Argon
Argon
4/23/24: To help reduce our lead times, Argon ordering is closed and will open back up on June 1, 2024.
Mk2 Argons are now only being made as a modding service where customers provide their own Mk2 headphones. Stock of pre-made Mk2 Argons is sold out. Buyer will need to ship their Mk2 T50, T40, or T20s or Massdrop TX0-RP headphones to us at their expense. Additional shipping charges apply for international orders. Pads are again optional at an additional cost.
We offer Argon mods based on the Massdrop TX0-RP at a reduced cost. Please select "Massdrop + stock" or "Massdrop + ZMF" with the pad selection drop down. Please note: the cost is reduced because of the strap included with the TX0-RP. If you would like a deerskin or alcantara strap with your modded TX0-RP please choose the regular Argon option and leave us a note at checkout. Thank you!
Argon is our first fully modified headphone. It has been created specifically to provide the sound of an open-back headphone with the isolation of a closed-back. It features the classic T50RP chassis and driver - which has been hand tuned to our specifications.
Based on user feedback, only ZMF pads will be offered. The stock pad option will remain for everyone who already has suitable pads. A V-moda cable may be ordered for an additional cost. The default color will be black, but may vary based on availability or special request.
Balanced Periapt cables available here: https://www.modhouseaudio.com/periapt-cables.
Update 7/18/20: Please see our new FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
Update 10/30/18: We are proud to now offer a custom balanced cable by Periapt! Please visit the page below! Please note: the balanced option for the headphones is the additional cost of replacing the stock jack with a new 3.5mm TRRS jack and rewiring the headphones. A balanced cable is not included. PLEASE NOTE: The balanced mod is designed to allow the headphones to be used with a single ended amp with a regular 3.5mm cable [like the stock or vmoda cables] - OR - a balanced amp with a custom balanced cable such as the Periapt cables. If you would prefer to make your own cable, the pin out from tip to base is L+ > R+ > L- > R-.
Introduction:
Argon is our first fully-modified headphone. It is the result of dozens of experiments to find a way to create the most open-sounding closed headphone possible at an affordable price. It represents the most we could get out of the classic 2nd generation Fostex T50RP and will only be available while stock of the T50RP Mark 2 is still available.
Features:
The classic Fostex ortho-dynamic driver and cups have been tuned to our specifications to provide modestly elevated bass, neutral mid-range, and smooth treble. Special attention has been paid to creating a large, natural sound-stage and avoiding any of the coloration common in other closed-back headphones.
A hand-stitched deerskin suede comfort strap greatly improves comfort by distributing weight across your head without creating hot spots.
Ear-side baffle damping provides cleaner sound regardless of pads used.
Use the pads of your choice! ZMF pads are highly recommended, or order with stock pads to use your own. Of the ZMF pads, protein leather are the brightest, cowhide the darkest, and lambskin the most balanced.
Brushed-metal vinyl covers the stock cups to provide a sleek look.
3D printed badges placed under vents provide a unique way of identifying your headphones, but may also be left off if you prefer (please leave note in order form).
A V-moda cable may be ordered at an additional cost.
FAQ:
Q: What all is included with Argon?
A: The headphones, leather comfort strap, ear-side damping pads, stock T50RP pads, stock T50RP cable, and the accessories of your choice. If a pad upgrade is ordered the upgraded pads will be installed. If the Massdrop TX0-RP option is chosen, the leather comfort strap will not be included as it already has a leather strap installed.
Q: Does Argon require an amplifier?
A: While an amplifier is not strictly required, it is highly recommended.
Q: How much sound isolation does Argon provide?
A: It provides isolation comparable to most closed-back headphones, but is technically semi-open.
FAQ:
Q: How much power do the Argons need?
A: Generally, we say the more powerful the better, but there are diminishing returns. Most mobile devices can play them to listenable volume depending on the music and noise floor in your listening area. However, we strongly recommend some sort of amplifier - preferably with 1W or more power at 50ohms. This is not a hard and fast rule though, only a recommendation.
Q: What are some amps you recommend?
A: For desktop use around $100 I recommend the Schiit Magni 3+ or Heresy. Alternative choices include the JDS Labs Atom and Monoprice Liquid Spark. For $200 I recommend the Schiit Asgard 3. Once the Drop THX AAA one comes out that should be $200 as well and a good choice. Above $200 I usually recommend the Drop or Monoprice THX AAA amplifier series.
Q: What about portable amps?
A: I don’t have much experience with portable amplifiers, since I typically use an LG V40 for portable audio. For budget options though I usually recommend the FiiO A series amps. Above that, I usually recommend the Xduoo XD-05 and XD-05+, the Chord Mojo, and finally the ifi Micro iDSD Black label - depending on your budget.
Q: What DACs do you recommend?
A: Because we are partnered with Soekris for DACs I usually refrain from making recommendations in their price range. For budget options though, my favorite DAC around $100 is the Grace S DAC. The Schiit Modi is another popular alternative. However, I have not heard the Modi 3 yet.
Q: What does the balanced option mean?
A: When choosing the “Balanced” option at check out it means that we will replace the stock jack and rewire the drivers such that the grounds are separated. Please note - a balanced cable is NOT included for this price. We offer Periapt balanced cables for T50 and T60 based units, or you can have one made by someone else or make it yourself of course. From tip to base the pin-out is L+ > R+ > L- > R-. When a standard 3.5mm single ended cable is used, the grounds will be shorted again and the headphones will operate single ended. When a custom balanced cable is used with a 3.5mm TRRS plug, the grounds will remain separate and the headphones can be used with a balanced amp. We designed them this way to allow for maximum flexibility and cable compatibility.
Q: What is the difference in sound between the mk2 Argons and mk3 Argons?
A: The biggest difference between them is the balance in the upper mids and treble. The mk3 Argons have less energy between 8-10khz. This region of sound is often fatiguing for people, and T50RP mods are infamous for having peaks in this area. So, we modified the mk3 drivers to eliminate this peak.
Q: What is the difference in sound between a mk3 Argon and a T60RP based Argon?
A: The short answer is that the T60RP based units have less bass and more upper mids / treble. This makes them more neutral than the T50 based units, while the T50 based units are more v-shaped or “fun”. My recommendation would depend on your personal preferences, current collection, etc.
Q: What pads do you recommend?
A: For Mk2 based units we recommend lambskin oval ZMF pads. This is because they result in less 8-10khz energy and more 4-6khz energy. By contrast, for mk3 based units because 8-10khz has been dramatically reduced we recommend ZMF oval protein pads because they produce more energy between 8-10khz relative to the lambskin pads. For T60 based units we recommend the ZMF oval Suede pads. Because the treble is elevated relative to the T50 based units as a whole, and the suede smooths out all the treble, it provides a better experience than the protein and lambskin pads. While we offer all ZMF pads as an option, I would only recommend their non-oval pads if you have done some research into how this effects the sound and are confident you want them based on impressions you have read or your own experience.
Q: Can you convert variants that are not T50RP/T60RP?
A: Yes, we can convert almost all variants or even personally modified units as long as the drivers and cups themselves have not been modified. This includes all versions of the T20RP and T40RP, Dekoni Blue, Mayflower modded T50RP, and Mr. Speakers Mad Dogs. If you have something besides these models please ask us first before placing an order.