AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Headphone Mania => Topic started by: eclein on 17 Dec 2012, 06:10 pm

Title: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 17 Dec 2012, 06:10 pm
The JVC HA-S400 Stereo Headphones-"with Carbon Nanotubes Diaphragms" (is how its written on the label) came to my attention via a forum member here. The $27 headphones are the hot cans right now over at head-fi and for good reason...they sound excellent. Mine are 30 minutes broken in and I can hear the bass get more and more defined. Not louder, defined as in the same type of bass my HE5-LE's have. I didn't say better than just similar to. These things have a solid build are very comfortable, fold up and sound great to me out of the box.

They deserve a thread so here it is.....I wonder what the next ones up the JVC line with nanotubes sound like??? Anybody else hear these yet??? :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=72412)

They look rather large in the picture but they are not at all, outstanding look I think.......
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Noseyears on 17 Dec 2012, 06:27 pm
Not yet, but i miss the JVC sound since my HArx700 broke. They seem tempting tho, one thing that i love from jvc cans is that they are easy to mod.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: viggen on 17 Dec 2012, 07:39 pm
Sometimes JVC would sell a fantastic headphone for cheap, and sometimes they will sell crap headphones for a lot.  It's a mix blessing.  Having worked for them for a few years, I know the didn't do this by design. 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 17 Dec 2012, 09:15 pm
I have been listening to these off and on for the past 4 hours and I have heard them change for sure. At this point I can honestly say these are pretty amazing. What is the Nanotube thingy they mention in the title?? Is it like a disk with a whole bunch of super tiny holes in it (tubes) and that disk or diaphragm is what flex's when charged and pushes out the sound waves?? Or am I way, way off?

These have so many characteristics of the best cans I've ever heard. I'm amazed how similar they sound to some of my higher priced units, shocked in fact. I'll continue listening to them over the next few days but I'm keeping these for sure. Thanks Zepp!!!!!  :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: aragon63 on 17 Dec 2012, 10:19 pm
Sometimes JVC would sell a fantastic headphone for cheap

  I think these could be called "fantastic"headphones for cheap ( $ 56 ) as well . I've done some mods to them & they sing beautifully with my Matrix M-stage head amp. Loved them.

  JVC HA-RX900

 
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=72418)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 17 Dec 2012, 10:43 pm
If anyone wants to buy me a pair for Christmas... I'll try them out. (the 400 or 500)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 18 Dec 2012, 01:29 am
What is the Nanotube thingy they mention in the title??

Basically, carbon nanotubes are pure carbon atoms strung together into molecules of super-strength. In this case, for $27 I'd bet a lot of money that it's just a marketing term. I imagine truly using cn's would be very expensive. Imagine (in the future) a fishing line thick wire that wouldn't bend with a person jumping on top of it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube#Strength
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 18 Dec 2012, 02:52 am
I have been listening to these off and on for the past 4 hours and I have heard them change for sure. At this point I can honestly say these are pretty amazing. What is the Nanotube thingy they mention in the title?? Is it like a disk with a whole bunch of super tiny holes in it (tubes) and that disk or diaphragm is what flex's when charged and pushes out the sound waves?? Or am I way, way off?

These have so many characteristics of the best cans I've ever heard. I'm amazed how similar they sound to some of my higher priced units, shocked in fact. I'll continue listening to them over the next few days but I'm keeping these for sure. Thanks Zepp!!!!!  :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

So that's now like 6 people who have all confirmed the same break-in on these phones...it's pretty remarkable. There is no doubt in my mind that these phones changed after an hour. They went from having a total crap low end to a clean, beautiful one with some nice extension. Very happy with this purchase...glad you're enjoying yours, too  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 18 Dec 2012, 04:29 am
Basically, carbon nanotubes are pure carbon atoms strung together into molecules of super-strength. In this case, for $27 I'd bet a lot of money that it's just a marketing term. I imagine truly using cn's would be very expensive. Imagine (in the future) a fishing line thick wire that wouldn't bend with a person jumping on top of it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube#Strength
Thanks for finding that. I can totally see the PR piece thing especially if real tubes are actually used. When you hear them see if you don't think to yourself "how did they get this sound so cheap". They are plastic but not cheesy plastic, nice strong plastic so these are either a test rollout of some sort or they hit the lotto as these sound more like 270 instead of 27. After a good 6 hours here today with these playing music or soundtrack audio the whole time I am blown away. There is some type of elec-trickery going on here, there's gotta be.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 18 Dec 2012, 04:36 am
Sometimes JVC would sell a fantastic headphone for cheap, and sometimes they will sell crap headphones for a lot.  It's a mix blessing.  Having worked for them for a few years, I know the didn't do this by design.

Hey what did you used to do for J(ust). V(ery). C(onfused).  I worked at JVC during thier glory years on the West Coast for 15 years.  I still have my old HA-D990's love em.  I think they were the best earwear they ever made. 

Steve
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: dmatt on 18 Dec 2012, 02:07 pm
The $27 headphones are the hot cans right now over at head-fi and for good reason...they sound excellent.

Would you be willing to share your source?  A quick search shows them at Amazon for more like $50 with shipping.

Thanks

David
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 18 Dec 2012, 02:38 pm
Here is the Amazon link I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P8EXRU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P8EXRU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 18 Dec 2012, 03:40 pm
Would you be willing to share your source?  A quick search shows them at Amazon for more like $50 with shipping.

Thanks

David

Methinks you were thinking of the jvc ha-s500 which sell for $55 that we were talking about on the other thread.

(Edit - OK, maybe not!  :lol:)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 18 Dec 2012, 03:55 pm
Methinks you were thinking of the jvc ha-s500 which sell for $55 that we were talking about on the other thread.
Good lead in for my question

Is it worth it to step up to the 500?

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 18 Dec 2012, 04:11 pm
I don't think anyone has tried them (500's) yet? Go for it!!! :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 18 Dec 2012, 04:19 pm
I might have to crack these open and see what I can screw fiddle with, any ideas for mods? If you've modded others tell us what can be done maybe when you get time...... :eyebrows:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 18 Dec 2012, 05:18 pm
The head fi 500 thread had mods
I'll see if I can find them later

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: dmatt on 18 Dec 2012, 07:51 pm
Here is the Amazon link I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P8EXRU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P8EXRU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00)

Thank you for the link.  The Amazon search I did on my phone pulled up a different source at the $50 price point. 

HAS400B are on order.  I look forward to comparing them to my 20+ year old Sony MDR pair -- so old the headband vinyl has flaked off.

Cheers!

David
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 18 Dec 2012, 08:16 pm
I bought a pair on Amazon.  I could use a pair to travel with and leave the others at home.   Next on my shopping list a battery amp that can run off my phone or laptop.  Any ideas for these headphones?  $100 or less?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 19 Dec 2012, 05:25 am
I broke down and just ordered a pair of the 400's.

Seemed to be some mixed reviews at headfi if the 500 was worth the extra money.

I have to pay Cal sales tax, so I was close to $30, but still cheap enough to make it easy to try.

May still try the 500's next year, will see.  They are harder to find, seem like it would be ebay coming from Japan.

I have seen guys changing the pads (most common mod), and other mods where you come some holes with tape.  More research when I get time.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 19 Dec 2012, 06:50 am
Toilet paper mod
http://www.head-fi.org/t/621063/the-new-jvc-ha-s500-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-ha-s500-pic-for-cheapo-gear-day/3090#post_8873986 (http://www.head-fi.org/t/621063/the-new-jvc-ha-s500-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-ha-s500-pic-for-cheapo-gear-day/3090#post_8873986)

I was also reading about using HM5 earpads over the stock pads.  Claim to really improve the already good sound.
http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm5-spare-earpad-1pc (http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm5-spare-earpad-1pc)

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 19 Dec 2012, 08:58 am
That looks like the S500 mod which is different to the S400 mod which used rolled up paper towels and you simply inserted them in the gap under the earpads without taking them off. The s500 needed a different geometrical approach to the s400 from what I recall.

IIRC, the s400 mod is detailed on page 35 of the S400 thread at headfi.org.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 19 Dec 2012, 03:55 pm
That looks like the S500 mod which is different to the S400 mod which used rolled up paper towels and you simply inserted them in the gap under the earpads without taking them off. The s500 needed a different geometrical approach to the s400 from what I recall.

IIRC, the s400 mod is detailed on page 35 of the S400 thread at headfi.org.

I saw someone on the s400 page who said he did the tp mod on his cans to good effect, but as always ymmv.

I also saw the paper towel mod, where you add some rolled up pieces to increase the space between the driver and your ear which I have used before on other cans which also seems to be a ymmv thing, and may depend on the pad you use.

