Make $600 3D Printed Headphones For $200!

The best headphones for $150? Yeah, we'd say so...
Try Privacy and get $5 free - privacy.com/snazzy
PARTS
Buy Fostex T50RP - geni.us/KBO5g
4-pin Female Hi-Rose - snazzy.fm/qJh0I
Buy pre-made cable (cheaper on eBay (search "MrSpeakers cable")) - snazzy.fm/axI3W
4-pin Male Hi-Rose (if making cable) - snazzy.fm/UVCe5
PROJECT FILES
Open Alpha project - snazzy.fm/q1BBH
Foam stencils - snazzy.fm/SyijZ
Assembly PDFs - snazzy.fm/l429r
Follow Snazzy Labs on Twitter - / snazzyq
Follow me on Instagram - / snazzyq
The Hi-Fi audio world is filled with a lot of snake oil and a lot of companies say you need a lot more equipment than you really do. But every once in a while, you dig around on forums and find a gem. The MrSpeakers Alpha Dog headphones took the world by storm about 5 years ago getting tons of praise from audiophile review websites around the web. The MrSpeakers headphones were a Fostex T50RP mod. Years later, as a thank you to the community, MrSpeakers released the STL files so that DIY enthusiasts could make their own with a 3D printer, a little patience, and a couple hours. You can build everything for less than $200 and they sound amazing for the price.

[@angelangelov2354]

6:27 Actually, any audiophile, that's into DIY, knows, that single-core ethernet cable sounds great, because the copper in it is very pure by design. 9:36 Drilling holes in the cups like that should actually increase the bass. If you want less bass emphasis, change the pads to velour/microsuede ones.

[@T2star]

Those commas...

[@angelangelov2354]

@@T2star Now that you mention it, I think I've missed some.

[@Fir-jp3jt]

@@T2star I mean, all of his commas are correct lol

[@Peaches-yj8xk]

@@T2star whats the problem, with, his sentence, is there very little commas, may i ask?

[@Fincher123]

Now iam tryed to change the Cable´s from my ATH M50X =P

[@allstarwoo4]

If you want a better paint job rough sand @ 200 grit, primer, sand @ 400, primer, sand @ 800, then final coat. They use this process on car paint.

[@MirelRC]

I have seen people doing pc case mods and they are doing the same, and man! The results are awesome.

[@xaytana]

Does it really make a difference when you're applying roughly textured paint, though? Knocking down the layer lines, priming, then painting should be more than enough with a textured paint. Could probably even skip the primer if the paint itself is made for plastics.

[@allstarwoo4]

Xander Vice aerosolized paint is typically very thin. Even cheap air guns get up to around 80% paint efficiency. Yes, it’s from a spray can but still. Any texture isn’t from the paint, it will be from the surface. Primer will help hide low spots and flaws on the surface.

[@xaytana]

@@allstarwoo4 I know how paint works, but the paint he specifically used does have added texture to it. So I don't see the point of putting so much prep work into a project that's just going to be textured by the product being used.

[@allstarwoo4]

@@xaytana he says nothing about a textured paint. The metallic paint does have metal flakes but those are designed for a metallic effect, not texture. Without a clear coat to protect the paint those flakes will rub away with use.

[@EposVox]

Awesome guide! I never have the time for this kind of thing, but really cool to see.

[@shietitsumbr]

it amazes me when people who have $500+ 3d printers are scared of sanding for 30 minutes

[@joes661]

O.5mm layer height fixes all

[@akhilm3639]

@@joes661 do you mean .05 because .5 is pretty coarse

[@joes661]

@@akhilm3639 ye, I use a 1mm nozzle so am use to 0.8 etc Not 0.05

[@jakeconnelly2441]

Hell, spending an hour or two with your print settings, you barely even need sanding. The prints he shows in the vid are ROUGH compared to what comes off my printer (and his is 3x more expensive than mine!)

[@jakeconnelly2441]

@dougy I use a Tronxy x3. Was about $220, but requires assembly.

[@jonsilvestro3359]

Did you know that Fostex also made the original Apple earbuds? because I didnt!

[@1cj]

damn

[@winston7055]

But fostex is Asian quality and that sucks. So I don't believe you

[@xaytana]

@@winston7055 And the $150 headphones are shit in comparison to their other products. The Apple earbuds are obviously very cheap in comparison, so both companies can make profit, especially with the price of Apple products. Foster and Fostex, as an OEM and ODM, make products in a range of price points, and as an effect of this, range of quality. Basic business, Asian quality can be cheap too. And by 'Asian' I assume you mean Japanese, because China is also Asian, and they're known for their cheap-as-possible quality and manufacturing.

