Crack - specific headphone kit?

[Doc B.]

Seems like the entry level headphone for Crack listening is something like a used HD600 for maybe $250 used. Would there be any interest in a kit that starts with a very bang for the buck good sounding headphone and modifies it with improved cabling, damping and electrical tweaking to optimize it for the Crack? Price might be in the $100-$150 range, including the headphones. Not saying it will stomp HD600s, but so far I'm pretty happy with our experiments and one nice advantage is the design has a closed back.

[denti alligator]

Yes. Would also be cool if it worked well with the Quickie modded for 'phones.

[Alonzo]

I'd be interested in a closed back set of phones, that's about my price point for new toys too.

[JamieMcC]

Sounds interesting can I pre order? A closed set of cans optimize for the Crack would make a great bedside rig ideal for relaxed late listening.  My other half would be please about less leakage. A Headphone, Crack+Speedball bundle would be nice!

[Doc B.]

I ordered some parts yesterday that should help me to see just how close I can get to what I have in mind. They should be here next week and we will get a little deeper into the project.

[Downhome Upstate]

Could such a kit could be ordered from something like a Chinese menu, say select the version from column "A" (set up for rock-n-roll = more slam), or from Column "B" (optimized for classical listening = genteel slam + greater extension), or maybe from Column "C" (for jazz listening or female vocals = extended dynamic range and a focus on the mids)?

[Doc B.]

My plan is to develop the design to where it sounds the way I like, and in my experience you really want the same characteristics for all kinds of music. Certainly a person could take whatever we sell and modify it further to taste.

[btrancho]

Count me in as interested.  I'd love a closed back alternative to my HD600s.

[NightFlight]

Interesting to see what you guys come up with.

[pendergast]

I am interested as well!

[STURMJ]

I'm in!

[M42]

I'm interested as well!

[Doc B.]

I did some more experimentation regarding this project today, with damping and loading. While I need proud papa syndrome to wear off before I can make a useful comment about the sound, I think we may have something quite viable. Suffice it to say I was head bobbing and found myself putting the experimental cans on in place of HD800s without being terribly let down. The sound is  different, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact there were some things I liked better from the experiment than I was hearing from the 800s. Bear in mind this is specifically with Crack as the source. With Mainline I suspect the 800s would walk away from the experimental cans, as they are being tuned specifically for Crack.

We have a couple of different cable samples on the way and some plugs. That will be the next step in experimentation. There are also some different pads on order.

[Evan]

I'd commit to a pre-order. That price range is well within my experimentation budget. I'm all about having fun listening to the music, don't really care if it doesn't measure flat.

[butchbass]

I would be interested. I got some Skullcandy headphones for Christmas and they have convinced me that I would like to use headphones but need something better, especially more comfortable.