BTW, other pads
http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/645#post_8876509 (http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/645#post_8876509)

I bought the akg pads this morning, going to try those first, but they are coming from China so it will take a while to get them.

The one other mod that I see mentioned is putting tape over the bass ports.  If I see instructions or pics I'll post a link.

I'm on vacation this week so I have some extra time to read through the long head fi threads on these.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 19 Dec 2012, 08:30 pm
Thanks Randy.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 20 Dec 2012, 02:49 am
I did the mod this morning and listened most of the day, these babies are a pleasure to listen to. I really think these are the most extreme example of best bang for your buck that I have ever heard.  I wonder how much value this sound has, or how we could test that out. If we had 10 people listen to these and then try and pick the correct price I wonder how high folks would guess on average???
 :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 20 Dec 2012, 06:30 am
I did the mod this morning
 :thumb:
What mod?

Tape mod
http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/555#post_8834758 (http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/555#post_8834758)

Advice on the tape mod
http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/600#post_8850288 (http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/600#post_8850288)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wushuliu on 20 Dec 2012, 07:34 am
What about replacing the wire? I am just asking, I am not enough of a headphone person to know. Seems like that would be a good and inexpensive place to start.

I have the JVC HA RX700 and love it (but like I said I don't have too much experience).
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 20 Dec 2012, 01:09 pm
Randy-I did the toilet paper mod, under the earpads. I just noticed in your links they say this is a crucial mod which sounds ominous but they also mentioned the effect is subtle which I also agree with.

Wush- I looked at the wire but so far I haven't figured out a way to open up the ear cups to see whats going on in there.

The phones themselves with/without the mod are nice and balanced to my ears so I'm not rushing into cracking them open, maybe next week...LOL!!!
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: funkmonkey on 20 Dec 2012, 08:31 pm
Thanks for starting this thread!  No time to wade through the swamp that is head-fi anymore...  but timely post for me, as I was looking for a pair of affordable on/over ear headphones.  Order placed...  should be here by Saturday.   :thumb:
Thanks!

not sure I will be doing any mods...  though maybe a little damping (i.e. toilet paper mod) but might try a bit of polyfill instead...  gotta hear 'em first.

Cheers
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Noseyears on 20 Dec 2012, 09:37 pm
not sure I will be doing any mods...  though maybe a little damping (i.e. toilet paper mod) but might try a bit of polyfill instead...  gotta hear 'em first.

Cheers

Mods are optional, if you want to experience a different sound. Most of my headphones are stock (not modded) they sound good as they are.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rms on 20 Dec 2012, 10:45 pm
Thanks for the heads up on these! I just bought 3 to give as presents. Order now and Amazon guarantees delivery by the 24th.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 21 Dec 2012, 04:21 am
These really do make great gifts....for those of us who often have friends or family who really just don't understand our addiction, it can be a great way to give them a small taste of it. I mentioned earlier that I sent a pair off to a lady friend who really just saw no reason to use anything but her apple ibuds. Well, she now "gets it" (her words) and has been eagerly revisiting her entire music collection. I can tell she's legit with this, too, cause she's said things that I have never said to her previously...commenting on how she's able to hear much deeper into the tracks and even describing the concept of imaging, which I've never spoken to her about.

Not only that, but these headphones are very cool looking given the price. So yeah, I fully agree that this is a fantastic gift idea.  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: guest1632 on 21 Dec 2012, 12:44 pm
These really do make great gifts....for those of us who often have friends or family who really just don't understand our addiction, it can be a great way to give them a small taste of it. I mentioned earlier that I sent a pair off to a lady friend who really just saw no reason to use anything but her apple ibuds. Well, she now "gets it" (her words) and has been eagerly revisiting her entire music collection. I can tell she's legit with this, too, cause she's said things that I have never said to her previously...commenting on how she's able to hear much deeper into the tracks and even describing the concept of imaging, which I've never spoken to her about.

Not only that, but these headphones are very cool looking given the price. So yeah, I fully agree that this is a fantastic gift idea.  :thumb:

Ok, so I'm interested. Where can I get a pair of these phones?

Are they comfortable enough that I would be able to wear them for long periods of time?

These CCrane phones are ok, but I'm not sure if it's my ears or that they are slightly boomy in the midbass. So if these phones are reasonably well balanced, that might be worth looking into. i am in the process of shifting from using speakers to phones.

I recently had a bone emplant and am using a BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid)
For me, I am switching over to phones for now, whether they be over the ear or around them. Anywho, was just wondering where to get these phones? Thanks and Merry Christmas to you all!

Ray Bronk
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Nick77 on 21 Dec 2012, 01:07 pm
Ok, so I'm interested. Where can I get a pair of these phones?

Are they comfortable enough that I would be able to wear them for long periods of time?

These CCrane phones are ok, but I'm not sure if it's my ears or that they are slightly boomy in the midbass. So if these phones are reasonably well balanced, that might be worth looking into. i am in the process of shifting from using speakers to phones.

I recently had a bone emplant and am using a BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid)
For me, I am switching over to phones for now, whether they be over the ear or around them. Anywho, was just wondering where to get these phones? Thanks and Merry Christmas to you all!

Ray Bronk

Ray you must have missed the link, its Amazon and find it in reply #11.  :wink:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 21 Dec 2012, 06:23 pm
Ok, so I'm interested. Where can I get a pair of these phones?

Are they comfortable enough that I would be able to wear them for long periods of time?

These CCrane phones are ok, but I'm not sure if it's my ears or that they are slightly boomy in the midbass. So if these phones are reasonably well balanced, that might be worth looking into. i am in the process of shifting from using speakers to phones.

I recently had a bone emplant and am using a BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid)
For me, I am switching over to phones for now, whether they be over the ear or around them. Anywho, was just wondering where to get these phones? Thanks and Merry Christmas to you all!

Ray Bronk

Hi Ray: Like Nick said, most of us our getting our pairs from Amazon. As for the comfort, honestly it's surprisingly good given the price and build materials used in these phones. I find them quite comfortable and have been able to wear for over two hours with no issues. The clamp is just enough to keep them in place on an average sized noggin, in my opinion. The pads don't overheat your ears and the headphones are very light overall. Others may feel differently, but in my experience these have no comfort issues at all.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 21 Dec 2012, 09:41 pm
I'm with Zepp on the comfort thing, fell asleep watching movies last night and they were still in place when I woke up. **Just a reminder for folks about to take delivery that if you take a couple hours and let these play/burn in they sound better. I found the sound changed quite a bit after 2-3 hours of signal being played through them.  :thumb: :thumb:

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: trackball02 on 22 Dec 2012, 03:43 am
I got mine from Amazon yesterday, and I got to admit, these are incredible head phones. The price to performance is phenomenal especially after letting them break in about 4 hours.

I like that it folds. Compared my my other travel phones, Sennheiser  PX 200-II (about $85), the JVCs blow them out of the water at a fraction of the cost. My only gripe is that the clamping force on my ears is a bit much. I'm interested in changing out the ear pads to something softer.

Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 22 Dec 2012, 06:41 am
Hmmmmm. After about a 3 hour break-in. I can say - I haven't heard many $25 headphones so I'm sure that they are one of the best but I think that they just good bargain headphones. They are pleasant and don't do anything bad but they are just that - $27 headphones. The overall high end seem to be recessed and the mid-bass is kind of boomy, dominating the overall frequencies too much for my tastes.

Maybe I think differently of them later but that's my first impression.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 22 Dec 2012, 11:33 am
Hmmmmm. After about a 3 hour break-in. I can say - I haven't heard many $25 headphones so I'm sure that they are one of the best but I think that they just good bargain headphones. They are pleasant and don't do anything bad but they are just that - $27 headphones. The overall high end seem to be recessed and the mid-bass is kind of boomy, dominating the overall frequencies too much for my tastes.

Maybe I think differently of them later but that's my first impression.
Give them some time but I'm not surprised, your taste in sound is different then mine. Thats what makes headphones so hard to recommend and there is nothing wrong with that obviously. Its all about personal taste and how each of us hears things differently. Thanks for letting us know. :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: hibuckhobby on 22 Dec 2012, 02:29 pm
I think one needs to retain perspective.  They may be superb for the cost, but
those seeking the Holy Grail are not going to find it for $27...in fact, they may
never find it regardless of cost.  Considering what you can get in today's world
for $27, they are pretty amazing.
regards,
Hibuck......
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lokie on 22 Dec 2012, 02:41 pm
I might of missed it but where are you finding these for $27?

Exactly what I've been keeping an eye out for,- Thanks
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 22 Dec 2012, 03:53 pm
I might of missed it but where are you finding these for $27?

