Need help with used hd800

I just recently attained a pair of used hd800 off of eBay only to discover after arrival that they have previously been modded.

There is gray felt around driver and on trapezoid.

I tried them with SW calibration and the difference when A/B'ing is absurd.
When I turn the calibration off, the sibilance is becomes unlistenable.

However, since they are modded - the calibration is likely not as accurate as it would be otherwise so I am stuck between a rock and a hard place:

I'm forces to Use calibration plugin with mod and suffer the fate of not knowing how they are potentially interfering with one another because withouT it, the sibilance is unbearable. However, I'm told that mod and Sonarworks calibration are incompatible with hd800 and the mod WILL interfere with attaining flattest response possible for mixing.

I'm thinking of possibly just returning them. Can anyone think of any other options?

I'm Running through an auditor and a modi 2

 

Do you like what you are hearing?
Is the music involving and does it capture your attention?

JJ

 

If you are capable of installing sonarworks - your are just as capable of peeling off a couple small pieces of felt. The felt helps with cup reflections - this is something sonarworks can not do. Many of us have swapped the felt for cork these days and still run sonarworks.

 

If the eBay listing didn't mention they were modded, I would send back for a full refund since you are unhappy with the mod. If the seller refuses just file a PayPal claim.

Plenty of other used 800s pop up all the time at great prices.

 

The sibilance is probably why the previous owner did the mod.

I know it's why I did. Can't say it made a huge difference.

Can't you just peel the the felt out?

 

Felt seemed pretty well adhered. Actually, the SonarWorks calibration profile curatively addressed the sibilance for me: they now sound great afai can tell. Felt+SonarWorks fwiw. Maybe I should get some cork. Thanks for putting up with my thread y'all