CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Lobby => Headphone Measurements => Topic started by: Solderdude on May 15, 2013, 03:38:48 PM
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Although most pirates would probably not touch the cheap Superlux HD681 headphones with a 10 feet pole while walking the plank they might be enjoyable for some pirates after the much needed modifications. p;)
When I have secured the new HD681-EVO this data will be added.
mods here:
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?w6mbyhb46tmcvyy
Stock HD681 versus the modified version (the before and after shot of the right channel driver):
(http://diyaudioheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/hdcomp.png?w=614)
CSD's and more background info is in the pdf.
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Cool! I might try whipping up a filter for my red HD681. I'm guessing that an external filter will perform almost equally well, yes?
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yes it will perform equally well and perhaps even better.
You can even use better quality components as size is no restriction any more ;).
Think of film type capacitors and higher current inductors.
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Btw, forgive my ignorance- how would this tweak differ from say, an eq adjustment done in digital domain?
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Digital EQ can be much more accurate but you can only use the headphone (corrected that is) with that EQ in place so are bound to a PC/laptop/tablet in most cases.
That same EQ will not always be available on other portable or stationary equipment.
A modified headphone (or one with an external filter) will always be 'corrected' even on a simple DAP like a Sansa or iPod.
Ease of use is thus the greatest benefit.
I for one cannot listen for long to a non-corrected HD681.
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My fondness for cheap headphones that can easily be posueded with some modifications to perform far above it's price point has been one of my major reasons to play with headphones.
The Superlux HD681-EVO may NOT be of interest to many pirates because of it's reputation and price point BUT it can be changed into a great sounding headphone.
How this was done can be read here:
http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf
I hope it is of use to at least a few pirates that don't mind picking up their soldering iron.
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That is an awesome improvement in FR
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Superlux has made some small changes to the new HD681-EVO that is only just a few months on the market.
It's not real pirate material but for someone starting in this hobby and willing to modify it the end result may be quite rewarding.
I had to revise the article I wrote so for those interested in a very cheap headphone that can easily be modified to outperform quite a few more expensive headphones should have a read (again) it now comes with velour pads and still costs the same.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf
Hate the cable though as it is quite microphonic. :-[
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Dude, you are the original tinkerer. :)p5 I've been paying attention to you and your projects here and there since your Indeed G2 project at the Rock Grotto. This is another impressive job.
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He's a 'bleedin' genius!! :)p2
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Here is the plot for another great sounding cheapy
Are those the modded HD681-EVOs (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,977.msg25111.html#msg25111)? Pretty cool!
Yes, but with another mod as described there (rewriting the article but awaiting other Chinese pads as well).
I stumbled upon badly performing pads of fleabay and they reduce the bass by 14dB which is just what the doctor ordered for these headphones.
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Merged here from here (http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1203.msg33388.html#msg33388).
(http://diyaudioheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/evo-chinese-pads.png?w=1046)
Great results SD! Please update when you get the pads...
Also, have you seen any product variations with the EVOs?
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have you seen any product variations with the EVOs?
Not as big as with the 'original' HD681 (but have seen over 10 of those)
I only had 1 'early' HD681-EVO and a 'newer' HD681-EVO to play with.
Results and differences are in the pdf (http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf (http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf))
I have not incorporated these new measurements with the Chines pads yet.
There is also an error in the file (2 pictures and text mixed up) which will be corrected.
Hope to have some time for it next week.
I did write a pdf about different pads on the HD681 and it also contains plots of the EVO so gives sort-of a small preview.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/koa39yf38n9p13h/HD681_pad_measurements.pdf (http://www.mediafire.com/view/koa39yf38n9p13h/HD681_pad_measurements.pdf)
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The Evo reminds me of the AKG Sextett's in design. Good looking headphone there...
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(http://diyaudioheaven.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/evo-chinese-pads.png?w=1046)
Great results SD! Please update when you get the pads...
I have updated the HD681-EVO article with the mods to get this FR.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf (http://www.mediafire.com/view/av6k1rhkv5lwol6/Superlux_HD681_EVO.pdf)
Where to order the pads and what other mods to do is on the last page.
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Tack kompis!!!
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You mean...
Bedankt maatje ! :)p13 :)p8
Had to google it ... Appreciate the gesture though
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I thought you where Swedish! Sorry :-[
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I'm trying to source this headphone ASAP :D
Once, again - thanks much solderdude!
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I assume you are looking for the EVO version
In Europe Thomann.de is the easiest source.
http://www.thomann.de (http://www.thomann.de)
Also fleabay has some.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Superlux-HD-681-EVO-Black-Professional-Monitor-Headphones-/161178227632?pt=US_DJ_Monitoring_Headphones&hash=item2586f893b0 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Superlux-HD-681-EVO-Black-Professional-Monitor-Headphones-/161178227632?pt=US_DJ_Monitoring_Headphones&hash=item2586f893b0)
In USA:
http://avlex.com/products/hd-681evo/ (http://avlex.com/products/hd-681evo/)
I bought a square of 3mm thick woolfelt and plan to check if this has similar properties that could save the money for the EVO.
The EVO with fleabay pads and a highs filter also isn't a bad thing.
It seems Wang Yifei picked up on my HD681EVO article and offers pads for them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Velour-Velvet-Ear-Pads-Cushion-For-Superlux-HD681EVO-HD-681-EVO-Headphones-/261361959717?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item3cda630325 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Velour-Velvet-Ear-Pads-Cushion-For-Superlux-HD681EVO-HD-681-EVO-Headphones-/261361959717?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item3cda630325)
These are the same ones mentioned in the article
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A bit of padding and softer ear pads have a surprising amount of effect.
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So, this should explain why I prefer my brighter and bass lighter VSD3S over my HD681 Evo for rock.
Fortunatly I've already ordered the cheap earpads from ebay (for my sister' HD681, anyway it'll be mine now)
Really thanks for this mods tips, more people should take a look on it :)p1