Exactly what I've been keeping an eye out for,- Thanks

It's been mentioned 7 times with two links in 2 pages - so think BIG, BIG, BIG on-line retailer.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: SET Man on 24 Dec 2012, 04:05 am
Hey!
 
    Hmmm... interesting. Once in a while I would use headphone outside. I recently bought a AKG K77 but they turn out to be a bit cumbersome outdoor, not so bad but the biggest problem I have with them is the thing make noise while I'm walking! They are actually go OK at home. I have to admit I do like they style though.
   
     So, my question to you guys who already have the JVC is are they quite when you are walking or move around?

     To bad I've already got the AKG before this thread started.

Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: PMAT on 26 Dec 2012, 03:57 am
Hmmmmm. After about a 3 hour break-in. I can say - I haven't heard many $25 headphones so I'm sure that they are one of the best but I think that they just good bargain headphones. They are pleasant and don't do anything bad but they are just that - $27 headphones. The overall high end seem to be recessed and the mid-bass is kind of boomy, dominating the overall frequencies too much for my tastes.

Maybe I think differently of them later but that's my first impression.

I bought two pair at Amazon for the $27 mentioned. The quote above seemed to sum it up for me as well, BUT, I have loaded an Equalizer app on my I-phone from Denon. This is a fabulous Parametric EQ and it's free! After a little adjustment the offending problems were gone and now they sound way, way better. When I first got them I burned them in for three hours. I have never had to "burn" anything before but what the heck. After some critical listening I was making excuses for them. Now being "equalized" I don't need to make excuses anymore. For those interested in the app just go to the app store on your phone and type audio equalizer and look for the Denon offering. I tried a couple others but this one is definitely better and WAY cool to use. Now I really hope some purist doesn't want to use EQ on a $27 set of cans :eyebrows:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 29 Dec 2012, 06:39 pm
I bought two pair at Amazon for the $27 mentioned. The quote above seemed to sum it up for me as well, BUT, I have loaded an Equalizer app on my I-phone from Denon. This is a fabulous Parametric EQ and it's free! After a little adjustment the offending problems were gone and now they sound way, way better. When I first got them I burned them in for three hours. I have never had to "burn" anything before but what the heck. After some critical listening I was making excuses for them. Now being "equalized" I don't need to make excuses anymore. For those interested in the app just go to the app store on your phone and type audio equalizer and look for the Denon offering. I tried a couple others but this one is definitely better and WAY cool to use. Now I really hope some purist doesn't want to use EQ on a $27 set of cans :eyebrows:

I just did the "tp mod".* As the most critical person on this thread, I can say that you have to do it - even for your friends and as gifts! The headphones are still bass heavy but it takes away a lot of the boominess and the highs come forward more. (Remember, I said the highs were recessed.) Much more listenable. Thanks for the link, randytsuch!


 (*Only I used old cotton sock material instead - link on top of p. 2. The only thing that took me a while to figure out was that one has to pull the pads out by grabbing them from their base and pulling them away from center.)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lcrim on 30 Dec 2012, 04:13 am
Well I did the tape mod (sealing the many holes around the outside of the phones) and the q-tips mod and the recessed mids and highs are no longer an issue.  I have been splitting time between my two systems, the living room w/ the MF X-Cans V2 and the AKG Q701 and the bedroom w/ the AudioEngine D-1 w/ the modded JVC 400s and each is quality but bring different strengths to the dance.  The sources are equal so I've gotten much closer to music I knew pretty well before but I'm hearing different nuances now that I never got w/ speakers.  This is pretty cool.
Larry
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Nick77 on 31 Dec 2012, 12:04 pm
I have a pair on the way, looking forward to trying these budget wonders. One question though, after burn in does the q-tip mod pretty much sum up the best results for these? Thanks for the heads up Ed!  :wink:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: PeteG on 31 Dec 2012, 04:13 pm
Have a pair coming too (HA-S400), needed an inexpensive pair when I’m out and about.

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: funkmonkey on 31 Dec 2012, 08:10 pm
okay I've been listening to these since Christmas day...   a variety of music, with no amp directly out of my iPod (5.5G), Nano (6G), and streaming Netflix movies via iPad.  I don't have any "high end" headphones to compare to, but a pair of Yuin PK2s that in spite of having a couple pair of more expensive IEMs have been my go to buds for a few years now.  My Salk HT3s are really the gold standard for me, and I haven't heard any headphones that even come close to that (though I would seriously consider buying a pair if I ever found them).  All that said, these JVCs sound pretty darn good!  Comfortable to wear, too.

The cautionary tales about "let them stretch out a bit," are true.  I played pink noise for about an hour and a half before I first gave them a listen...  they sounded congested, and had me thinking: "well, at least I only wasted $27."  But I stuck with it, and kept listening to music through them for a little while, then streamed a movie that night.  Next morning I diligently put the new cans on again and noted that they had opened up a bit.  I thought that it was the recording, at first, and kept waiting to hear them sound muted and muddy again...  didn't happen.  True they are a little boomy in the bass, and I think I will try to damp them with the TP mod (I like the chunk of old sock idea)  :thumb:

Overall they are a bargain (IMO)  by no means perfect, but I am certainly enjoying them.  Thanks to the OP for the tip off.

CHEERS   :beer:

-Greg
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 31 Dec 2012, 08:49 pm

 they sounded congested, and had me thinking: "well, at least I only wasted $27."  But I stuck with it, and kept listening to music through them for a little while, then streamed a movie that night.  Next morning I diligently put the new cans on again and noted that they had opened up a bit.  I thought that it was the recording, at first, and kept waiting to hear them sound muted and muddy again...  didn't happen.

That's exactly the same thought I had...I was sitting there waiting for that terrible low end I had heard right out of the box, and I thought it was the recording, too. Then after a few tracks it just hit me that all of a sudden they sounded great.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 1 Jan 2013, 02:08 am
  True they are a little boomy in the bass, and I think I will try to damp them with the TP mod (I like the chunk of old sock idea)  :thumb:

-Greg


I was looking at randytsuch's previous post link for the tape mod -

http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/555#post_8834758

People said that it helped. Looking at the photos, I realized that much of the trouble with these phones (stock) is the vibration of the plastic holders of the speakers. I haven't had time yet (day after tomorrow) but what I am going to is take them apart again. I will use duct tape and cover the inside completely (keeping the sock material there as I've already done) and then cover as much of that tape mod area as possible to eliminate the vibrations of the plastic.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: viggen on 1 Jan 2013, 04:30 am
I left JVC a couple of years ago.  While I was there, I got tons of freebie headphones from the accessories manager.  One of my favorites was the HA-S650.  I never heard the HA-S400.  But, if they are similar, the HA-S400 must be a great bargain.   I still use the cheapie Gumy headphones when I am in my cubicle.  Those are bargains too.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 1 Jan 2013, 03:25 pm

I was looking at randytsuch's previous post link for the tape mod -

http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/555#post_8834758

People said that it helped. Looking at the photos, I realized that much of the trouble with these phones (stock) is the vibration of the plastic holders of the speakers. I haven't had time yet (day after tomorrow) but what I am going to is take them apart again. I will use duct tape and cover the inside completely (keeping the sock material there as I've already done) and then cover as much of that tape mod area as possible to eliminate the vibrations of the plastic.
Great idea!!!!! Let us know please :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 1 Jan 2013, 04:57 pm

I was looking at randytsuch's previous post link for the tape mod -

http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-get-your-pic-idea-ready-for-the-21st-check-s500-thread-for-details/555#post_8834758

People said that it helped. Looking at the photos, I realized that much of the trouble with these phones (stock) is the vibration of the plastic holders of the speakers. I haven't had time yet (day after tomorrow) but what I am going to is take them apart again. I will use duct tape and cover the inside completely (keeping the sock material there as I've already done) and then cover as much of that tape mod area as possible to eliminate the vibrations of the plastic.

People spent a lot of time eliminating vibration with the Fostex headphones.  I used dynamat.  It is expensive, but you don't need much, and it is hard to remove if you don't like it, but these are cheap enough to experiment if you are brave. 

There are other constrained layer damping materials you can try too.  I have also used earthquake putty to add mass and dampen things, plasticine or blu tak are similar materials.

BTW, you have have not tried these yet, they are silly good for the money.  Give them a little while to break in (IMHO), I think they had too much bass at first but that got better after a couple of days.

I am playing with different pads now, but have been sidetracked by other projects.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Nick77 on 1 Jan 2013, 05:03 pm
Waiting for a pair to arrive, i have some Dynamat laying around. How much did you use?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 2 Jan 2013, 07:59 pm
Waiting for a pair to arrive, i have some Dynamat laying around. How much did you use?

I used the Dynamat on a set of Foxtex HPs last year, basically went all around the driver.

