Sony MDR-V6 Mods

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by EraserXIV, Nov 16, 2015.

  1. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    Thought I'd carry this over for posterity sake given how widespread and easily obtainable these are. Previously posted this on changstar and still use these as my daily driver headphone when I'm out and don't feel like using IEMs, haven't felt the need to upgrade which is usually a good sign for me.

    My original stock MDR-V6 description:

    Tried some minor mods because bored:


    Did some more mods and fine tuning, this is its current form:

    "Put a sheet of the paper towel (Bounty) underneath the yellow creatology foam and ended up actually using 2 other sheets for a total of 3 layers. The gray acoustic foam I am using is half the width of the one in the second picture. Really smoothed out the peaky highs without causing the mids to become recessed, which is what I was afraid of. The tonal balance of the MDR-V6 is much better now and I've been listening to it all night. I was tempted to buy the massdrop AKG K553 but I am happy with what the MDR-V6 offers now. The drivers in the MDR-V6 are pretty fast and the bass has good impact with the creatology foam in. The mids pretty neutral, they aren't recessed or too forward. I am still using the HM5 pads on them.​

    To be honest, I'm actually quite impressed with them now. It seems the drivers are not being used to their full potential and I'm sure there is even more we can squeeze from them. They're still on my head and I haven't been tempted to reach for my HD800, K7XX, DT880, or Blackwoods."​

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    Last edited: Nov 16, 2015
  2. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    Oh yeah forgot I also did this in an attempt to tighten up the bass without decreasing slam or extension (sounded a smidge boomy when I just had HM5 pads without any of the other mods). I covered the back part of the cups with dynamat. I'm not convinced it did much, and for obvious reasons wasn't able to really compare it pre-mod. Kind of talking out of my ass now, but with all the other mods (creatology foam, rug mat, Bounty, acoustic foam) not sure this step would be necessary or worth the effort.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    This is very old thread so not sure if it is still active.

    @EraserXIV Are you still using this headphone? I just got one used and found that the mid is shouty when the volume gets louder hence started looking for mod and found your thread.

    May I ask why you put thick grey foam on the middle? Is it to tame the peaky mid?
     
  4. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    I still have this headphone and use it sparingly from time to time. It's been a while since I compared it to the stock version, but from what I can recall, yes, the papertowel mod and the foam mod tamed a lot of peaks and shoutyness in my subjective listening. I can't say how the paper towel and foam individually change the sound though. I also don't have any objective measurements to back this up. But these mods changed this from being unlistenable to something I don't mind listening to.
     
  5. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Great to know and thank you.
    May I ask how you put foam in the center? Is it glued to paper towel?
     
  6. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    Was that the $5 one off StereoNet? Nice deal that.
     
  7. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    I have since moved on from the Brainwavz HM5 pads and now use these which I find much more comfortable and less hot: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...dr7506_Genuine_Sheepskin_Leather_Earpads.html

    The foam is held in place by direct pressure between the screen layer from the pads and the paper towel. It doesn't move in a lateral direction because the circle I cut out from the foam and rug liner keeps it over the drivers.
     
  8. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Yes, and what is even better is that he donated it to Bush Fire Relief. True gentleman. If you have any other question not related to this topic, just shoot me a PM. I got 5 dislikes by posting unrelated comments and I am a bit paranoid commenting anything off the topic. ;)
     
  9. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    The Auray sheepskin pads really bring out the bass, almost to basshead levels. The HM5 pads weren't properly sized and I suspect they didn't create a complete seal.
     
  10. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Thank you very much for the alternative pad recommendation..

    May I double check the sequence from driver is Driver > Paper towel > Creatology foam > Acoustic foam on center > Pad screen > Ear?

    I am not sure if it is this sequence or the other way around.
     
  11. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    Driver > 3 layers of Bounty paper towel > Creatology foam (with circle cut-out for driver) > Rug liner (with circle cut-out for driver) > Acoustic foam cut out in the shape of the circle cut-out and lying directly over the paper towel > Pad screen > ear

    Paper towel is usually 2 layers adhered together so you need to peel another sheet apart to get 3 layers. Of course, you can experiment on how many layers you prefer.
     
  12. Decomo

    Decomo Almost "Made"

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    Huge thanks. That was very clear. I will give it a go. At present, I am comparing with HD58X which may not fair since one is open back and the other is closed but the difference is substantial. HD58X hits harder goes deeper and smoother mid.
    Hope this mod close the gap. Thank u again...
     

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