E_Schaaf
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E_Schaaf

MOT: E.T.A Headphones, from Staten Island, NY

Pyrate BWC

What are some of your earliest memories regarding noticing good or bad sound quality? Jan 16, 2024

    1. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      NDH20 is kinda a tweaked closed-back Senn 6xx series with better sub-bass. Shared driver DNA. See pics in thread.
      1. Vtory likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        i just meant in terms of the driver. Tuning-wise the Senns are definitely more balanced. But they clearly share DNA.
        Jul 14, 2020
      4. Hrodulf
        Hrodulf
        I'm pretty sure they're made in the same factory as Senn drivers, hence the similar optics and markings. I do wonder why they spec them as 38mm, maybe the surround part of the driver is stamped thicker?
        Jul 14, 2020
      5. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        visually that's the only difference i can see at first glance.
        Jul 14, 2020
    2. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Going on a camping trip for my 26th bday this weekend. Today woke up with pain in my neck and back that won't give up. I'm getting old...
      1. Thad E Ginathom, YMO and Gazny like this.
      2. fraggler
        fraggler
        Aren't you supposed to wake up with pain in your neck and back after the camping trip?
        Jul 14, 2020
        ChaChaRealSmooth and E_Schaaf like this.
    3. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      The mix on the new Thundercat album is a sloshy mess. If you're going for fuzzy lo-fi, at least have some snap in the mids to keep the pace!
    4. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Would you trade an ever-so-slightly rounder transient response and less sub presence for less etch up top and slightly improved mid tone?
      1. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        a tale of front damping: to lessen both the strengths and weaknesses of a response, or accept both greater strengths and greater drawbacks with a naked driver.
        Jul 10, 2020
      2. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        half covering: problem solved
        Jul 10, 2020
      3. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        Yeah...I'll leave the modding to you. I'd pull all my hair out.
        Jul 10, 2020
        zonto and Lyander like this.
    5. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      How often do you get the chills listening to music? It's a unicorn experience for me, but almost every time it happens I get watery eyed.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. k1arg
        k1arg
        Maybe I'm the only one who cries over Gojira's Silvera...
        Jul 9, 2020
      3. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        Nearly every day, which is probably part of why I spend so much time with these headphones.
        Jul 9, 2020
      4. lcmusiclover
        lcmusiclover
        Frequently happens when listening to Gretchen Peters, most often from Auteur and RAD-0
        Jul 13, 2020
    6. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Theta Progeny, colorful and dynamic. A bit dry on top compared to my EAD9000III, but slaps about as hard as the M22B wit more up-front mids.
      1. Scott Kramer likes this.
      2. Scott Kramer
        Scott Kramer
        but: "the front fell off" ;D
        Jul 8, 2020
    7. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Ideas - headphone pads molded to the shape of your head, APEX-like pressure neutralizing membranes for baffles, passive radiators on cups.
      1. Jinxy245 likes this.
    8. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Generous Friends sending me DT880, NDH20, Emu Teak, Verum 1 all for experiments. Love community building this way! Will post all findings
      1. Jinxy245, aamefford, obsiCO and 9 others like this.
      2. monacelli
        monacelli
        I've always been curious about the 600-ohm DT880. Looking forward to your findings!
        Jul 7, 2020
    9. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Went ahead and modded my 2002 HD580. Very old style gold ring drivers. Bass is much clearer than HD600, imaging a bit crisper too. Cool!
      1. Jinxy245, Jerry and dubharmonic like this.
    10. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Tremendous SP303 playing on this tape. Effortlessly emotive use of samples, like a sweeter Dilla. (link below). Can't wait for the tape!
      1. 9suns, FlySweep and Case like this.
      2. E_Schaaf
        Jul 2, 2020
        9suns likes this.
    11. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Kind of itching for a new modding project. Anyone want to send me a pair of AKG / Sony / Audio Technica / Beyers?
      1. Jinxy245 likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. netforce
        netforce
        No worries, it doesn't seem like the AKGs ever have too much space for modding. Got a pair of Audio Technica ESAW9A but it might be the same case, too small to do any mods on it.
        Jul 1, 2020
        E_Schaaf likes this.
      4. DEATHxMACHINE
        DEATHxMACHINE
        Think you can mod the Neumann ndh20?
        Jul 2, 2020
      5. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        @DEATHxMACHINE need to take a look at the guts to know... But I've been eager to hear them
        Jul 2, 2020
    12. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Just ordered another 8 pairs of pads from aliexpress. I'm addicted, and TH900 shows more variation with pads than any other headphone I own.
      1. Jinxy245 and Lyander like this.
      2. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        All different types?
        Jul 1, 2020
        Lyander likes this.
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        of course!
        Jul 1, 2020
    13. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      I resent this modded HD600 for making the midrange of all my other headphones sound fucked up. Also killed a 6xx driver doing a transplant.
      1. Gazny, Jinxy245, zonto and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Melvillian
        Melvillian
        It’s why I went with Harbeths (plus the very small size) for my desk. They remind me of the sennheiser but much Clearer, tighter, and more focused. If you’re not careful they can easily become shouty and annoying.