For these, looks like you would have to get to the driver side of the mounting plate and put it back there.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 2 Jan 2013, 10:19 pm
Nick77 I highly suggest you listen to them for awhile before slapping things on and off, seriously these change a lot over time, even longer then I previously stated I think, a good couple days run in should do it. But listen for awhile especially if your sorta new which I don't know but once you start screwing around with the area around the drivers, its hard to fix. I saw a ton of guys over do the Grado mods I was showing here and reading about on head-fi back a year or so ago, maybe 2 years ago now. Do the other stuff first, I always do the stuff I ca undo ad only do permanent stuff if I don't think I can live with them or they are free cans. Just a thought!!! :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 2 Jan 2013, 10:29 pm
I'll be taking these on a business trip with 6 airplane flights and plenty of hotel time.  I'll let you know how they travel.  I do like the way they fold down.  I'm still waiting for them to be fully broken in.  I would agree that they are very fast and articulate.  The bass right now is a little constrained.  My complaint so far is the way they fit me.  Is it just me or does everyone have ears too big for these.  I keep having to adjust them to fit.  Perhaps that too is a matter of breakin time. 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 2 Jan 2013, 11:24 pm
Nick77 I highly suggest you listen to them for awhile before slapping things on and off, seriously these change a lot over time, even longer then I previously stated I think, a good couple days run in should do it.

Or buy another one, mod one and compare to the stock one and the post the results  :D
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 3 Jan 2013, 12:02 am
Where are you applying the dynamat?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 3 Jan 2013, 12:26 am
I left JVC a couple of years ago.  While I was there, I got tons of freebie headphones from the accessories manager.  One of my favorites was the HA-S650.  I never heard the HA-S400.  But, if they are similar, the HA-S400 must be a great bargain.   I still use the cheapie Gumy headphones when I am in my cubicle.  Those are bargains too.

I was there quite a few years before you.  My job was to develop VHS in the US for JVC. 1979 to 1994.  I'm feelin old.  When it came to turntables, cassette decks and headphones JVC hit the long ball quite often.   The Gumys and Jellies are good throw aways.  Have you tried the washing machine mod on them?  It never seems to work for me.  Somehow I keep doing it. 

There was no accessories manager so we all sold everything.  Can you say Japan sample!!!!!

Steve
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Rclark on 3 Jan 2013, 12:51 am
ordered. Although Headphones will still be a tiny portion of my time and that's why these are perfect. Now I need a preamp/amp. a giant killer to match the $27 headphones.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 3 Jan 2013, 02:56 am
OK done. Much, much better.

Take off the pads.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73215)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73216)

Undo the three screws.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73217)


I put duct tape on this surface. Ideally, it would be a thin, sticky foam because we are trying to stop this surface from vibrating from the backwave of the speaker.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73218)


Added a piece of cotton (old sock not TP) to reduce reflections. Ideally, you could add the duct tape to surrounding surface of the backside of where the speaker is placed. It's small and I didn't want to make the effort.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73219)


Taped most of the front surface. Again, because this is where the speaker is attached, you want to reduce the extraneous vibrations as much as possible. If you tap on the plastic parts before and after you do this, you can easily hear the deadening of sound.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73224)


And viola! You have an infinitely better set of headphones than when you first get them. I first complained about recessed mids and highs. Gone. They are now inside your head. Much more balanced overall. Almost all of the boominess is gone! The mid-upper bass is still predominately heavy - remember I'm just talking about unequalized listening - unless we're talking MP3 playback.

These are nice headphones! (But only after dampening all that cheap plastic resonating!)  :thumb:

Thanks for all the recommendations and links!
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: SET Man on 3 Jan 2013, 04:19 am
Hey!

   Well, thanks to you guys with this thread I got one on my way too! Yeah, I just spent $27 of my heard earned cash because of you guys.  :lol:
   

OK done. Much, much better.
....

   I did similar mod to my AKG K77 that I bought around mid last year. Too bad I didn't know about this JVC, otherwise I might have skip and save money and get the JVC instead.

    Here is what I did....

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8340987838_bccc61cfdd_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8340988000_81df92b474_z.jpg)

  Using thick 3M Scotch 2242 Rubber Electrical Tape to damp the plastic cups.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8339928959_fe60e7ae63_z.jpg)

  Cork mat glued on using 3M 77 adhesive spray. And using a gram of Acousta-Stuff to stuff the inside the cups. The result is very good, no more plasticky and hollow sounding. Better definition and fuller bass.

    I'm planning to do the same with the JVC when I received them after some break-in. I think the JVC will be better for me since taking the AKG K77 outside is a bit cumbersome and they make noise when I walk... not good  :?

Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: funkmonkey on 3 Jan 2013, 05:23 am
I put duct tape on this surface. Ideally, it would be a thin, sticky foam because we are trying to stop this surface from vibrating from the backwave of the speaker...
...These are nice headphones! (But only after dampening all that cheap plastic resonating!)  :thumb:

Thanks for all the recommendations and links!

I wonder if some black foam tape would fit the bill...  I use a few varieties at work (mostly 3M brand) and comes in 1/16" , 1/8"...  mostly double side sticky...  hmmmm.    :scratch: or maybe the foam from an old set of earmuffs...  food for thought.

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 3 Jan 2013, 06:01 am
So I remember more Fostex mod info as you guys post.

For the Foster, Dynamat was used to kill the vibrations on the plastic piece that holds the speaker.

In the cup, paxmate was used to for the the back wave.

There were more mods, but I stopped tracking them.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 3 Jan 2013, 06:36 am
I wonder if some black foam tape would fit the bill...  I use a few varieties at work (mostly 3M brand) and comes in 1/16" , 1/8"...  mostly double side sticky...  hmmmm.    :scratch: or maybe the foam from an old set of earmuffs...  food for thought.

Whatever is non-resonant is best. The only thing to worry about would be the thickness of the foam/tape stopping the plastic holder screwing back on firmly.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 4 Jan 2013, 04:14 pm
Mine just came by mail from the UK and I also have the S600 (bought locally at FNAC) and I prefer the 400 out of the box. Better balance overall.

Lets see how they fare when broken in.

I dont find the s500s in Europe so far.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 4 Jan 2013, 05:43 pm
Awesome.....I love it, this for me is where the fun really is, take an inexpensive set and improve them immensely. Charmerci so is it night and day difference?? The mods are a huge improvement or no??
 Thanks guys for opening them up, its easy isn't it-Pads off, 3 screws and your in right?
  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 4 Jan 2013, 05:50 pm
I don't have any Dynamat so which works better for dampening headphone shells.  Electrical Tape or Duct tape? 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 4 Jan 2013, 06:16 pm
I don't have any Dynamat so which works better for dampening headphone shells.  Electrical Tape or Duct tape? 

My guess would be duct tape.
I would be easy enough to test, apply some tape, and them tap the shell, and see how "dead" the shell is after using the tape.  You could do one shell with electrical, and the other with duct and then compare.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: neobop on 4 Jan 2013, 08:43 pm
I don't have any Dynamat so which works better for dampening headphone shells.  Electrical Tape or Duct tape?

Modelling clay works great for damping the back of the baffle and inside the cup.  You don't have to cover the entire surface of the shell. The clay will act as a sink for vibrations.  Too many layers of stuff inside the shell and you'll reduce the volume of the enclosure. If these are completely sealed, you might want to fill with dacron stuffing or cotton, pulled loose. The clay can hold the stuffing in place. Generally, sealed speakers are completely stuffed, and bass reflex has just the walls lined.
neo
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 4 Jan 2013, 09:18 pm
If you guys want a really cool track for your JVCs to show off that nice crisp mid-bass, check out a decent quality version of "The Wilhelm Scream" off James Blake's self-titled album. It's way cool!

I can't wait to hear this track on my other headphones, too  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 4 Jan 2013, 11:15 pm
Dumb earlier post deleted. Didn't realize I was already in the headphone forum = doohhhhh
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 5 Jan 2013, 12:23 am
You mean like this?
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/49078-2ch-system-for-2000-in-small-apartment/

ot this
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=111225.0
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 5 Jan 2013, 01:28 am
Awesome.....I love it, this for me is where the fun really is, take an inexpensive set and improve them immensely. Charmerci so is it night and day difference?? The mods are a huge improvement or no??


Night and day. Almost completely unlistenable (non-equalized) to very good (compared to more expensive ones.) The boomy resonance of the plastic is just awful.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Nick77 on 6 Jan 2013, 01:08 pm
Ive been breaking these in for several hours now and they are really starting to shine. Can say the same things as noticed by others, mids were recessed and bass boomy. I did the Q-tip mod and seemed to solve the recessed mids, now i just have the boomy bass and can hear the resonance.

