Verum Audio - Exciting high performance DIY planar

True!

But... it could also be that the back panels are too hard to be pried off... I remember @purr1n mentioned there were 2 layers of felt back the driver and removing one of them made the sound a bit warmer. I just couldn't open the back...

 

Grills are removable rather easy, they're 9n double sided tape. But GOOD tape heat a little and remove easy, but I don't advice to do that. Yep, 1 or 2 layers of felt is a matter of preference, though with 2 layers headphones are closer to neutrality.
But common, this not a mod.

 

What does 1 layer sound like? Purrin mentioned 1 layer brings up the mid and lowers the treble, which sounds more neutral to me.

 

The most significant effect I personally noticed is the improved sense of openness, the better airflow. Me and my girlfriend both find Verum to sound a bit too "choked" with two layers. Haven't measured for it but pad swapping is much more effective if you are after frequency response alteration IMHO.

 

Agreed. Said the same thing to Garuspik about the lack of openness when the mk1 came out. I will take out one layer too then.

I already have quite a lof of pads to try out with the Verum.

 

Also 2 layers of felt decrease bass impact. Anyway , difference is much less significant in comparison with pads rolling.

 

As you wish, but please be careful not to scratch paint on cup. Also please post your feedback after you do this. As you all know - your suggestions important for my further improvement.

 

To complete the picture from my perspective (as a feedback): While I do prefer to use a single layer of felt to achieve better airflow, there is a consequence of the headphone sounding a bit less "compact" or perhaps "full" that way. Headstage subjectively gets a bit wider, every instrument/sound has a little bit more "space to breathe". This might, again subjectively speaking, lighten up the sound somewhat which might not always be a desirable effect. I am probably not describing something extraordinary, as this all seems to be a logical result of the removed felt layer (altered airflow/pressure levels).

I personally compensated for the above by using the Ether angled pads. The angling helps to make the headstage a bit more natural/round/compact (less width, more depth).

Disclaimer: I am using "a bit" a lot to highlight the fact we are talking about appreciable but subtle differences. Would only recommend to dive deep into this stuff in case you plan to stick with Verum 1 in the long-term. For frequent gear cyclers, none of this probably matters.

 

Thanks, very helpful. You know - subtle difference here, subtle there, fix that etc and here we have a new level of product without rise of self-cost and price.

 

I did my "one layer mod", and I fully agree with @Magnetostatic_Tubephile

The sound is a bit more "planar-like" now: the bass is slightly heavier and the sound feels a little more separated. And I get why @Garuspik chose to use 2 layers of felt instead of 1: Verum 1 sounds really "dynamic-like", and 2 layers of felt emphasized that sound signature.

I'm using ZMF Eikon leather pads, with a layer of tp for damping, so YMMV.

But I wouldn't recommend anyone to do this mod, as the grills of mines are now deformed... Maybe you can do it much better but it might not worth it still. As @Garuspik mentioned, pads rolling is much more efficient.

And I didn't like the sound without the grill and felt, it felt muffled and the bass was a bit too bloated.

 

Deformed grill is not a problem - it's an aluminium. So bend it manually to flat condition and glue with another double sided tape.
So now we both agree that the only decent mod of Verum without pros and cons is to glue something on magnets to block reflections.

 

Just registered this forum to catch up with the discussion here . It is so good to hear the production is getting better. Waiting for my April order now. good job Garuspik!

 

EDIT: Issue is being resolved, didn't mean to spam the thread with wall of text. Apologies. Cable is the issue, not headphone most likely.

 

You're trying to reach me at every way you can at the same time? Kickstarter/email/sbaf etc?
Your unit can't have channel imbalance. Try another cable.

 

Sincere apologies. I was impulsive and worried about having to send them all the way back for repair and was anxious for a reply. I believe the issue is just a cable, I'll try another one. Again, sorry. Cable jack is bent on one side causing sound to cut out. Doesnt seem to be any headphone issue.

 

Cable is the only chineze made part in Verum 1 package. Check cable, if it's a problem with it - i'll send you another one.

 

Yeah, the cable jack is bent on one side, you can see it here in this picture:https://imgur.com/a/imjdu61
I reckon I need a new one. This one causes the sound to cut out at random times on the right side.

EDIT: Some impression.
Wow, the bass slams quite hard and is pretty quick and defined. Despite looking bass light on a graph, I find no reason to put a high shelf filter on the bass. Really good for EDM. Soundstage is not super wide but not super narrow. I don't find it sounding like an arena, but its not right in front of my face.

Treble is smooth, if a bit dark at times, which is easily fixed with EQ if it bothers you. They don't leak a ton which is nice, at moderate volumes they aren't super audible throughout a room. Cannot comment on imaging yet as I need more time to develop my impressions.

These are simply first day impressions. I may post more in the following weeks as I analyze these more. I'm actually really impressed with the build quality of these, they are quite solid feeling in the hand despite being handmade. They weigh 500 grams or so, so far the weight is not a big issue for me.\

EDIT 2: As per request, my chain is Atom AMP into Grace SDAC. Nothing special, but I really enjoy it. Spotify is my streaming of choice.

 

Yes please. After you'll live a bit with them share your impressions. I always like to hear feedback. Also, please, when you'll post your feedback please post your chain.

p.s. Your unit, as all mk2 weight ~ 460 grams.

 

Ahh, I probably measured it with my ZMF pads on it. My bad. They probably increase weight a bit. I've been a/bing between these stock solid angled pads and my ZMF Universe Perforated Suede. Both are very good, don't have impressions for the uni pads yet but hopefully after more testing I'll have impressions on how they compare.

EDIT: Does anyone know if Verum uses 2.5mm or 3.5mm dual connection now? Its hard to tell visually. It seems like 3.5mm

 

Current production are 3.5mm. If in doubt try comparing other jacks to it. Size differences should be fairly obvious.