, that cable looks exceptional value for money, superbly fitted really looks the business and giving good results.

Well done

Mick.

[jeffc]

Thanks Mick,

TBH I as wondering whether this cheapie cable would make these phones sound much better at all. However, I'm absolutely gob smacked about the finesse its added ...... did I say gob smacked, pig in mud . Now to fit the velour pads summer is here, just need to tuck those jug-ears into the smaller holes.

cheers.. jeffc