Going to break these in a bit more and consider adding some Dynamat for resonance and taping the ports. Even in their current listening state if someone told me they were $27 I wouldn't believe them. Thanks for the heads up Ed!
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 6 Jan 2013, 04:16 pm
Btw, it takes about 30 minutes to do my mod.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 6 Jan 2013, 06:37 pm
Ive been breaking these in for several hours now and they are really starting to shine. Can say the same things as noticed by others, mids were recessed and bass boomy. I did the Q-tip mod and seemed to solve the recessed mids, now i just have the boomy bass and can hear the resonance.

Going to break these in a bit more and consider adding some Dynamat for resonance and taping the ports. Even in their current listening state if someone told me they were $27 I wouldn't believe them. Thanks for the heads up Ed!
Don't thank me thank ajzepp who posted about them earlier, he's the man! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :dance:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 7 Jan 2013, 04:21 am
Don't thank me thank ajzepp who posted about them earlier, he's the man! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :dance:

I'm just the messenger from what I heard on head-fi... :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 10 Jan 2013, 01:25 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ed for starting this thread!  :D

Without it I would never have even thought of buying headphones!

I have been without my listening room since 10/30/12.
Hurricane Sandy wiped it out with 2' of water.  :evil:
All of my gear is in boxes in the spare bed room and I haven't listened to quality sound until last night when I hooked up my new JVC headphones.
What a treat it is to be able to listen again.  :D
I'm using them with my HP lap top, Windows Media Player, and SRS Audio Essentials.

Wow! Very nice out of the box and I'm planning to do the mod very soon.

Ahh....it's great to have a source like AC with all of the great gents and ladies to inform each other of their finds.

You guys rock! :rock: 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 10 Jan 2013, 01:54 pm
Chris I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I've been to your home and can't imagine how much stuff you may have to replace, hang in and glad we could help you start to find the fun again in music. Hey Chris those $27 cans sound pretty good don't they, wait until you hear a few $150 plus cans and realize the whole headphone thing is all new again to you....and a lot less expensive to play with.
 Enjoy my friend!!! :thumb:
 

 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 10 Jan 2013, 02:39 pm
$150 cans, like Skull Candy and Dr Dre? LoL

Actually, those cost even more than that...more like $300 and the JVC trounces them.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 10 Jan 2013, 02:53 pm
Good sound can be had for $150, AT-M50's (?model#) and various Grado models, plus several more I'm sure and that just around $150. When you go higher which was the "plus" I added the whole headphone thing goes wild. The $150 was an arbitrary number I chose, my point was there are amazing sounds in store for someone who investigates and enters the world of higher priced cans.
 Chris has now been bitten by the $27 headphone category wait until he jumps in higher if he chooses too.....the fun is just beginning and no body can bitch about the sound being too loud...LOL!!!!! :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 11 Jan 2013, 06:28 am
Did a little playing around. I tried a thicker felt pad between the back and the speaker. (Light brown 3/16" - upper left.)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73633)

 

I found the bass deeper and the mid-range more prominent. However, I don't actually like part of the mid-range on this (somewhere around 700-1300 Hz upper piano/high voice.) It's too harsh. So I tried a less thick piece of cloth (the white one,) still too harsh for me but better. So I went back to my cotton (old sock) cloth. There is less bass and the mid-range is less prominent/forward - but I enjoy it more.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 11 Jan 2013, 07:01 am
Good sound can be had for $150, AT-M50's (?model#) and various Grado models, plus several more I'm sure and that just around $150. When you go higher which was the "plus" I added the whole headphone thing goes wild. The $150 was an arbitrary number I chose, my point was there are amazing sounds in store for someone who investigates and enters the world of higher priced cans.
 Chris has now been bitten by the $27 headphone category wait until he jumps in higher if he chooses too.....the fun is just beginning and no body can bitch about the sound being too loud...LOL!!!!! :thumb: :thumb:

LoL

You just know I had to throw in the non-performing boom, boom Gucci brands....
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 11 Jan 2013, 02:48 pm
Speaking of which, I read a bunch of the customer reviews associated with the new Monster headphones, the ones that look like futuristic bad scifi cans, and they were shockingly bad. Like more than a few started with "Do Not Buy". Just sayin.........
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: wisnon on 11 Jan 2013, 03:58 pm
Yes, I was in a Dept store talking with a vendor offline and we both had a good laugh how the kids were shelling out HUNDREDS for the "KOOL" brands that sounded so bad when the $50 Sonys/Philips, etc sounded waayyy better. The SKs and the Beats cost more than the audiophile models!  M_AR_K_E_T_I_N_G.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lcrim on 11 Jan 2013, 04:21 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73636)

I received the HM5 earpads from MP4Nation ($17) yesterday.  Shipping from Hong Kong took almost 2 weeks. 
I've been using the double Q-tips mod and the tape mod but removed the Q-tips.  The pads do make the cans circumaural and help w/ comfort a great deal.  Spectacular isolation now.
Larry
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 11 Jan 2013, 04:55 pm
I received the HM5 earpads from MP4Nation ($17) yesterday.  Shipping from Hong Kong took almost 2 weeks. 
I've been using the double Q-tips mod and the tape mod but removed the Q-tips.  The pads do make the cans circumaural and help w/ comfort a great deal.  Spectacular isolation now.
Larry

Does it change the sound?  Or is it just for comfort?

I'll probably order a pair either way, just wondering

Randy

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lcrim on 11 Jan 2013, 06:19 pm
Does it change the sound?  Or is it just for comfort?

The sound is relaxed but properly detailed.  I think that the distance from the ear is somewhat of a critical dimesion w/ these and most cans I've used.  These pads fit over the stock pads and the placement where things end up produces the best sound I've had from these to date.  The Q-tip mod made things a bit stark and somehow removed the romance.  I also think that further messing around w/ these may provide others w/ trade-offs they may prefer. 

Larry
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 11 Jan 2013, 06:55 pm
Larry that was an excellent idea, thanks.  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: randytsuch on 11 Jan 2013, 08:38 pm
The sound is relaxed but properly detailed.  I think that the distance from the ear is somewhat of a critical dimesion w/ these and most cans I've used. 

I remember someone at head fi making the same comment about these cans and the distance to ear.

Just ordered these pads.

Randy
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: SET Man on 12 Jan 2013, 01:57 am
Speaking of which, I read a bunch of the customer reviews associated with the new Monster headphones, the ones that look like futuristic bad scifi cans, and they were shockingly bad. Like more than a few started with "Do Not Buy". Just sayin.........

Yes, I was in a Dept store talking with a vendor offline and we both had a good laugh how the kids were shelling out HUNDREDS for the "KOOL" brands that sounded so bad when the $50 Sonys/Philips, etc sounded waayyy better. The SKs and the Beats cost more than the audiophile models!  M_AR_K_E_T_I_N_G.

Hey!

   Those headphones are all about "Bling Factor" and some people are happy to pay for it... especially youngsters. Sad isn't it?  :roll:

Take care,
Buddy :thumb:

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: soundbitten1 on 14 Jan 2013, 05:14 pm
Has anyone compared these to the  Monoprice 8323 phones?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 16 Jan 2013, 09:06 pm
I bought these JVCs as my first set of headphones and am very pleased! I also bought a Dragonfly DAC and downloaded MediaMonkey as my player. I thought ripping to FLAC was going to be a challenge but it turned out to be simple. The Dragonfly is a huge upgrade over the PC sound and I love how portable and simple it is to use.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 16 Jan 2013, 09:24 pm
I actually bought and modded 2 pair of these cans.

The first pair I used one piece of duct tape, 1 piece of Kinesio tape and 1 round cut cotton sock inside the cup. I cut small strips of duct tape and added them to circle the back side of the driver. I cut small pieces of duct tape to stick on the top side as described by Charmerci. I've got maybe 40 -50 hours on that pair and am happy with them.

My 10 yr old broke his phones he uses on the Ipad so I bought another pair and modded them in a slightly different way. I used 2 pieces of duct tape inside the cup and added single strips of electrical tape in the cup and then added the round cut sock. (so 3 strips thick of tape) I did a more thorough job of duct taping around the back of the driver and I used 2 pieces of duct tape on the face. I'm also using Qtips on both cans and stock pads (for now)

I prefer the 2nd pair with maybe 16 hours on it to the original pair. I will put more hours on the second pair and see if I can describe the differences when both pair have same number of hours.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 16 Jan 2013, 09:35 pm
Last tip - for my second pair I found a better way of cutting the duct tape to place on the face. I cut the tape so it was longer than the width of the can and placed it so that it split the can in half. I took a Sharpie with cap on and pressed around the edge of the driver cutout so I could easily see the round edge. I drew with Sharpie on the  tape around the edge so I had a semi-circle on the tape. I cut with kitchen shears the semi circle in half and then cut with the end of the shears one half of the semi-circle. I did the same thing with the other side and it worked great. Drawing the semi-circle as a template, breaking cuts into 2 small jobs came out clean.

