Crack - specific headphone kit?

[Doc B]

Seems like the entry level headphone for Crack listening is something like a used HD600 for maybe $250 used. Would there be any interest in a kit that starts with a very bang for the buck good sounding headphone and modifies it with improved cabling, damping and electrical tweaking to optimize it for the Crack? Price might be in the $100-$150 range, including the headphones. Not saying it will stomp HD600s, but so far I'm pretty happy with our experiments and one nice advantage is the design has a closed back.

 

[denti alligator]

Yes. Would also be cool if it worked well with the Quickie modded for 'phones.

 

[Alonzo]

I'd be interested in a closed back set of phones, that's about my price point for new toys too.

 

[JamieMcC]

Sounds interesting can I pre order? A closed set of cans optimize for the Crack would make a great bedside rig ideal for relaxed late listening.  My other half would be please about less leakage. A Headphone, Crack+Speedball bundle would be nice!

 

[Doc B]

I ordered some parts yesterday that should help me to see just how close I can get to what I have in mind. They should be here next week and we will get a little deeper into the project.

 

[Downhome Upstate]

Could such a kit could be ordered from something like a Chinese menu, say select the version from column "A" (set up for rock-n-roll = more slam), or from Column "B" (optimized for classical listening = genteel slam + greater extension), or maybe from Column "C" (for jazz listening or female vocals = extended dynamic range and a focus on the mids)?

 

[Doc B]

My plan is to develop the design to where it sounds the way I like, and in my experience you really want the same characteristics for all kinds of music. Certainly a person could take whatever we sell and modify it further to taste.

 

[btrancho]

Count me in as interested.  I'd love a closed back alternative to my HD600s.

 

[NightFlight]

Interesting to see what you guys come up with.

 

[pendergast]

I am interested as well!

 

[STURMJ]

I'm in!

 

[M42]

I'm interested as well!

 

[Doc B]

I did some more experimentation regarding this project today, with damping and loading. While I need proud papa syndrome to wear off before I can make a useful comment about the sound, I think we may have something quite viable. Suffice it to say I was head bobbing and found myself putting the experimental cans on in place of HD800s without being terribly let down. The sound is  different, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact there were some things I liked better from the experiment than I was hearing from the 800s. Bear in mind this is specifically with Crack as the source. With Mainline I suspect the 800s would walk away from the experimental cans, as they are being tuned specifically for Crack.

We have a couple of different cable samples on the way and some plugs. That will be the next step in experimentation. There are also some different pads on order.

 

[Evan]

I'd commit to a pre-order. That price range is well within my experimentation budget. I'm all about having fun listening to the music, don't really care if it doesn't measure flat.

 

[butchbass]

I would be interested. I got some Skullcandy headphones for Christmas and they have convinced me that I would like to use headphones but need something better, especially more comfortable.

 

[Doc B]

Got the guys to listen and opine, and did some further comparisons. Current conclusions are that the damping and loading mods really improve the already good bass and help to clean up the midrange so one can hear the decay of notes much more clearly. The top end still needs a bit of help, and the next set of experiments, with cabling, will be done with that in mind.

Whereas the modded cans were different but seemed to present a very favorable impression vs. Hd800s with both playing via crack, hd800s via mainline vs. the new cans on crack shows the 800/mainline combo still rules the roost by a good margin. If I can get the top end opened up a bit on the experimental cans the margin between them should narrow a bit.

 

[keithpgdrb]

I'm a little confused as to how you can tune something specifically for the crack when there are so many variables that result from tube rolling?  I'm interested in this project, but it seems that everyone should have the same tube compliment for this to work.  or at least we need to know what tubes your using Doc!

 

[Paul Birkeland]

I'm a little confused as to how you can tune something specifically for the crack when there are so many variables that result from tube rolling?

Because most of the variables that interplay between an amplifier and speakers/headphones have less to do with the actual tubes used, and a lot more to do with the performance of the amplifier and the demands of the load.

 

[btrancho]

I am most curious to see what headphones are used and how you address the impedance issue.  I'm definitely in for a preorder when available.

 

[Doc B]

When and if the experiment reaches a favorable conclusion we will share the details. Some parts ordering was slightly delayed but we should have parts for the next stage of experiments next week.