Puppy Stax

[dogears]

So I just got marcusd's Stax SR-001Mk2 last Saturday (16Jul)
and decided to start my own thread/diary...
16Jul after meeting with marcusd:



snapped with NokiaN82

17Jul:
Got the chance to open it up today. I think its modified already but can't see a fat cat inside








Can't find the OPA

*So I think I will be aiming for the Fat Cat Ultra
from head-fi The Stax SRM-001 mod thread post#19
1) The Fat Cat -- BlackGate/polyprop as input, 8599, BC component as output, and using larger capacity aluminum electrolytic for +/- power.
2) The Super Fat Cat -- BlackGate/polyprop input, 8599, Sonic I or Sonic II as output, install BlackGates whereever possible.
3) The Fat Cat Ultra -- BlackGates/polyprop input, AD825's on adaptor strip, Auricap as output. Install BlackGates whereever possible.

*Can't believe where the bass is coming from

*Tried the China tips from marcusd but I didn't like the sound. Tried other tips and config, didn't work. I'm back with the first one that fit - the Creative small buds! \m/
It's just that it hurts my ears - the driver housing being plastic and doesn't conform to my ears. Ouch.

*D@mn the sensitivity of these earphones on the tips! I keep on coming back on the small Creative tips. And I get the best sound when the driver casing is resting on my ears.

*I already put some of my badminton grip material on the drivers - now they are more comfortable. I think I will add another layer later.
For the tips, the best is the closest to the nozzle - anything thicker or longer lowers the SQ.

*The UniRoss Hybrio hybrid batteries lasted only for ~2hrs NiZn beats the hybrids - still have to check how long does it go (using it for more than 3hrs already)...

20Jul2011|2105H
Need to open the left driver to check something that sound like a plasticky pop whenever I fix the fit in my ear. Thanks marcusd for the tip.
Here are some pictures I found from hf.org:










21Jul2011|0830H
So the first agenda of the day is to operate on the left driver of Puppy Stax.
Some pics





Using the right driver for reference - that first white paper ring from the left is misplaced and should be somewhere on the middle of the last two 'plates'.
I admire the simplicity of these configuration and even amazes me more how it creates that wonderful bass. As simple as it get, it still gave me the jitters specially when I was assembling them back already.
After assembling, I checked again with a gentle blow on the left nozzle and the plastic sound is not there anymore. Gave it a listen and my jitter was elevated to panic I was hearing that sort of farty sound on the left driver! &^%$#@!
So I just opened it up and rechecked plate-ring by plate-ring.
Reassembled and gave it a go and it was a success. Phew!!! I'm getting old with this sort of operations
Now the sound - psychological or not (I'm a dog after all) - is even better specially the treble.

26Jul2011|1020H
Tried a cheap ipod buds>inear adapter buds and it's working great!

[marcusd]

Yeah those NiZn batteries are not to be underestimated 

[dogears]

Taken after meeting with marcusd:



straight from Nokia N82

[aye]

hi moises, congratulations on this fine acquisition. The OPA you got there is a SIL (Single In Line) package, where the two 2 red e-caps are sitting on; I can see some SOIC 8 pads just at the back of potentiometer and audio input (?)that you can use.

[dogears]

Thanks Aye.
Replacing the SIL is part of:
2) The Super Fat Cat -- BlackGate/polyprop input, AD8599, Sonic I or Sonic II as output, install BlackGates whereever possible.

You want to do mine?

I'm enjoying it here in the office - as intended this will be my office setup (together with the T50RP).

[dogears]

It's a no go for the ear impressions -> tips, my ears are too small to accommodate the SR001 inside the impressions.

Anyone with spare AD8599 for sale? TIA

[aye]

Thanks Aye.
Replacing the SIL is part of:
2) The Super Fat Cat -- BlackGate/polyprop input, AD8599, Sonic I or Sonic II as output, install BlackGates whereever possible.

You want to do mine?

I'm enjoying it here in the office - as intended this will be my office setup (together with the T50RP).

absolutely! this should take a short time to mod as long as all part are available.

[dogears]

Wow, that's great - TIA!
Ok... I will try to procure the OPA

[dogears]

20Jul2011|2105H
Need to open the left driver to check something that sound like a plasticky pop whenever I fix the fit in my ear. Thanks marcusd for the tip.
Here are some pictures I found from hf.org:

[marcusd]

20Jul2011|2105H
Need to open the left driver to check something that sound like a plasticky pop whenever I fix the fit in my ear. Thanks marcusd for the tip.
Here are some pictures I found from hf.org:

the pop might be a discharge of electricity ?

[dogears]

Nope. I gave it a slight blow on the nozzle and I can hear it. It's like something is moving inside (due to air vacuum) and blocks the nozzle, then I'll get that veiled sound on the left ear I know (and I hope) it's just something that's freely moving inside.

[marcusd]

Nope. I gave it a slight blow on the nozzle and I can hear it. It's like something is moving inside (due to air vacuum) and blocks the nozzle, then I'll get that veiled sound on the left ear I know (and I hope) it's just something that's freely moving inside.

yeah there are no electronics in there bro, just 3 metal sheets and cotton layers  - astonishingly simple!

[solomonella]

could it be "driver flex"? its pretty common and normal on dynamic drivers and should be quickly resolved by refitting the buds or pulling your ears back and upwards when inserting them to minimize the vacuum effect..i experienced this on my vb for some time and is now happening to my m6

[dogears]

So the first agenda of the day is to operate on the left driver of Puppy Stax.
Some pics





Using the right driver for reference - that first white paper ring from the left is misplaced and should be somewhere on the middle of the last two 'plates'.
I admire the simplicity of these configuration and even amazes me more how it creates that wonderful bass. As simple as it get, it still gave me the jitters specially when I was assembling them back already.
After assembling, I checked again with a gentle blow on the left nozzle and the plastic sound is not there anymore. Gave it a listen and my jitter was elevated to panic I was hearing that sort of farty sound on the left driver! &^%$#@!
So I just opened it up and rechecked plate-ring by plate-ring.
Reassembled and gave it a go and it was a success. Phew!!! I'm getting old with this sort of operations
Now the sound - psychological or not (I'm a dog after all) - is even better specially the treble.

[Za'afiel]

So the first agenda of the day is to operate on the left driver of Puppy Stax.
Some pics





Using the right driver for reference - that first white paper ring from the left is misplaced and should be somewhere on the middle of the last two 'plates'.
I admire the simplicity of these configuration and even amazes me more how it creates that wonderful bass. As simple as it get, it still gave me the jitters specially when I was assembling them back already.
After assembling, I checked again with a gentle blow on the left nozzle and the plastic sound is not there anymore. Gave it a listen and my jitter was elevated to panic I was hearing that sort of farty sound on the left driver! &^%$#@!
So I just opened it up and rechecked plate-ring by plate-ring.
Reassembled and gave it a go and it was a success. Phew!!! I'm getting old with this sort of operations
Now the sound - psychological or not (I'm a dog after all) - is even better specially the treble.

Congrats on the successful op! Those photos make the drivers look like hand fans. Also like the Takeshi's Castle paper targets.