[@TURBOTURBOprod]

@@winston7055 apple IS asian quality. source: "Made in China"

[@modzn7904]

@@winston7055 but those earbuds also suck..

[@LeBeautiful]

this is why i love snazzy labs!!!

[@snazzy]

❤️

[@ihavenoideahere]

If you are worried about soldering directly to the driver, just cut the cable that connects to the driver and then solder that to the Hirose sockets.

[@Super020398]

I was wondering why this is not the standard way, as it makes the project a lot less "risky"

[@lukasschmidt26100]

@@Super020398 it might increase the resistance in the wire if done bad and could lead to a mechanical breaking point as soldered wires arent mechanically secure for movements especially in a small working space

[@Super020398]

Good point!

[@stevenXCV]

That Grand Seiko is looking crispy af.

[@marcd7332]

What I thought every time it came into frame

[@jonharvey6295]

I was just about to comment that, god tier watch

[@CydeWeys]

Came here to say the same thing. This isn't a watch video (or even close), so that was a pleasant surprise. Not surprised that a guy doing 3D printed electronics has a spring drive.

[@jonharvey6295]

@@CydeWeys yep, that watch is something a nerdy person with money would definitely wear

[@JR-mk6ow]

This is a underrated channel. Subbed Edit: I was already subbed 🤦‍♂️

[@snazzy]

Thanks so much! Welcome. :)

[@rrp6405]

I subbed too but clicked it again just to be sure

[@cashwood]

RRP so you unsubbed

[@rrp6405]

@@cashwood I been subbed for ages. Doing a captain disillusion reference

[@amit8961]

y u unsubbed

[@ELJefeReviews]

I really need to try some Fostex headphones! They've been on my wishlist for some time.

[@JimmyChampane]

This video is so cool. Definitely something I’d only expect from you. I just got some new headphones but my buddy has a 3D printer and would have a blast doing this so I sent a link over to him. Great work, man!

[@snazzy]

Glad to hear it. Thanks, Jimmy! :)

[@PCFees]

This is great man! I modded my Sennheiser HD 518s and they sound so close to 598s now that I've been using them for three years without feeling the need to replace them.

[@snazzy]

Awesome! They’re killer headphones to be sure.

[@vampula12]

518 are the same as 558/598, just enclosure differs a little.

[@PCFees]

vampula12 hence the mod. They have different sound signatures because of the enclosure. And the pads. The drivers are the same in all the 500 series I believe.

[@HiFiInsider]

The first MrSpeakers was a Mad Dog. Nice to see audio gear videos from you. Look forward to more. Perhaps cover some electrostatic audio products? 😁

[@ahpoiseheh]

Nice video and all, but what I’m REALLY INTERESTED IN is that Grand Seiko Spring Drive in your hand. WOW. I know this is not Snazzy Boutique, but I would love to see a video of yours reviewing that piece or, who knows, the story behind your purchase or gift. Anyway: congrats man, on your videos (and on THAT BEAUTIFUL WATCH!) 👌🏼

[@snazzy]

Bought it! Had a really good year on KZbin last year and I’ve wanted one of these for years, so it was my “bonus” to myself. ;)

[@czdot]

Snazzy is literally the only English-speaking youtuber, who pronounces Průša the correct way. Well done. :-D

[@jeppewerring]

Love these type of videos from you!

[@pyro530916]

If you're looking to do this mod the T40RP and T20RP will work as well. The drivers are identical, the T50RP are sometimes more expensive second hand for whatever reason.

[@MrHershey2424]

Was that a Grand Seiko I spotted? A man of taste.

[@marcd7332]

A man of culture

[@ReTr093]

A man that acts like there is anyone that doesn't ultimately buy watches to flex and stupidly wasted money on a watch that will result in neither pussy nor respect

[@MrHershey2424]

@@ReTr093 no different that flexing cars, jewelry, or a new handbag. People can do whatever they want with their money.

[@sweaner8994]

If you are going to use Methylene chloride, please be extremely careful. It has a very low boiling point and will vaporize. It is a severe carcinogen, so it is recommended to only use it in a well ventilated area, like a fume hood or outside.

[@Evie0133]

It would've been DOPE AF if you put Snazzy Labs logo on it :) You're the best Quinn! Love your videos :)

[@miguelbmelo]

Great video! Any change we're going to get a review on the STAX? cheers!

