HiFiman HE1000 MODS

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by Maxx134, Apr 27, 2016.

?

Is the HE1000 signature too laid back?

  1. Yes

    8 vote(s)
    21.1%
  2. Maybe a bit

    18 vote(s)
    47.4%
  3. Nope

    12 vote(s)
    31.6%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. zolkis

    zolkis Acquaintance

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    By wider stripes I meant allowing them to stay between the grill bars without needing adhesive layer. Self-adhesive layers block air flow almost completely, and from that point on the felt structure doesn't matter as much as the glue-felt transition layer.
     
  2. zolkis

    zolkis Acquaintance

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    I also wonder whether the break-effect on dynamics may be (partially) caused by the pads, but I'd need to listen to the HE1000 without pads to tell that, and I don't have them any more. It's also hard to test other pads because the special size and form factor. Perhaps one could try tuning the (replacement) pads and see how far it can go.

    However, since Fang said they are working hard on making the HE1000 successor better, I will leave that to them.

    Anyway the HE1000 is definitely among the headphones I'd be interested tuning as well, as I can imagine I could really like them once the bugs are ironed out (something I cannot say about Audeze up to the 3s). Your mod seems to be not only easy, but such a non-intruding mod that it ought to be tried by as many owners as possible.
     
  3. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Read my last comments on 1st post because the idea of blocking is part of the mod
     
  4. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    They are already wide enough to be stuck between the shiny outer grill bars,
    but doing so reduces the effectiveness ..
    They need to be up against the Black Mesh close to the driver.
     
  5. pavement714

    pavement714 New

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    Going to get my felt strips today and try this mod out! Will post my findings later.
     
  6. pavement714

    pavement714 New

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    Ok, here's my initial impressions about this mod.

    Caveats: I have been into headphones/high-end gear for a couple years now but I am by no means an expert. I am not an engineer-type. Previously I removed the cloth on the grill of my 400i, but I am not comfortable opening up my headphones. With that said, this mod was incredibly easy. I would've taken pictures of the mod but if you use black felt it really is quite hard to notice. I can later though upon request.

    Listening Impressions:

    HOLY COW!

    Do you want the perfect version of the HD800? The detail of the HD800 with planar sound? This headphone is now it. (This will not be an argument about pricing for either).

    Any notion of a "hazy" "slow" "soft" character to those headphones is absolutely eliminated by changing the damping. Though I also believe using my Norne Zoetic cable also adds to dispelling the 'soft' accusation -- really think the stock cable hinders the HE1000 somewhat.

    But I must say, the mod is not inherently better to stock -- just different in a very fun way.

    The stock presentation of the soundstage and detail with the HE1000, to me, is that of the best seat in the house at a concert hall.

    This mod takes that and puts you right up next to the instruments.

    Sometimes I miss the "relaxed" presentation of the stock version and its more laid-back presentation of micro details (thought there still there) and room ambiance. But overall this mod makes these headphones incredibly exciting and involving. So really it's a choice between two awesome presentations.

    I am experimenting with whether Tyll's EQ is now necessary or not. Currently I am using his bass bump but not the taming of the treble peak, and I'm not hearing any harsh or overpowering treble/bass. Just really impactful and involving.

    So yeah, if you are a HE1000 owner I absolutely think this mod is worth a try. I actually think these headphones are underrated in a way. But that's it from me for now -- going back to listening :headbang:
     
  7. ohhgourami

    ohhgourami Friend

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    How does this affect the soundstage? My experience with HFM stuff is that putting stuff behind the driver decreases the soundstage. I remember being very displeased with the softness that I removed the grill hoping it would let the driver be more free. I was very very tempted in removing the window screen too but Fang made it very hard for me to do it unnoticed.
     
  8. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    My very general recommendations for HFM mods: remove everything from the back, add really light somethings in front, seal the pads.
     
  9. jerg

    jerg Friend

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    Tried something similar last night, where I cut out a piece of rug liner that fits under the grills and tucked them in.

    http://i.imgur.com/0kcXBFi.jpg

    It decreases the soundstage breadth, but not in too harmful of a way. Centerstage is more focused now, and I get a better physical sense of 3D space size. With the grills wide open stock, the soundstage is often infinitely far and out.