I also had the tape extend off the edge of the face and then used the shears to do small cuts around the perimeter. This cutting technique was clean and allowed me to cover the entire face of the can. Sorry for the long post but maybe it will help someone who cares about little things like that.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 17 Jan 2013, 07:01 pm
I like this guy, his first cans and he's in there tweaking them...welcome!!!!! Your in the right place.... :thumb: :thumb:

Hey guys is the q-tip mod putting something under the rim of the earcups??  Somebody post a list of the mods so far I think I'm way behind. Are the earpads a pain in the ass to get back on when you pull them off to open the drivers up???????
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 17 Jan 2013, 09:54 pm
I read somewhere that you put a full Qtip into the earcup but a standard Qtip was too wide for these pads. I took kitchen shears and cut the ends off about 12-15 Qtips and stuffed them under the inside edge of each earcup. Pretty easy to do this mod. I'm not sure if they make too much of a difference. I am too lazy to take them out and do any comparison.  :thumb: Just taking everyone's word that the Qtips are better than no stuffing.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 17 Jan 2013, 10:00 pm
ecline, I am definitely in the right place with mods especially if they are cheap and simple. For amyone who hasn't tried the mods, feel free to try them as they are simple and cheap. The three screws are small but can be unscrewed by hand. Go slow and be patient. The only thing I didn't get the first time is there is knotted wire inside the cup and it fits inside a square indentation in Charmerci's photo. After adding the duct tape and desired stuffing, when putting the driver back on make sure the knot lines up with the square indentation. If it doesn't the driver won't sit flush on the bottom of the cup.

I have read and will monitor this thread for other ideas that are shared. I aleady ordered the Brainwavz HM5 replacement pads and am checking delivery status on a daily basis :) They show as being in Hong Kong and I'm really looking forward to trying them out.

My head is pretty big and these pads get uncomfortable after long periods of time. I'm hoping that the new pads are softer and improve the sound. If they do either they will have been worth the purchase price.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 18 Jan 2013, 12:05 am
I like this guy, his first cans and he's in there tweaking them...welcome!!!!! Your in the right place.... :thumb: :thumb:

Hey guys is the q-tip mod putting something under the rim of the earcups??  Somebody post a list of the mods so far I think I'm way behind. Are the earpads a pain in the ass to get back on when you pull them off to open the drivers up???????

You take q-tips and slip them into the pads (center outwards) without taking them off. Maxx134's post here - http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-affordable-carbon-nanotube-cans-for-the-masses/840#post_9063355  (This also has paper towel shoved in there too.)

There is also replacing the stock pads with others - already referenced here on p.2

All the other mods are variations of what I have already posted here - except covering up the back of the speaker (which I don't feel like doing) that Maxx134 did here - http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-affordable-carbon-nanotube-cans-for-the-masses/840#post_9063355  post #844 second photo. 

(As a reminder, my variation on the TP mod is using a piece of cloth.)

Putting the pads on is not technically difficult but it's not like you can just quickly slip them on. You have pull part of it bit by bit to fit the piece back in the groove as it is a tight fit.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73905)


So there you have it, Ed.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 18 Jan 2013, 04:51 am
You take q-tips and slip them into the pads (center outwards) without taking them off. Maxx134's post here - http://www.head-fi.org/t/626332/the-new-jvc-ha-s400-affordable-carbon-nanotube-cans-for-the-masses/840#post_9063355  (This also has paper towel shoved in there too.)
  Thanks for the pointer. The Qtip mod is on page 53 post 782. I couldn't visualize until I saw that pic.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 19 Jan 2013, 12:05 pm
Thanks guys!  I did the Q tip mod with tissue already and I'm too lazy to do all that work with Q tips.
Charmerci thanks for the description that really helps me as my hands are not as precise as they once were because of
Peripheral Neuropathy so I'll wait until my son comes up and make him fight that puzzle.

Did anyone try modding the next model up? I didn't get them I'm just curious.
 :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: django11 on 19 Jan 2013, 03:28 pm
71.33$ in Canada :deadhorse:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 19 Jan 2013, 05:50 pm
Thanks guys!  I did the Q tip mod with tissue already and I'm too lazy to do all that work with Q tips.
Charmerci thanks for the description that really helps me as my hands are not as precise as they once were because of
Peripheral Neuropathy so I'll wait until my son comes up and make him fight that puzzle.


Also, use electrical tape rather than duct tape. Duct tape is a bear to cut into curves and precise shapes.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 19 Jan 2013, 07:45 pm
I ordered a pair; thanks a lot jerks.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 19 Jan 2013, 07:59 pm
Now that is funny!
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 19 Jan 2013, 08:10 pm
I ordered a pair; thanks a lot jerks.

Yeah well, the only way to avoid that is to avoid AC completely. My bank account is lesser for it, too!

ACA anyone? :roll:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 21 Jan 2013, 01:36 am
I did the electrical tape mod last night.  I worked well dampening unwanted vibration.  Thanks.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 21 Jan 2013, 02:50 am
I did the electrical tape mod last night.  I worked well dampening unwanted vibration.  Thanks.

That's what us jerks are here for!  :lol:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 21 Jan 2013, 03:34 am
Here's to all the jerks in the world especially those here at AC.   I think I'll go and No Rez my 6 ft tall line source speakers now.   or just line them with electrical tape. 

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 21 Jan 2013, 03:44 am
Here's to all the jerks in the world especially those here at AC.   I think I'll go and No Rez my 6 ft tall line source speakers now.   or just line them with electrical tape.

Vibrations from loudspeakers is much more energetic than what comes from headphones. Electrical tape won't do much good.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: SET Man on 21 Jan 2013, 04:16 am
Hey!

 Yup, thanks to you guys. I got a pair also.  :icon_lol:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8371771382_366f9fbd2c_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8370703607_21fcdb63f8_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8370703745_4359835ecd_z.jpg)

  Arrived a little over a week ago. My first impression was that the finish is nice, with nice feel overall and not too heavy. They are rather well made for $27.

  I put them through 4 days of straight break-in with pink noise and some musics.  The ear pads do a pretty good isolating the outside noise. Sound wise. The mid is good the high although not as extended as my other headphones I have it is still clear and detailed. One thing if I have to pick on these is the bass or rather mid bass is too thumpy, loose, lack the tight control and too prominent. And other minor thing is the little bit of plasticky sound.But overall I'm impress with these $27 headphones. And they can be fold up nicely so they are perfect for outside use.

   Keep in mind that I haven't done anything to them yet. Still I think I prefer using my Grado SR125 or AKG K77 at home. Here are link to them...

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDGsc2s (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDGsc2s)

   I'm planning to do some mod like I did with my AKG K77 when I have time. And will report back. Well, do I need another headphones? No... but now I have a pair that I can take outside if needed. Thanks guys :lol:

Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 21 Jan 2013, 04:25 am
I like them because I travel and if I lose them its not a huge loss.  The electrical tape mod did clean up the bass distortion alot.  I'll be on the road tuesday to thursday.   Ear buds end up in the washer and dryer and at the dry cleaners for me.   I lose them very quickly.  Yes these have thier limitations but WTF its only $27.  For me it was $31 delivered.

Now I have to work on listening to them with a decent amp portable amp. 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 21 Jan 2013, 04:42 am
Hey!

 Yup, thanks to you guys. I got a pair also.  :icon_lol:

 Still I think I prefer using my Grado SR125 or AKG K77 at home. Here are link to them...



Take care,
Buddy :thumb:

I still consider my Grado 80s to be a better headphone at the $99 price point, but these are solid performers for $27....there are people on head-fi who are saying these are better than some pretty nice gear...I don't subscribe to THAT sort of thinking, but for the money I think they are excellent. I really had no interest at all in a cheapo pair, but these have given me quite a bit of enjoyment. Very hard to go wrong here, but I certainly wouldn't choose these over some of my nicer phones.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ajzepp on 21 Jan 2013, 04:44 am
I like them because I travel and if I lose them its not a huge loss. 

Exactly....these are almost like disposable headphones in that sense lol. If I break a pair, not a big deal...whereas with my 1350s, even though they're all metal and very durable, I fear something may happen to them if I don't take really good care.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: ThomDP on 21 Jan 2013, 04:13 pm
I still consider my Grado 80s to be a better headphone at the $99 price point, but these are solid performers for $27....there are people on head-fi who are saying these are better than some pretty nice gear...I don't subscribe to THAT sort of thinking, but for the money I think they are excellent. I really had no interest at all in a cheapo pair, but these have given me quite a bit of enjoyment. Very hard to go wrong here, but I certainly wouldn't choose these over some of my nicer phones.