[@SuperGangles]

Really enjoyed this video! I miss the old videos of early snazzy audiophile content. P.S. Nice grand seiko as well.

[@snazzy]

Thanks!

[@peter_parkour]

First time watching your videos and this is totally amazing. Subbed 👍🏻

[@snazzy]

Cheers!

[@antonio1681]

The ear cups look awesome !

[@maximman102n7]

To get a candy coating, you need to sand, use primer, sand the primer, and in a fairly dust free place, use spray paint, and apply clear coat spray paint after

[@joonasmyllymaki3297]

Very interesting video! Also sick grand seiko 🔥

[@snazzy]

Thx!

[@fibeus4461]

That Grand Seiko is proud af :P

[@martinfuhs8955]

Nice Grand Seiko Snowflake on your wrist :) beautiful watch. Own one too. Spring Drive is just a fascinating work of art.

[@tiestofalljays]

This seems like a LTT project. Yay for awesome videos!

[@snazzy]

Thanks for watching!

[@InfernosReaper]

How is it like a LTT project when those usually end in comedic levels of disaster? ;)

[@pingozingo]

Linus would order one of his staff to do all the hard work and then he'd drop it to assert his dominance.

[@bonko86]

@@pingozingo as is tradition

[@tehj1543]

@@pingozingo hilariously accurate 😂

[@BornaPrpic]

If you want to have a nice "finished look" on your 3D printer (Prusa MK3 just like mine). For top and bottom flat surfaces . I like to put "Hilbert Curve" for the top and bottom layer. Looks awesome truly.

[@snazzy]

Didn’t know about that! Looks pretty. Gonna have to give it a shot. Thanks!

[@c0llym0re]

i´ve seen so many people using modded rp´s but the way you created the storyline was perfect. Should be a post-it on youtube :)

[@snazzy]

Thanks so much!!

[@Matt45_252]

.... Snazy.... You didn’t change the ear pads... that’s the ONE mod you HAVE to do. These are the best budget headphones. All you have to do is change the ear pads!

[@peterc3619]

And what ear pads should you replace them with?

[@Matt45_252]

Peter C something like HM5 Hybrid pads are amazing! They’re really comfortable, cheap, and they make the headphones sound a little less harsh. I would highly highly recommend them..

[@TommyFro]

@@peterc3619 MrSpeakers sell his own Alpha Pads on his website or you could go with something from ZMF. ZMF is another company that got their start modifying t50rp's and still does with his ZMF Ori and Blackwood. I personally have the Ori and have had multiple pairs of the stock t50rp in the past and it is incredible how well this headphone takes to mods and proper amplification

[@undisclosedmusic4969]

Hey Quinn, any plans to make a base 2019 iMac to fully loaded 9900k iMac video? Rumour has it that the NVME should be upgradable with the 970 Evo and some adapter and that the Z370-based Macs should be able to support a 9900k(f). Would really be interesting! Thanks a lot

[@michaelrudnick8116]

I wonder if you use different material for the cups if you could get it to sound better/different?

[@quintijnbulterman4753]

You Should do More with (high-end) audio. Its a fit for the Channel and you!

[@JeanRodo]

Ayy this is pretty awesome this is something I would definitely want to do as soon as I get a 3D printer!

[@jackblackdeath]

that's a crazy story and a crazy project.... i love it!

[@snazzy]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ArmandD]

Loved this video!

[@sygyzy]

Wow really great video! I remember when Mr Speakers first started. I can't believe he/they are still going strong. I have a stack of headphones in the corner of my room ready to sell and I know there's a modded T50RP in there. Thanks for making this video but mostly I wanted to post this comment to ask: are you wearing a Grand Seiko? Holy smokes dude! Is it the Snowflake? I'd love it if you did a video on it.

[@snazzy]

Thanks! And good eye! It is a snowflake. May do a collection video here soon. :)

[@PocketUau]

That Grand Seiko is sweeet!

[@DFMurray]

"Hammer tone" paint works really well to hide imperfections as well.

[@thomaslam778]

Amazing video, any chance you’ll try to make diy electrostats? It’s a lot more difficult but well documented online

[@vicentevargas6755]

More videos like this please. Warm regards.

[@feliperas]

Hey Quinn! I've been wondering what's that KZbin snazzy thing framed on your wall. Is it some kind of creators special artwork?

[@zszywany6412]

Awesome project!

