I made a hyper-engaging headphone with HD800S drivers

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by Bill-P, Mar 1, 2020.

  1. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    Two words: looks dope.
     
  2. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

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    @Bill-P , which version of the HP did I just hear not long ago? V5?

    Whatever it was, it is time to send it around and see what people think!
     
  3. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Yeah, this version should now be with @brencho.

    I kinda lost track of which revision number this is... but it's fundamentally the same thing, I just kept trying different things until it started to sound decent to my ears. I don't even have measurements at this point so it's mostly a subjective tuning. Haha
     
  4. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Quick update!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Still gotta tweak some more parameters but yeah... this is what I've worked on for months. This is a new mount. No longer snap-on. The rear piece still needs to be tweaked but it can be screwed-in.

    Also, using the Sennheiser headband makes this project far more... reasonable price-wise. HD650 headbands can be bought at... not too crazy a price. So far Brainwavz pads can fit. I'm not sure what else can but the new capsule is a lot smaller than the old ones and so a lot more pads should fit.

    Size difference compared to HD650 capsule:

    [​IMG]

    It looks a bit more pronounced due to distance. If I take off the ear pads, they are more comparable. Brainwavz pads are much thicker compared to stock HD600/650 ear pads.

    ...to be continued!
     
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  5. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    This is deserving a lot more than a mere thumbs up. I really like how you are improving this project but a few questions, what is the planned distance from the driver to the ear? Do you already established a distance or still tweaking?
     
  6. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Still tweaking, but the distance to ear is entirely dependent on the ear pads used. I've tried to make the driver as close to the baffle as possible, but the design of the HD800 driver makes it so that there has to at least be some small distance.
     
  7. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    The more I look at what you did, the more I like it.
     
  8. spoony

    spoony Spooky

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    Who is 'I'?
     
  9. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Then I think you'll be ecstatic to see that I actually made it work as a proof of concept!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    So... since then: @CEE TEE has heard the first iteration and provided feedbacks. I have taken those feedbacks and retuned the headphone. I'm not sure where it stands now so I won't post measurements or anything yet.

    I'm waiting for screws to come in to see if they have the size that I need. If everything works out, here's how I can help Friends who want to have a crack at this: just PM me your name, address, pay me shipping (material cost is whatever...), and I'll ship out spare capsules with screws that you can try and make your own headphones with!

    Please note: limited to Friends only. And no, I'm not selling these prints. I'm just trying to help out kindred DIY friends!
     
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  10. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Spares are printed and ready now. Also screws work!

    [​IMG]

    I've prepared about 5 of these kits. Each will contain: 1 pair of standard capsules, 1 pair of capsules with 4 pressure relief holes (this is something I tried that seems to work well), 8 screws.

    Each kit should allow any budding DIYer to make at least one headphone with HD800/S drivers. Again, please let me know your name, address, and pay for shipping, and these are all yours!

    I can't wait to see what everyone will make with these capsules!

    P.S.: @Hands will also receive one of these kits. I have promised him these for so long...
     
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  11. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Do I need HD800 drivers to be allowed a kit or can I use for any driver of suitable dimension? What are the HD800 driver dimensions? Can I order HD800 drivers from Sennheiser? Are there good reproductions at Alibaba?
     
  12. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Good questions!

    1. No, you don't need HD800 drivers. Thing is... I made the current mount to specifically fit HD800 drivers so you may need to pad... with something, in order to fit other smaller drivers. I'd think 50/53mm drivers should fit without any issue.

    2. You can buy HD800 drivers from audiosanctuary.co.uk. They are an official reseller as far as I know. Also, they sell HD650 headband as well, and these are a perfect fit for that headband.

    3. I only have rough measurements of the HD800 drivers and... it really depends on which section of the drivers we are talking about because there's the front grille/mesh part that has a lip (so the lips are slightly wider than my design). Let's just say the opening of the capsule thing that I made is around 60mm.

    4. I haven't been able to find any good replacement for the HD800 drivers, but if you do, please let me know!

    Also, there's really no... "allowance" per se. The only limitation I set was with regards to the Friend status. It's really just so that people will consider sticking around and getting to know us and this community before they jump into this project. There is a wealth of information here for everyone to take in, and I personally think that this treasure trove of knowledge on measurements, headphone data, etc... will help everyone a lot with this project and many others.

    I kept saying it: I would love to see what everyone makes when they are given the opportunity and tools to make their own headphones. So this is why I'm doing this. Hopefully Friends who will receive a kit will report back once they are satisfied with what they have made! (but again, please don't take that as a "requirement", I'm not really requiring that. Hehe)

    As an aside...
    [​IMG]

    I'm continuing to print more so I have a ton of spares now. Most of this is just me learning about my new printer and trying to dial in the right settings for optimal precision and quality, but also, along the way, I have spares that I can send out to everyone to try!

    Also, found the right screws. I have at least 500 of the them now, with more to come. That should be more than enough for at least 50 kits! So please don't hesitate to message me about a kit if you're interested!

    P.S.: oh, and I also have black filament and I'll start printing black capsules soon once the gray one runs out, so... if you would prefer to have black capsules instead of gray, please also let me know in message!
     
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    Last edited: Dec 18, 2021
  13. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    HD600 headband
    HD800 drivers

    Parts cost in total probably around $500 so long as you dont get crazy with pads or cables.

    Is this $500 good? Ive never heard an HD800 before. HD6XX bass I found underwhelming. And HD600 too little bass. Mids and highs were exceptional. If this fixes bass I cant think of another headphone outside maybe a b-stock LCD2C that Id want more for $500. Would have go up go to atleast $700 for a used TH900 mk1 to possibly upgrade again. Perhaps an RS2x at $550 but jury is still out (waiting for @Marvey review).
     
  14. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    As far as alternate drivers I probably would try one of the Foster style drivers available on Alibaba. A pair would be $50-100 depending. They come in 50-53mm cases. Peerless Tymphany have been out of stock for awhile so not an option.
     
  15. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Marv may be a bit busy now so... I'll send a headphone over to him once we're past the Christmas season. It's just so he can properly enjoy the holidays without having to worry about headphones or anything else!

    Also, yeah... I won't try to state or say anything else on how these sound. You should, again, try to see what you can make. I'll be happy to point out some things you can try but I'd also hate to influence people into making the same headphone that I did. Everyone should try and pursue their own sound with this project.
     
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  16. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Please-oh-please can we see if a JAR/Bill-P HD69000 mash-up would work??
     
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  17. driftingbunnies

    driftingbunnies New

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    Looks pretty fun, I'll be watching the thread in case you open it up to others :)
     
  18. spoony

    spoony Spooky

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    I'd wager increased stiffness and mass loading can be built into the original design instead of being a two-part process.
     
  19. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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  20. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    The name's Rob, iFi's spokesperson on various forums for some eight years or so ;)
     

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