I agree with you I purchased the JVC's and think they're great even in stock form, but they don't sound as good as my Grado SR60's.

However they do go louder with an unamplified source like an IPOD, IPAD, or Sandisck MP3 player and they are isolated much better than the Grado's. So from a functionality standpoint they're better.

I haven't modded mine yet. Maybe I'll think otherwise after?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 22 Jan 2013, 10:38 pm
Modded mine up last night with the Duct Tape mod. I cut out a circle of tape (traced a poker chip to size) for the back of the interior cavity and a 1.5" piece of cotton fabric from an old t-shirt. To cover the front speaker section I over laid two pieces of tape and trimmed using an Ulfa knife.
The sound is more coherent and forward than before, with a whole lot less resonance. The "cavity" effect is completely gone, bass tones decay quicker and more natural, which leaves a lot of room for the rest of the music to flow through.  :D


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74136)
 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 23 Jan 2013, 08:13 am
Got mine too.

I put some sock on the inside. It cleaned up the bass a lot, but I think I'll add a second piece of sock as it just wasn't enough to tone down the bass. Then I'll add tape to the outside.

But I did this to the inside and coherence went up a lot. That is the foam you use to seal speakers and stuff, with a stick back, cut in half, and wrapped around the driver holder.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8406937611_27ef21e74b_c.jpg)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 23 Jan 2013, 05:50 pm
I let them play overnight, much better now.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: WireNut on 23 Jan 2013, 09:24 pm


  Got mine today ($37 delivered/amazon).
  What are you guys using for a longer cord?
  Are you staying with the 90 degree connector or cutting it off and replacing it with a straight one?

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 24 Jan 2013, 05:09 am
Some of you guys are covering up the air vents on these headphones with your duct tape. I don't recommend it because it allows more air into the headphone, kind of like a ported speaker allowing a smaller cabinet.

I doubled the sock layers in mine, good improvement. I used two half-thick sock pieces. Then if you got something to surround the driver holder on the back with it helps a lot. Rope caulk, cut in half or quarter, would be probably better than the stuff I used. The tape mod on the surface works well but really you only need to apply it around the ports (not on) and not at the screws. If you got super, super, fancy you'd cut it small enough to build up two layers of tape on the driver grate. You are trying to dampen the ringing of the plastic and also stop it from flexing (the same thing really). It doesn't take much. Just a bit is enough to be able to get the headphones farther from your ear and not lose effectiveness.

Overall they are still a bit bass heavy for my taste of absolute preference. But for cheap headphones they sound great.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 24 Jan 2013, 06:10 am
Some of you guys are covering up the air vents on these headphones with your duct tape. I don't recommend it because it allows more air into the headphone, kind of like a ported speaker allowing a smaller cabinet.


The vents you're talking about are only those three holes already lightly covered up by the white factory tape, right?


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74222)
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 24 Jan 2013, 08:49 am
The vents you're talking about are only those three holes already lightly covered up by the white factory tape, right?


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74222)

Yes, but look at how porous the tape happens to be; I think it is meant to breath.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Nick77 on 24 Jan 2013, 01:28 pm
I think i might agree about taping the vents, i feel i have lost a lot of air. Sound after taping was a little muffled and less open.
When i get around to it i think i will try more backing and remove tape. It did seem to tighten up the bass so I'm not sure yet of best compromise.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 24 Jan 2013, 01:40 pm
DOS your right about the vents! :thumb:

I just removed the tape covering them and the "air" is back with a more realistic sound.
With the vents covered the bass would decay rather quickly and drop off severely.
With the vents open there is more space around the notes, and sound more natural.
Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 24 Jan 2013, 02:12 pm
DOS your right about the vents! :thumb:

I just removed the tape covering them and the "air" is back with a more realistic sound.
With the vents covered the bass would decay rather quickly and drop off severely.
With the vents open there is more space around the notes, and sound more natural.
Thanks for the tip.
NOTE TO SELF: Stop reading this frickin thread or you will never be done modding these cans  :duh: Also, struggling to wait for HM5 pads to be shipped from China. They are stuck in Singapore for 5 days. Can't get used to waiting for stuff.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 24 Jan 2013, 02:35 pm
NOTE TO SELF: Stop reading this frickin thread or you will never be done modding these cans  :duh:

 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Removing the tape is the last mod I will do to these phones.
The tape/cotton mod took me about an hour to do and DOS hit it on the head about the "ports".
I never gave phones a thought until this thread, and in the short term circumstance has me going this route.
FWIW the mods do improve the overall sound quality and are simple to do.

Enjoying music again...very cool 8)
 
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 24 Jan 2013, 03:36 pm
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Removing the tape is the last mod I will do to these phones.
Yeah me too. Cutting out a slot to expose the ports has made everything very 'coherent' is the best way to describe what I am hearing. I considered intentionally stripping the screws this morning to ensure I am not tempted to do any future mods  :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 24 Jan 2013, 04:01 pm
I considered intentionally stripping the screws this morning to ensure I am not tempted to do any future mods  :thumb:

 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

This stuff can drive you nuts if you let it! :bounce:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: WireNut on 24 Jan 2013, 07:06 pm
This stuff can drive you nuts if you let it!

 I heard that.  :slap:  :deadhorse:   :banghead:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 24 Jan 2013, 08:28 pm
Now I'm wondering if you stuffed the cabinet with something, would it make sense to remove the factory tape we have been talking about? The tape was originally meant to provide resistive air movement, but with a stuffed body we have doubled the resistance to some degree.

The question being, would it reduce bass just a little bit?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 24 Jan 2013, 10:43 pm
THese have been across the country three times and I am very happy with the tape mod.  I want to run these with the tape only before I add a square of cotton in the enclosure.  The tape alone is sounding very good right now on my flight frOm Atlanta to sfo. 

What other material cOuld be used to advance or decay the port.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 24 Jan 2013, 11:19 pm
Well the port itself? I'm not sure. Whatever you got around? I can't tell what the tape they used happens to be, medical maybe? But yet I still figure the sock on the backside not only allows for a little cushion, but a massive reduction in reflection and vibration from the plastic.

I'm going bold and pulling the tape off...  I think it'll relax the bass even more. It'd be like taking a small punchy box and making it a bigger more well-rounded box. If I'm wrong I'll have to fine a replacement.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 24 Jan 2013, 11:29 pm
Perfecto... Bass is right about where it should be! Highly recommend open ports, two layers of thick sock behind the driver. The mid's and hi's now sing in the right range. Doing this could easily mitigate the Q-tip mod.

Great success!

They are pretty awesome cans now; like better than some more expensive Sennheiser I had ($150 area). If you like a little more bass then try one port at a time.

God damn... the more I listen. A$AP Rock - Hell ft. Santi Gold: The bass is articulate and still booming like how it was recorded. It goes deep too. The Vocals are the most forward, right where I want them.

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 24 Jan 2013, 11:49 pm
Now I'm wondering if you stuffed the cabinet with something, would it make sense to remove the factory tape we have been talking about? The tape was originally meant to provide resistive air movement, but with a stuffed body we have doubled the resistance to some degree.

The question being, would it reduce bass just a little bit?

Did you see my post on p.5 - 4th one down? The more I filled the back cavity, the prominent the midrange became (pushing the center of the soundstage towards the center of my head.)  I backed off because I don't like the midrange.

I guess I've got to open the ports to see the effect, I guess.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 25 Jan 2013, 12:00 am
I did.

My reasoning for more stuffing was to get rid of bass primarily. I could probably go back to one piece now. But I don't find it very unbalanced now. Before the midrange and bass was too much without getting them off my ears a little (Q-tip). They were pleasing, just off for long listening.

In your case if you like less padding in the back try opening one port at a time. You wouldn't want to over-do it right? That factory tape is some weird stuff I haven't seen for sale personally. It doesn't even come off easily (I wanted to pull it off, but I had to cut it out).
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 25 Jan 2013, 01:04 am

In your case if you like less padding in the back try opening one port at a time. You wouldn't want to over-do it right? That factory tape is some weird stuff I haven't seen for sale personally. It doesn't even come off easily (I wanted to pull it off, but I had to cut it out).

I went whole hog and punched out the three holes.

Didn't like what I heard. So I covered them up again - and then I opened up again.

The bass may be a little tighter but it's distant and hardly there. It's much more full and the sound more balanced with all the ports covered.

(edit) I then tried it with two of the holes covered up. Much more bass than with three holes uncovered. The bass is tighter (has more initial impact) than with all the holes covered up.