        But yeah, I never truly enjoyed any headphone as much as my HD650 and HD580.
        Jun 30, 2020
        JK47 likes this.
      4. zonto
        zonto
        @Melvillian, which Harbeth model and what do you power them with?
        Jun 30, 2020
      5. Melvillian
        Melvillian
        I have the P3ESR anniversary edition. Right now I’m using a Hegel H120 and it’s ok, but so far I think it sounds best when I use the H120 as a preamp and power the speakers with the M-22. I’m still hoping to find an integrated that I truly enjoy with the P3ESR. I’m curious about a fully upgraded and restored vintage integrated like the Pioneer 9500MKII
        Jun 30, 2020
        JK47 likes this.
    14. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Transplanted HD600 drivers from black screen housing into silver screen housing. Immediate improvement in microdynamic clarity. hmm...
      1. Lyander, neogeosnk and Inoculator like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        People chase black screens???
        Jun 29, 2020
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Yep, at least over on Head-Fi most black screen impressions focus on positives compared to the silver screen. I had no trouble getting decent money for my black screen version.
        Jun 29, 2020
      5. Lyander
        Lyander
        Part of it could be preference, but never underestimate the desirability of something long out of production. Vintage fountain pen prices are obscene.
        Jun 29, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    15. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Digging the Feliks Euforia even more as a tube buffer into my OG Saga (passive mode) than as a headamp. Like having a saturation dial. Cool!
      1. Jinxy245 likes this.
      2. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        f**k the THD chasers, saturation is the shit. TAPES! TUBES!
        Jun 26, 2020
        ChaChaRealSmooth and dubharmonic like this.
      3. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        I use Euforia primarily as a pre into my Aegir. "Accurate?" No, but I like it so people can shove it.

        Actually real good as an amp too if you have synergistic headphones and like that kind of sound.
        Jun 26, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
      4. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        @ChaChaRealSmooth I love mine with the Senns in particular. I can see it being slightly soft with the wrong DAC but my Monarchy M22B (like a poor man's Theta Gen V) slaps - with this combo I don't find myself wanting for much more slam. If anything the Euforia smooths out a bit of dryness in the highs. It's the perfect easy-listening amp.
        Jun 26, 2020
        ChaChaRealSmooth likes this.
    16. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Stock HD600 arrived. Now I have to decide whether I want to mod the 600 or the 580. Need to keep one stock as a reference...
      1. Deep Funk likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. zonto
        zonto
        Ditto.
        Jun 25, 2020
        E_Schaaf likes this.
      4. Mdkaler
        Mdkaler
        Mod the 600, 580 is harder to get.
        Jun 25, 2020
        Lyander, Sqveak, E_Schaaf and 2 others like this.
      5. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        Totally rational to do the 600 over the 580, but since I find the 580 most balanced overall, some part of me wants to see how far I can take it and leave the others behind. Maybe I should just get yet another 6xx stock and use that as a reference, and mod them both...
        Jun 25, 2020
        Mdkaler likes this.
    17. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      One of the best parts of the modded 6xx - no need to ride the volume control. Way easier to sit back and let it play, or not be distracted.
      1. Jinxy245 likes this.
      2. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        HE6 had me riding constantly. TH900 can usually be set once per album. Super important for enjoying music with ADHD imo. I love being passively engaged on a casual listen, but rewarded when focus is given. Wish more commercial mixes rewarded focus...
        Jun 24, 2020
      3. Lyander
        Lyander
        This is a part of what sucked me into classical and older actual "albums" across loads of genres— structure and sense of progression through things. Lots of releases now seem... cobbled together.
        Jun 24, 2020
      4. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        @E_Schaaf I think I finally understand what you mean by “the need to ride the volume control.” I’m constantly readjusting the volume knob w/ the Borealis where with the JAR650 I just turn it on and enjoy.
        Jun 24, 2020
        E_Schaaf likes this.
    18. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      My Code-6 / HE6 days are over. Time for a new title? Dunno why I still have all these HFMs, always felt like a chase, never satisfied.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. jexby
        jexby
        @E_Schaaf is there any hope for my broken Code-X you have from RMAF 2019 drop off?
        Jun 22, 2020
        JK47 and gaspasser like this.
      3. penguins
        penguins
        And here I am just getting started (very very slowly) on the modding journey
        Jun 22, 2020
      4. gaspasser
        gaspasser
        So what should Friends, who commissioned you to modify HFM headphones for them, expect now?
        Jun 23, 2020
    19. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Thinking of getting into leather crafting to make custom pads. Wish I had a way to cut foam with precision too... Not sure where to start.
      1. dubharmonic and fraggler like this.
      2. YMO
        YMO
        Hell Bent Hell Bent for Leather!!!! Hell Bent Hell Bent for Leather!!!!
        Jun 16, 2020
      3. JK47
        JK47
        Laser cnc
        Jun 16, 2020
      4. penguins
        penguins
        Leather work - fun + under-rated activity.

        Random unsolicited advice with very minimal leather work experience - recommend learning how to sew on a sewing machine with cloth first before getting to crazy with leather if you haven't already.
        Jun 16, 2020
    20. E_Schaaf
      E_Schaaf
      Took the cups off of the THX00 for modding. Ended up listening to them with no cups at all. Needs some work, but shows potential. Open mod?
      1. Jinxy245, fraggler and Lyander like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        @fp627 I am no wizard, I'm just a reckless fool with no regard for the condition of my personal gear, who tries everything (even stupid ideas) and only posts about the few things that work. With enough trial and error, patterns and strategies fall into place.
        Jun 10, 2020
        penguins and Jinxy245 like this.
      4. DEATHxMACHINE
        DEATHxMACHINE
        My first thought: poor man's TH-909 mod.
        Jun 10, 2020
      5. DEATHxMACHINE
        DEATHxMACHINE
        Sometime I regret selling off my TH-X00 but did not like the sound signature at all. Thought the bass was way too muddy. Considered picking up a harder wood model.
        Jun 10, 2020
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  • About

    Home Page:
    https://www.etaheadphones.com/
    Location:
    Staten Island, NY
    Occupation:
    Sonic Optimizer

    Signature

    skunkworks headphone enthusiast - discovering new sounds