SuperBAF HD800 mod (formerly BTAmod)

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

  1. koseph_jony

    koseph_jony New

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    thank you for the reply. i was going off the post regarding the goals of the mod on page 5. what's problematic about my treble issue is that it is only noticeable in one of my ears. i am also using sonarworks which has given me a much more pleasing sound overall, but at times that peak still shines.

    i've got the SDR mod. my dust covers off. magni 2u/modi2u as amp and dac. i've heard the new multibit model might help some. looks like the cork mod is something you have to do on your own and not sold anywhere.

    i'll give the TP trick a go and see what happens. again, real annoying at times since it's only in one ear. the other ear sounds wonderful!

    much appreciated for all the input.
     
  2. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I'm feeling like the rug mod may have narrowed the sound stage a bit, or a lot. Anyone else hear that? Sort dulls the sound down a bit, maybe too much for my tastes.
     
  3. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    For the treble peak definitely add a simple cork cutout from the original Anax mod (found on Innerfidelity). The liner mods are really more of a midrange, overall tonal balance mod than helping you with the treble spike. It's very strange though that it's one ear, perhaps check if you've placed the SDR properly, @sorrodje wrote an extensive guide on how to place it, it might have something to do with that.

    @AllanMarcus this was exactly my problem. http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...800-mod-formerly-btamod.254/page-9#post-63487 my cutout might fix that problem for you. It addresses the same things as the SBAF mod but simply with more air.

    After months and months of material chasing and going after the perfect mod I've found piece in SDR + SBAF (with my own cutout) and just a bit of cork around the ring to work best for my needs (including blind testing with a friend's HD800 with different mods to see what we like most without being biased, interesting topic actually haha).
     
  4. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    very interesting. anyone else find the SBAF original cutout makes the sound too closed in?

    maybe Im way off, but the small cutout Jun and Skiring seem to prefer would only treat the first reflections points. if there is such a thing as first reflection points in the hd800 cup.

    bringing the rug close to the driver would only be useful for secondary reflection which are not problematic... maybe im way wrong about that though lol
     
  5. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Although we didn't feel need to blind test whatever noted changes,
    I did similar with a friend hd800.

    We would keep one HD800 with whatever mods were unanimously agreed,
    and then used the other to experiment and then compare to first.

    If change was improvement we added it to first set.

    Was fun but too much trouble.
    Anyways,
    Definitely an advantage to having an extra can.
     
  6. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    I have borrowed a friends HD800 which I am also modding for him with SuperBAF and SRD. How do you re-install dust covers with SuperBAF in place? There doesn't seem to be enough room behind the pad to get it seated correctly...
     
  7. ibzrg1570

    ibzrg1570 Facebook Friend

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    I removed the pads, installed the dust covers, then replaced the pads.
     
  8. pedalhead

    pedalhead Friend

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    Personally I don't find the dust covers necessary with the SBAF mod, but when I tried it was possible to shove them in with the pads on, albeit with a slightly imperfect/creased fit. Just had to tuck the edges of the dust cover well under the pads. I also tried putting pads on last and that was a nightmare fail. From different methods expressed here, clearly ymmv :).
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2017
  9. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    Thanks @Serious, I was able to get hold of SBAF material.

    I made the cutout more then a third smaller then the original so that the metal ring is uncovered by the SBAF.

    After a couple of days, I can say the HD800 seems less bright and is less fatiguing. I can listen at higher volume without getting tired!

    the treble is still too bright but no longer untolerable! I also feel the midrange gains in focus, its bit less recessed which make the sound more dynamic.
     
  10. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    ive been living with the hd800 + sbaf for a week and im blown away

    the harshness have disapear. i cannot believe how smooth the hd800 modified sound. Im searching for harshness but its gone. completely gone!!!

    SBAF remove harshness, fatigue and make the hd800 sound lush. its not even clinical sounding, i find it very relaxing where as before with only the SDR mod it was still a bit over harsh

    Ive cut the cut out by half as i found that the original size made the sound a little soft.
     
  11. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    The site linked no longer seems to list the right material- any hints on alternatives (esp from people who bought it in Europe)?
     
  12. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    If you need some just give me a heads up, I have a huge amount I purchased and I've so far shipped to people here and Discord. Just Pm me and we will arrange something mate.
     
  13. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Hey, thanks for the response! I think @Serious is going to sort me out, but I really appreciate the offer.
     
  14. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    I'm not sure what improvements or changes you guys made but, I got a chance to hear a @Bill-P modded HD 800 at the meet I attended over the weekend. I was really quite floored by it! It was extraordinary sounding, tactility was similar to my HE 4, bass wasn't as taut, but EVERYTHING else about it was much better! The sound stage was amazing, the mid tone was phenomenal and I found that I enjoyed it MUCH more than I do the Elear... frankly. Only wish I had taken a picture of it
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2017
  15. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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  16. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    @SKiring how do you hold your smaller cutout in place? i.e., what stops it flopping off the inside of the cup?
     
  17. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    Well the way I've "designed" them is that they fit perfectly around the mesh. If you add the cork trapezoid to the equation that helps as well.

    Most importantly however you can always just use double sided sticky tape. I've got a batch that I used when I was experimenting with mods and it doesn't leave any glue on the mesh when you want to take it off.
     
  18. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    I also use a smaller cut out and surprsingly, unless I dont throw my hd800 around, they hold it place quite well once well installed

    again, I cannot recommend more this mod. even with the SDR mod, the HD800 are harsh imho. with the SBAF mod, I cannot find any harshness and I almost have to admit that im grabbing more often the hd800 over my Utopia. the utopia are just so much fun and just wowness-fun-thrilling, but the hd800 SBAF + SDR is just as valid.
     
  19. pkwak

    pkwak New

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    Hello, does anyone have extra material left over please?
     
  20. Jerry

    Jerry Friend

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