Even though the bass is a bit more boomy/resonant with all the holes covered up, I prefer that because it "covers" up the midrange which I don't like in these phones.

I guess if I had to do it again, I would keep one hole open with the original white tape still on it - but I don't have that option anymore - for less than $27+ shipping!  :lol:

Agree to disagree!
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Folsom on 25 Jan 2013, 04:04 am
Hm, well everyone likes something different.

If I feel like everything is too extreme left and right I get bored. I like to have a little concert in my head.

Without the holes covered and double sock I find the bass is extremely talented. In fact it reveals how simple rap bass is when it isn't obliterated by all the untalented subwoofers.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 4 Feb 2013, 02:36 am
Here is something I did


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74811)



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74812)



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74813)



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74814)



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=74815)


In my opinion super results: mid bass, bottom bass no distortion. Clean, detail juicy sweet mid range. I have all that material just sleeping in basement, working on that for 30min and here you go. Still I prefere my DT 770 Pro, but for money they best I ever hear   

Cheers Ritchie   
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 4 Feb 2013, 12:12 pm
Great stuff.....I haven't opened mine up yet but after seeing this I may just do it......Thanks!!! :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 4 Feb 2013, 12:25 pm
Here is something I did
In my opinion super results: mid bass, bottom bass no distortion. Clean, detail juicy sweet mid range. I have all that material just sleeping in basement, working on that for 30min and here you go. Still I prefere my DT 770 Pro, but for money they best I ever hear   

Cheers Ritchie

Ritchie,

What are the materials in your pic's?

Chris
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 4 Feb 2013, 02:24 pm
Chris,  I have use leather fabric with extra soft and puffed material in back. My son have school project and this fabric was leftover. The tape is something like tar material use on roofing repair. It's sticky and have super damping abilities. Twelve years ago we have in my work windows replace from wood frame to all metal frame. When the guy's installed metal windows they use this tar tape between windows frame and actual building brick.They say it's for noise, water and vibration protection. Also I see same material use on my modified Fostex 206ES drivers from http://www.planet10-hifi.com/. My son just text me from school that lot of kids like he's headphones and hands down like them better then any Beats by Dr. DRE. So, he ask me to do already same modification for he's two friends. And that was the point to get him involve. Anybody, who have sixteen years old kids know is not ease keep them interested  :icon_lol:

Ritchie   
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: rodge827 on 4 Feb 2013, 04:05 pm
Ritchie,
Thanks for all of the info.
I guess the tar tape can be found at Home Depot and the soft backed leather can be found at Michaels?

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 4 Feb 2013, 05:03 pm
I'm not sure abut tar tape, but you can see something like that in Roofing section in Home Depot and Michaels/AC More or any Fabric store for the leather.        Ritchie
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 4 Feb 2013, 11:49 pm
Ritchie,
Thanks for all of the info.
I guess the tar tape can be found at Home Depot and the soft backed leather can be found at Michaels?

It's not really necessary to get that fancy. Any sticky material to damp the plastic resonances is fine. These speakers are not vibrating with a large amount of force.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 5 Feb 2013, 12:30 am
It's not really necessary to get that fancy. Any sticky material to damp the plastic resonances is fine. These speakers are not vibrating with a large amount of force.

I agree with you 100% but you don't need to be so COCKY about it. As i mention before that stuff was sleeping in my basement for a long time. That is why I used that and I just reported my thoughts, just in case somebody has some free material, like me.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 5 Feb 2013, 12:50 am
I wasn't trying to act superior. Just saying to rodge that he didn't need to go searching everywhere for materials.

I mean, your mods look great.   :thumb:

Peace, man!  :green:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 5 Feb 2013, 04:32 am
I wasn't trying to act superior. Just saying to rodge that he didn't need to go searching everywhere for materials.

I mean, your mods look great.   :thumb:

Peace, man!  :green:

No worries, everything is cool man :lol:

Ritchie
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 5 Feb 2013, 02:21 pm
I have read and will monitor this thread for other ideas that are shared. I aleady ordered the Brainwavz HM5 replacement pads and am checking delivery status on a daily basis :) They show as being in Hong Kong and I'm really looking forward to trying them out.
Ugghhh - anyone have experience with purchases from China? I can track the shipment to Singapore but Singapore shows it was turned over to USPS on 19th of last month. USPS shows they were notified of shipment but they don't have it and don't take possession in their system until they receive it in the US. Seems like there is a huge black hole between Singapore and US with neither party being able to track it. :(

I bought the pads from MP4nation.net where others posted they got the pads without problem so hopefully someone who has ordered from them can provide feedback.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lcrim on 5 Feb 2013, 02:50 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=73636)

I received the HM5 earpads from MP4Nation ($17) yesterday.  Shipping from Hong Kong took almost 2 weeks. 
I've been using the double Q-tips mod and the tape mod but removed the Q-tips.  The pads do make the cans circumaural and help w/ comfort a great deal.  Spectacular isolation now.
Larry

Yes, shipping from Singapore is fairly slow and tedious but they do offer faster and more expensive shipping options but it doesn't make sense to spend that much. 
BTW: I have removed the tape mod and put the qtips back in.  I don't think I'll be doing the resonance prevention mods as I don't hear any resonance issues. All IMHO
Larry
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 5 Feb 2013, 03:28 pm
Larry, thanks for the feedack! I will try to be patient.
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: eclein on 5 Feb 2013, 04:14 pm
I just got a package from Thailand, that was sent to me from the UK, yep a big oops as it went to Thailand 1st, for reasons unknown to me(no info on the package even mentioned Thailand except the notice that it went there by mistake - LOL )
I'm in Allentown/Bethlehem area and it took 2 months......LOL.....its a $11 leather ipod nano case-very nice though...hehehehee....man I was giving up.
 It will get there hopefully for you.

 I've use any material that's laying around that's remotely applicable-when the mods are found to be very positive to me I then go back and revisit the materials if I want. But the only time I did that was with Grado mods that seriously mattered to me at the time...we got the latest vibration damping materials etc...it was fun but not cheap-my JVC's have toilet paper rolled up under each ear cup and it sounds good to me. I don't hear to much resonance that bothers me or is noticeable to me but everybody hears differently. The idea is the same the cool part is trying different stuff to what others try to see if it improves the sound or not. Carry on my friends, keep the ideas coming.  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: Cheeseboy on 5 Feb 2013, 04:45 pm
that stuff was sleeping in my basement for a long time. That is why I used that and I just reported my thoughts, just in case somebody has some free material, like me.

Great Mods!  Now to the basement!
Crap we don't have basements in Nor Cal. 

I like your style.  Its like making a meal only with what is in the fridge. 
Sometimes it is a masterpiece. 

Thanks Ritchie

Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: charmerci on 5 Feb 2013, 05:17 pm
Great Mods!  Now to the basement!
Crap we don't have basements in Nor Cal. 

Thanks Ritchie

Yeah well, just try to dig yourself out of that situation, buddy. Good luck! :roll:
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: mytubes211 on 5 Feb 2013, 05:41 pm
Great Mods!  Now to the basement!
Crap we don't have basements in Nor Cal. 

I like your style.  Its like making a meal only with what is in the fridge. 
Sometimes it is a masterpiece. 

Thanks Ritchie

Right on, thanks. I just catch my self snatch headphones from my son and give nice two hours session yesterday. They sound very nice.   :D
I have one guy from over see ask me in PM if I can send him left overs materials. As I mention before I like my son do the project for he's friends but it is possible that I will be look around for more of "magical stuff" and then send this anybody who wants proses this modification

Ritchie
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: murphy11 on 6 Feb 2013, 07:57 pm
So I got my HM5 pads today from MP4nation and they are SO much more comfortable than stock pads. It took about 3 weeks from order date to delivery to Philly so plan accordingly if you buy these pads.

Larry or anyone else who has these pads how do you have them attached and if you had the Qtip mod did you leave them in or did you take them out after adding the new pads. Right now I have the Qtip mod and the new pads over the old pads. Haven't listened enough to determine changes but they are worth the price to me for the comfort alone.

EDIT: I see in Larrys pic that he removed the Qtip mods and has\had the new pads over the old ones. If that is still true, Larry what difference did you find between leaving the Qtip mods in vs. taking them out?
Title: Re: JVC HA-S400 Headphones- the $27 wonder?
Post by: lcrim on 7 Feb 2013, 07:08 am
murphy11:
I've taken the q-tips out and then put them back in w/ the HM5 pads.  I also removed the tape mod as that seemed to change things for the worse.  At least for now, I'm  pleased w/ the HM5 pads over the stock pads along w/ the q-tips mod which does seem to focus the sound better.  The tape mod may have left behind some effect but I like the sound better w/o all the holes filled.
Larry