Closed back headphones AKG K550 mk1 has been bought in working condition but with a lot of usage marks on plastic and aluminium painted parts.
Headphones has been disassembled completely;
Most of parts have been grinded with sandpaper and then painted with gloss black color;
Large aluminium blocks (at the both ends of headband) have been drilled out to create huge hole - it make those headphones more lightweight view (especially that K550 are really lightweigt);
Additionally has been done detachable cable modification (using printed part inside and 2.5 jack female socket in each cup);
Looks sharp, you did a great job! A pair of 553 MkII were some of my first serious cans, and if I hadn’t gifted them on I’d love to do something similar!
I’m looking to repair my K553 pros after letting them gather dust for 6 years. I know that my cans are still working. Would it be possible for you to add some more info/ parts used.
Hi, I suppose AKG K553 pro MK1 with non-detachable cable. You can consider to prepare single socket in place of current cable hole. Or double socket version, second hole need to be drilled. I have used sockets and connectors jack 2.5mm size (links below). For fixing new sockets I have used one 3D printed part and epoxy glue (2 fluid ingredients). Instead of 3D printed part you may consider non-fluid epoxy glue (plasticine). If you need 3D model let me know. Rest of renovation is mostly sanding and painting. I have decided to have 2 separate sockets, so I have removed cable from cans to headband and I had an idea to make there a big hole through. Good luck with refurbishing!
After some tinkering I’ve found that the wire in between the headband is dead. So I have decided to go with the double detachable cables.
I chose some 3.5mm sockets instead as they came with nuts. So I don’t have to deal with the 3D printing + epoxy. They should arrive within a couple of weeks.
Should I also get some wire and if so what type. Or should I just try to salvage some from my AKGs.
If your original wire is in a good condition you can try to use it to build new cable. I have used original cable between jack connector (amplifier site) and splitter. Between splitter and headphones I have used single line cable with shield made by Cordial (basic audio quality cable). You can also consider two single line wires twisted together. Yon can also find and buy some ready to use product with double single jack 3.5 connectors.
I spent a few hours repairing my k553 today. And they back in working order, I couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much for helping me save a pair of cans that have been dead for over 8 years!!!
