SuperBAF HD800 mod (formerly BTAmod)

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by zerodeefex, Oct 15, 2015.

  1. Andy

    Andy New

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    Hi guys,

    I'm decided to purchase a pair of HD800 to listen to Jazz and Classical music.
    First of all, can I just say that your dedication and curiosity for the perfect sound blew my mind, I'd never have thought these mods would exist. Wow, thanks for all your hard work.

    After some research, I've become a little confused about all the mods that exist, so please correct me if my learnings are untrue.
    1. There're two types of mods that exist currently: this SuperBAF mod and the SuperDupont Resonator mod.
    2. These mods are designed to tame the peak at 6k and smooth out the sound.

    So my question is, are these mods interchangeable? (I'd pick SuperBAF mod if it is the case, since I don't want to tamper with the black mesh covering the "hole" that is required to be removed for the SuperDupont mod).

    Thanks!

    Add on question: Currently I own a pair of Shure SE846s and HD800 (omg I can't wait), I think they'll make a good combination since one is more "fun sounding" and another is analytical. I also ordered the Chord Mojo for the portability. Do you think the Chord Mojo is adequate for the HD800? I'm still willing to spend about A$500 more than my current spending to improve the sound. (I could return the Mojo for A$900, so A$1400 total budget for a potentially better DAC/AMP).
     
  2. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    First things first. Rule number one, if you're new here, start by introducing yourself in this thread before you go around asking questions.
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/new-members-introduce-yourself.17/

    To answer your questions,

    What you understood about these mods do are correct.
    To be more specific, the SuperBAF mod smooths out the sound overall while the SuperDupont resonator tame the 6-7K peak.

    Both mods can be applied to your HD800 at the same time, so I wouldn't use the term interchangeable here. I recommend applying both for the best of both worlds, however others may have a different opinion on this. I personally use an HD800S with SuperBAF mod.

    Lastly, Chord Mojo is definitely not adequate for HD800. For your budget I'd recommend Valhalla 2, Black Widow or (if you have the DIY skills) Torpedo III. Cancel your order if you can, it's simply not worth it.

    As for DAC, the Schiit Bifrost Multibit (Bifrost Multibit) is good start if you're low on budget. Invest on a good amp first, lest you would have your HD800 sound like shit.
     
  3. Andy

    Andy New

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    Thank you so much for your guidance, and my bad, I'm extremely new to... the concept of forums (as difficult as that is to believe)

    But again, appreciate your response, what about I increase my budget to $3000? which combination would you recommend?
    I heard that the Mjolnir 2 is great for the HD800, perhaps I could get that for now and use the DAC on my DX90 till I save up for a better DAC.
     
  4. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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  5. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Just realized that I have about 4 sets of this material left to give out if any US friends are interested. Let me know
     
  6. GodsInHisHeaven

    GodsInHisHeaven New

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    Thanks songmic for the information, totally confused the threads.
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2016
  7. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Wrong thread bro, the SuperBAF mod discussed here is not the same thing as Sorrodje's resonators.
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    The mods do different things.

    SDR tames 6kHz peak, essentially making an HD800 slightly better than HD800S.

    SuperBAF brings out mids, slightly tames overall treble, and makes headstage less diffuse.

    You can do one or the other or both depending on your preferences.

    Mojo is nice - warm, resolving, if not a little grainy sounding which does not gel well with HD800 since HD800 will accentuate the grain.

    EC Black Widow + cheap DAC like a Schiit AKM4490 based one would be fantastic. Smoother treble, warmth, some bloom, and very good low level information retrieval for solid state. BW may be sold out, but try Vali 2.
     
  9. AMW1011

    AMW1011 Friend

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  10. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Yes, you are looking for the comfort grip one.
     
  11. Jun

    Jun Friend

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    I did the absorber mod and it seemed to make the soundstage feel like I am in an enclosed room so I trimmed that rug liner down and ended up with this.
    [​IMG][​IMG]


    So far it sounds great it does smooth out the treble and the soundstage is coherent, I am thinking about lining the cork triangle piece with foam later on.
     
  12. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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  13. HappyMonkey

    HappyMonkey Acquaintance

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    hi all :) this is my second post here on sbaf i dont want to break any forum rules. I found 2 mods on ebay, anax and superdupont, can i post links here so someone can tell me if those mods are good or not or can i pm someone who can help. Thank You
     
  14. koseph_jony

    koseph_jony New

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    from what i understand, anax has been replaced by the cork mod: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/hd800-cork-mod-interest-check.1275/

    wish he was still selling those, as i haven't been able to muster up the courage to try it myself.

    the superdupont mod is the only mod i have in my HD800 and it made a huge difference. read more about it here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...nt-resonator-summary-and-interest-check.1558/
     
  15. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    Hm. Gonna try this with the HD700 and post subjective impressions.
     
  16. pedalhead

    pedalhead Friend

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    Hi chaps. Is there anyone in UK/EU who's after some of that specific rug liner? I'm thinking of importing some via my family in the 'States (the shop is charging 82 dollars shipping to the UK!). I'll get extra and distribute if there's interest...?
     
  17. TwoEars

    TwoEars Friend

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    @Nanekiu is in Europe and he might still have some material left. You can ask him if he'd be willing to sell you a piece. Might be cheaper overall for you.
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2016
  18. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    Oops, forgot to tell, but I still have a lot of mine left. Got a 2x10ft as that seemed to be the best compromise. I can send you some and a copy of my slightly modified template, just PM me. I'm in Germany. Need to find out how much the shipping will be, but it shouldn't be too expensive.
    I think I can fit about 15 cutouts in 2sqft. If anyone else wants some, I still have plenty left. The material for a pair of cutouts should cost about 0.613$, so take that for what you will. As for my shipping costs, let's just say that I didn't pay 82$.

    EDIT: Realized it costs me about 0.6814$ per pair. I paid 46$ for my 2x10ft liner (not including shipping), which should be enough for 135 single cutouts.
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2016
  19. pedalhead

    pedalhead Friend

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  20. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    Well, it's not pretty (She just looks that way)

    [​IMG]

    EQ settings off, only put it in one side.

    And subjectively... I'll need to EQ my bass up a bit more. I don't have any measurements, but it seems like this turns the HD700s from being a V-shaped headphone to a warm leaning headphone. It makes the bass feel less punchy for sure, but it also makes treble much, much more tolerable. Techn9ne's Speedom goes from being a painfully sibilant song to being much more tolerable. Piano and stringed bass seem to be more present in classical pieces.

    I've only had it in for half an hour, and I lack a measurement rig, but it'd be interesting if someone else could repeat this and see what's going on. I've boosted the low frequency in my EQ and lowered the 6khz spike very, very slightly, and I feel like it's making a difference. Gonna repeat it with the other side now.

    Edit: Oh hey, my mids are sorta back. Nice to see you again! Man, cellos sound... Melancholically, beautifully baleful.
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2016

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