The HD800 & HD800S thread

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by sorrodje, Oct 11, 2015.

  1. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Thus far the SQ changes I've noticed are,
    Increased resolution and focus everywhere, top to bottom.
    More leading edge impact in the bass, when called for, like cannon shots and piano etc.
    Greater low freq extension well into the subsonic region, with articulation and focus.
    WAY less listener fatigue, as in I no longer think that the 6.5 to 8KHz peak is THE source of the irritation some folks hear.
    Much better soundstage presentation in stability, location in 3d space, etc.
    All of the terms I use to describe the SQ attributes I look for (C3, I5, tLFF, HB&W etc.) have taken at least one mother may I step up, and usually they have taken several steps.

    And these changes are also due to the cumulative result of other tweaking I've done, which has increased my ability to dial the entire system in to this point.
    This in turn means I can hear more of the subtle results of VMC as I try different versions and combinations as I continue to refine what works and what doesn't.

    JJ
     
  2. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    I was thinking that the main reason the Utopia generally slightly above the hd800 is because of the greater focus transparency, even with SD and other mods implemented.
    So refining the 800 in manner described is actually what it would need to reach a Utopia level of focus and transparency.
     
  3. hifi01170

    hifi01170 Acquaintance

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    @johnjen any plans to share your mods?
     
  4. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    Ive looked at your mods, very interesting stuff. I think ill try your mods number 2 and 3.

    it seems however that the SBAF might not be ideal in combination of your mods like Serious explain?

    I have right now SBAF + SDR. Ive been thinking to use a very thin layer of Dynamat all around the metal ring, remove the reflective membrane that cover the Dynamat, and then add a very thin layer of felt around on top of the dynamat.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2017
  5. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Thus far I have not heard a set of well broken in Utopia's to compare with.
    But those that I have heard had a bit of a zizz added to the sibilants of vocals and certain horns etc.
    I attribute this to the drivers metal diaphragm, but it could be other factors in the chain as well.
    Some day I do hope to be able to compare them together under conditions that allow for a more through evaluation (ie non meet conditions).

    JJ
     
  6. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Perhaps.
    The complete mod is somewhat involved that also involves EQ and several other types of tweaks, such that writing it all up so that it can be replicated, would entail a whole bunch of work on my part.
    And I have already written up some of these additional tweaks that are being used to achieve the results I'm getting, but the mods I'm making to the 800's themselves are still being dialed in.
    Fortunately with the 3Dio binaural mic setup I now have, the progress has been accelerated considerably from my previous pace and with a degree of resolution that makes it much easier to observe the differences between all of my attempts.

    And the mods themselves aren't all that complicated, but describing all the pertinent details in written form AND obtaining the materials I am using adds further layers of complexity to the task.

    This entire endeavor is somewhat analogous to a How-To we wrote up several years back that dealt with adjusting the valves on BMW motorcycles called OVAD (Oilhead Valve Adjustment 4 Dummies) which was accompanied by several other write ups that worked in conjunction with each other, that all dovetailed together and resulted in a significant improvement in performance.

    And those who have heard the results I've attained thus far seem to be suitably impressed, even though what they have heard only entails a portion of all of the various pieces I use to attain the end results I am seeking.

    And like I said I'm still 'fussing with the knobs' and documenting the various configurations to determine what will be the best that these mods can deliver.
    I also have a 2nd pair of nearly new 800's that I will mod to use in a 'confirmation of concept' type of way for others to use to evaluate in a more complete way when I am done 'fussing with the knobs'…

    JJ
     
  7. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Wowow that is a bad ass tool for headphone measument rig!
    Complete ear shapes, perfectly spaced with area for headphones pads to lay. ..
    I myself have a dummy head, but ears are not anatomically perfect,
    Not me, the dummy head,
    At least it's not a doll head lol.
    Hmm..
     
  8. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Yeah the 3Dio setup is pretty cool and it helps make for much easier and more consistent detailed measurements to be taken.
    And while not 'cheap' it is WAY less expensive than any other suitable alternative I found in looking for a way of taking measurements.

    I even considered using a styrofoam head, but they will introduce additional acoustical problems in how they react to the acoustic sound pressure as it interacts with the mass of the entire head.

    JJ
     
  9. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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  10. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Thanks for the suggestion.
    I didn't even know it was there.

    JJ
     
  11. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I apologize this isn't about buying these in this thread http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/fs-sennheiser-hd800.4686/#post-149021 (I wish I could at that price even though I have a pair, but see the pic of those HD800's how the band and ear cups look like they would be tight around the ears? Mine are so loose, my headband doesn't look like that. I wish my headband was like that, I think my headband is stretched out or something thus making them so loose on my ears.

    2017-07-09_175356.jpg

    Would something like this work?

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-SEN...422120?hash=item2ef6d18628:g:5QkAAOSwawpXvb7V
     
  12. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    That's how it should look like with the headband on position 6 or 7 or so. You can get even more clamp by storing them in the box with the headband set to the smallest position overnight.
     
  13. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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  14. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    In my experience the headband makes no difference in the clamping force.

    But as you lengthen (equally on both sides) the L&R extensions, the clamping force does get tighter.
    But it never will get really tight.

    800's sit 'light' on my head and after a while they are hardly noticed at all.
    Tight clamping force would detract from them seemingly disappearing while in use.

    JJ
     
  15. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

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    HD800 doesn't rely on clamp too much and earpads will touch only when extended. I you push them in you'll have an inch of space between them. I'd say - don't sweat it too much.
     
  16. Dino

    Dino Friend

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  17. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    Yes it does look normal depending upon how far the headband has been lengthened.

    JJ
     
  18. HappyMonkey

    HappyMonkey Acquaintance

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  19. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    It has been bugging me that @The Alchemist has been having a problem with his HD800 being to loose for comfort. He first posted about it in 2015 and afaik is still putting up with that. I don't know if he has a box (he got his HD800 used) in which to try @Serious solution.
    There is also this suggested solution: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...he-hd800-hd800s-thread.206/page-19#post-20924 but @The Alchemist posted "I dunno if that will work or not. I'm just a little nervous about breaking the plastic ear cup sliders or bending the metal too much by accident - but the way they are so loose, I need to do something."

    That method seems like it would be worth a try, especially if one started out with gentle pressure and slowly increased pressure if it was getting results. But they are not my headphones...

    I found this post on Head-Fi and wondered if anyone knows if this is accurate/worth a try:

    "You guys do know the HD800's headband design is somewhat modular? The padded section is a single piece that clicks in place and can be easily removed. This will expose the metal band and the adjustment mechanism on the underside. You can address any clamp issues by removing the padding and then gently bending the metal frame to your preference. You can also tweak the adjustment mechanism if it's too loose or tight. This is a little finicky as you'll need to adjust a small plate that holds the small ball bearing that locks the fit on the corresponding line. Fiddly, but simple."

    (From my searching, it looks like stretched out HD800 headband's are not common.)
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2017
  20. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    That's really useful - the headband clamp on my pair is good but the clicks on the adjustment mechanism are a bit loose. So I will give this a go and see what happens.
     

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