[@SianaGearz]

You know what's good? Model paint like Revell "enamel" type, simply brushed on. It's self levelling, it's got an insane amount of bite on plastic, it doesn't chip, it can be sanded and polished. It's alkyd resin paint, similar in behaviour to oil paint, just sets quicker, but it still takes a while. Though i would suggest it's worth it. As an electrical engineer: Ethernet cable strands are perfectly adequate for the 3cm link inside headphones.

[@priyonjoni]

The title made me think this was a video about Beats by Dre’s business model.

[@antonhelsgaun]

You could also just cut the wires to make sure you don't overheat it

[@arancourt5623]

I realize that you're doing an el-cheapo take on the the alpha dogs, but my heart kinda broke when I saw that you threw the same (Insert expletive here) stock pads that came on the T50RP's. The biggest thing you can do for the T50's is to swap to way better pads, I like Brainwave, leather pad made all the difference in terms of bass presentation and depth. Definitely consider thicker/different material pads.

[@MrHeHim]

Makes me wonder if all you had to do was replace the dinky little wires and add the new connector, then add the same sound deadening to the original enclosures. As a kid (about 10 y/o) i had some 3 way floor standing Fisher speakers (ones with white foam for the cones) that i replaced the internal wiring with heavier gauge monster cable and greatly improved bass, mids, and cleaned up the high end but was careful not to turn it up too high because then you could smell what i assume was the coil burning lol. Before i got rid of them i spray painted the woofers cone with some automotive paint to give it a hard surface which further improved bass as i think it helped stiffen the cone and couple the air maybe lol.

[@snazzy]

There are a lot of mods that retain the stock enclosures and they help the sound a ton. These definitely sound a step up, but if you absolutely don’t have access or interest in a printer, you can DIY with the stock enclosures and get 90% there.

[@egormasalitin4781]

Thank you for inspiration

[@GlaciaDay]

The good old audiophile snazzy lab video, nice.

[@wpherigo1]

Sweet Grand Seiko! Looks fantastic!

[@snazzy]

Thanks so much!

[@seanbyju]

Wow you wear a Grand Seiko! Nice Watch man!

[@snazzy]

Thanks, mate!

[@dchall8]

The red color on those headphones is called candy apple red. It's made by painting a layer of the finest glitter (think stripper glitter) and cover it with translucent red and a final layers clear top coat. They paint cars like that.

[@slaps_only]

You mind sharing the link that shows where to buy those headphones for 135?

[@kvarley87]

you did all that and saved the ear pads? awesome vid tho. I did a t50 mod a couple weeks ago.

[@TheSonicFan4]

Wouldn't making holes in the headphones increase the bass, not reduce it?

[@vacationviking]

Really cool video!!

[@yoyoman62002]

What infill and layer height did you use for your prints?

[@HecTechFPV]

6:27 Aww man missed opportunity there to use a twisted pair then the audiophiles would have loved you!

[@ShortHandedNow]

Wow just awesome! I think I have found my next project :). For those of you who don't feel like this project is in the wheelhouse might I suggest the Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X's. (Roughly $150 USD on eBay & Amazon).

[@snazzy]

Cheers!

[@arancourt5623]

Is it wrong that I dropped more money on a balanced cable than I have for the rest of this project combined?

[@0Logan05]

Solder with the Pcb’s sandwiched inside small Aluminum Blocks near the soldering area to pull heat.

[@chloemcholoe3280]

Yay I didn’t know you also did 3d printing stuff

[@carimpest]

Earpads are a fundamental and critical factor in any headphones , they can make all the difference between a good pair and a band pair

[@aumkar2]

Beautiful GS Snowflake, Quinn.

[@zenboy863]

I'm tempted to try this but dont have the most stable hand. More headphone mod videos would be great, thanks Snazzy.

[@snazzy]

Cheers!

[@THYCR3AT0R]

I havent watched the whole video yet but you can get a good paintjob as long as you sand it well, even a can of spraypaint looks good if you prep and paint right. Most of the shine is in the clearcoat anyways.

[@xaytana]

I'm surprised planar speakers are more expensive. I would think they'd be cheaper, since it's just a flexible pcb, and some rigidly mounted magnets. Maybe most of the cost is from having to build out entirely new manufacturing lines with entirely different components to them. I kinda want to see an actual audio engineer have a go at these, make a perfect cup for a specific sound profile.

[@geoff650r]

Yo Snazzy, nice watch.

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

listening here with my 668b with xlr outs thru my interface. Yo sounded like your in my room with me. Im not feeling alone.

[@anton.lundberg]

5:42 Nice watch! grand seiko?

[@haythamfpv2797]

Nice! One question, does it sound better than the dt700? I'm either getting this or them

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

dare is say the dt 770 is the best headphone of all time. affordable, repairable, great sounding.

