HD800 "French Mod" aka "SuperDupont Resonator"

A number of people say they perceive more low bass and/or more impact down low. I'm willing to bet that higher low bass distortion is the culprit of that.

 

Yeah, for sure. What looks like a linear increase in distortion along with distribution on the even harmonics makes it look intentional. Not sure it's the worst thing, though I always err on the side of wanting less distortion.

 

I agree, looks like there's a slightly elevated response down low, too.

 

When a driver is retweaked to push more bass than originally intended, higher distortion is almost a given... question is whether or not the FR benefit outweighs the decreased clarity.

 

The $64,000 question, for sure.

So far, I'd say yes...if you don't plan to use EQ.

 

I agree with this point and felt this way for a while now.
When listening to the HD800S you have a great sound with perceived more lower region and less treble peak.
This why most people will say it's great.
But when you directly compare the HD800S to a modded hd800,
You can then realize the difference.
Yoy can perceive a "confusion" or congestion, and "closer proximity" in the whole lower range(!)
I attribute this to Tyll findings about the increased distortion in this region.
For those that like thickness it's ok.
Yet, for those of us that are all about the precision and clarity,
Then the original HD800 will sound "cleaner" and clearer on the whole lower spectrum.
I have posted a few pages back that I have noted this effect in a recent NY minimeet.
Everyone who listened and gave an opinion,
conceded the HD800S took a back seat to the moded HD800 (that I put a "resonantor" mod in).
The HD800 moded with only a resonator mod was clearer.
This was using the same Sennheiser tip material I have posted here, which was sadly unavailable after I posted it.
There were other tips I have tried including another Sennheiser foam, but they all were worse.
The dupont shure tip that was first mentioned in this thread, (that measured so well), I had great hopes for, but..
It sucked the life out of the upper mids.
The Ety tip played nicer but was still dull.
All other tips I tried were not even close to these two,
and so not worth mentioning.
This is why I feel that tips are a "dead end",
and this current mod is an example of the right direction,
so I am hoping to hear one next round.

 

Axel Grell sent me an email....the plot thickens. Mwa ha ha ha!

 

Your in trouble. .

 

I'm always in a bit of trouble.

 

First, Sorrodje is no "plot", and second, he's fit as a triathlete...Dukan went pale looking at his special mustard's diet

Ali

 

I've got my popcorn ready! This must be quite the article you are working on!

 

You'll have to make two parts for this article, Tyll.

 

Very interesting. I hope Sennheiser's PR machine isn't intervening and trying spin your factual and objective review like Ferrari. It reminds me of the well known automotive journalist, Chris Harris' highly publicized essay in 2011. As a journalist, its worth a read because Chris Harris makes eerily similar and very relevant points if Sennheiser is trying to control your review: http://jalopnik.com/5760248/how-ferrari-spins

 

Nope. I've NEVER had anything like that happen with Sennheiser. Axel was just telling me his side of the story...I can't repeat his comments, and wouldn't anyway because he hasn't seen what I'm going to write. I do think someone at Sennheiser will likely do a response to the article...I hope. We'll see.

 

Wow, great article. Thanks for sharing. Guess I am not buying a Ferrari now )))).

Really curious if Tyll will be given a shot at Orpheus now.

 

Have to say I'm not particularly interested in writing a review of the Orpheus...I don't have many InnerFidelity readers that are sports figures or movie stars.

I get way more excited about good cheap stuff like the Meze 99 Classics.

 

I've gone off the deep end and picked up a used HD800, and I just ordered felt and a hollow punch set. Will be fun to try other materials, but I don't have a measurement rig. I probably have most of what I'd need for that, but time, always time.