    The tonal change is more welcome than not. It does bring the upper mids forward which is desirable to me, because it makes the signature more gripping especially with vocals. I'm not too sure but bass feels a bit less clean though.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2016
  10. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Excellent work Jerg.
    :)
    The strips were an effective preliminary test ,
    But this is this is what I'm talking about,
    for next more real mod.

    This material is actually perfect for the job.
    I will try this next as I have a few different ones.
    :)
     
  11. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Unfortunately that will not work with the last headphones from HiFiMan (HEK & HEX)..
     
  12. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    I was initially going to use just Other fabric,
    As sonically transparent, so can load the rear with air pressure.

    But your suggestion of material I actually have seen used before,
    And perfect for the task.
    So I will try some combinations.

    The question is how much will it affect driver,
    as the area directly behind driver is most sensitive.

    Glad we getting some experienced modders to notice.

    Edit *
    And your results sound very promising.
    :)
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2016
  13. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Jerg,
    Your on the right track.
    Stock HE1K is infinity stretched without mod.

    I am now using a different black shelf liner with slightly larger square shaped holes.
    I believe I have achieved a perfect neutrality,
    making two differently modded HD800 sound forward in comparison.
    So far this is the best I have heard the. HE1K,
    So I am basically verifying there is definite progress.
    The only issue is the skill level required,
    And due to driver variance one material may not be solution for all.
    There will need to be tried other shelf liners.

    I will post pocs and findings soon on first page.
     
  14. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    Update:
    although the black material suggested by Jerg was an excellent alternative,

    I found it it reduced Sound Stage somewhat and the "presence" or "air" was still not at the level of the hd800 ..

    I have since modded it to another level that I found finally achieved what I wanted.

    A liveliness,
    A loss of laid-back signature
    A highly detailed sound to HD800 level
    And preserving soundstage more than black material,
    Making it similar or better in stage to 800!!

    I will update after more testing to make sure it is as good as my moded HD800..

    Suffice to say detailing is enhanced while preserving most Soundstage.
    :)
    :)
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2016
  15. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    I must add a warning to first post.
    Upon opening the headphone you will encounter :

    1- A socket that must be place back the same way..

    2- Fragile wiring that can break off ..

    3- A thin membrane diaphragm which must be carefully handled and not touched. .

    4- case screws that must not be over tightened.

    5- lastly, fear that you will be voiding your warranty haha..
     
  16. pavement714

    pavement714 New

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    Unless you totally disown your original mod, I'll stick with that one as it requires no opening/voiding of warranty haha. Really enjoyed what it did to my HEK. Thanks!
     
  17. Benny-x

    Benny-x New

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    So here are you referring to them taking about making the supposed new pads better or making a straight up, while new headphone successor better? I hope it's the pads.

    1. This is that 3.5mm mono socket, yes? In your opinion, how many mm are between the outer edge of the frame and what the space for that socket cut out area ends?

    I ask because I want to replace those mono sockets with locking, 3pin mini XLR male sockets. I like locking sockets, but also because I want common cables across all my headphones.

    2. That fragile wiring, how easy does it look to desolder and replace? It looked pretty terrible in the disection pics ohhhhhrugami posted like a year ago, and I've got some extra 24awg Mundorf Silver/Gold wire that would do good there I think. Then what about the wire routing, is that hard to put back into place? There's no groove for it or anything to keep it positioned, is there?

    Thanks for the mod work, my pair should get here in a week or two.

    PS.
    What are your guys' thoughts on the HE-6 Bluetack mod here? This mod seems universally useful to me.
     
  18. Benny-x

    Benny-x New

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    Any ideas for the above? Apprecaite any help with this as my new HE1K arrive next week.
     
  19. Maxx134

    Maxx134 Dunning–Kruger effect poster boy

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    If they make new pads it would be for larger ears and not directly give you better sound as the unit is already expansive in Soundstage.
    It possible they may place different inner lining which may help.
    This is all speculation until they come out with something.


    Bluetack mod a bit irrelevant as the driver is sandwiched tightly between two nice foams.

    Replacing sockets will not be easy as the hole is actually a separate metal piece,
    And taking that out would leave a larger square hole.

    Refer to the disassembly thread.
     
  20. Benny-x

    Benny-x New

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    Thanks Max. I'll trudge on ahead and see where I get.
     

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