[@uberrave3]

I have both stock and alpha dog and I love them both.

[@novabay9570]

damn i love that grand seiko

[@peetiegonzalez1845]

That Cat 5(6?) ethernet cable is almost certainly 28AWG, exactly as called for in the recipe. edit: Actually probably 26AWG, a little thicker than called for, but audiophiles love ethernet cable, I doubt they're gonna be complaining.

[@FreakyDudeEx]

Omg u got the fostex t50rp mk3 I have a couple of them. The mk3 to me sounds good the bass sound that was used is controlled sub bass that's probably why you don't like them and they have near neutral sound and there is a weird peak on low frequency. Because of this sound signature some love these with simple foam and wire mods. And their sound signature is very easy to mod. And you should have tried other types of wires. And headphone foams because the driver distance to your ear unmodded can easily increase the lower frequency.. where is the logic in this you ask? I don't know but it does make it sound better...

[@ederst9759]

You don't need a fancy paint gun, you just need to learn how to wet sand and buff clear-coat by hand. Look at some of the KZbin video on DIY guitar finishing...

[@SamuelSimeon]

Brilliant Video!!!!

[@AranakAsulis]

Wow, this wasn't click bait. That's an impressed like from me.

[@snazzy]

Thanks for watching. ;)

[@notramesses4790]

Advertising too. Cool, moving on up. Also great video.

[@duke86fan]

if you are too scared to do this/want a different sound than the alpha dog or whatever kind of similar thing youd make/prefer something made by someone else other people like modhouse, dekoni, and i think ZMF still do modifications of fostex with different kinds of damping material and tunings that might fit you more.

[@shanmango]

How does this compare to your oppo pm-3?

[@SolomonLi]

Got to put the lamb skin angled pads on for the full experience... Just awesome.

[@tehj1543]

Very cool tutorial! Have been looking to get into a pair of high quality headphones for about this price point but unfortunately don't have a 3d printer. Will add this to the list of reasons I should get one.

[@Killer-wu9hk]

if u add holes in the headphones it will actually increase the bass just lile why subwoffers have a hole in the back (usually has a hole in the back)

[@Gamex996]

the null 2 raspberrypi hanheld has been released waiting for new review , try using bananpi much better than raspberrypi zero

[@3d-speakers945]

Can some one guide me to a place where I can buy hirose cable + the female connectors? And is it also pasouble to wire the headphone with aux to rca cables?

[@MrTheSmoon]

3:08 adam savage calls it hiding your crimes

[@WineLad]

That's you've gotten involved with the maker community is really fucking cool :-D Cheers for showing us this Quinn!!!

[@snazzy]

Cheers, Sam!

[@go1485]

Samson SR850 for the win, I really love thses pair of headphones (I also own the Superlux HD681). Great headphones even better after some eq adjustments to tame the highs. The superlux only cost me £23.99 while the Samson was £19.85...simply amazing for listening to songs and doing some music production

[@Erksah68]

How does it compare to a dt 880/990 Edution as that is approximately the same price

[@victornpb]

1 inch of wire is not going to make any difference in sound, when you have a 10 feet cable in series with it, also audio is very low frequency so anything that measures 0ohms will do. I would care more about mechanical properties than electric. I would use enameled stranded wire just to avoid the wire memory of solid core copper putting stress on those pads, or rattling around. But to be honest you’re fine if you never open then again. But if your going to open is better to use something flexible to not lift pads on the flex membrane of the driver.

[@data_phile3923]

Something I tend to see youtubers miss a lot when 3d printing, you can sit your prints in an acitone vapor bath to make the plastic smooth. I beleive Adam Savages Tested channel did a video on it.

[@snazzy]

Only works well for ABS. :)

[@gcjackofalltrades]

Can I just buy that one you made? Asking for the community. Hifi for all

[@snazzy]

I’m not going to be needing them since I have the originals. Maybe I’ll have to do a giveaway. ;)

[@AlejandroFerrariMc]

@@snazzy Put your autograph on one of the ear cups and sign me up!

[@kyrkish]

I’ll buy that for 600 :-)

[@sjoerdhoogland790]

do you need a amplifier to power them?

[@pabloespinoza4462]

Grand Seiko? A man of taste I see.

[@snazzy]

😉

[@JamesRussoMillas]

I wish you'd review more headphones haha.

[@oliverszk]

Are there any foster dp29 sz1d clones or somethink similar on aliexpress? Can you make these even cheaper? Snazzy go for it!