How To Mod Sony MDR-XB700 Headphones, More Sub Bass, Clarity & Soundstage

If you own a pair of Extra Bass series basshead headphones from Sony and want more low frequency subwoofer bass, more clarity and better soundstage, then you can do a modification to the drivers. The modification involves you to remove the white thin paper that is placed behind the headphones drivers. Once removed, it allows the diaphragm to move more freely and operate more efficiently, providing lots of benefits in better sound quality.

The modification is fairly easy for you to do, but remember to be extremely careful when handling the drivers, as the wires can become detached and you have to be careful that you don't make a hole in the driver's diaphragm, when removing the paper. 

This mod can be done to the Sony MDR-XB500, MDR-XB700 AND MDR-XB1000.

Instruction on how to modify the headphones:

1) First you will need to disassemble the headphones. So get a small Philips screwdriver and unscrew the three screws that are located inside the leather cushion. Like shown in the image below.

2) Then place all the tiny screws in a location where they can't get misplaced. Then turn the leather cushion anticlockwise to release it and place it down.

3) There are another three more small screws that hold the actual driver into its housing, so get your Philips screwdriver and unscrew them all.

4) Then remove the driver from the headphone and look at the rear of it. You will see a paper around the rear of the driver in a arc shape. 

5) What you need to do is remove the paper. So get a small needle and carefully prick the paper from the corners. Then once you have got a corner that is curled up, slowly peel it the paper off to remove it.

6) That is it you have now done the modification. Then reassemble the driver back into the headphone, by following the instructions provided in this article in reverse order and move onto modifying the other side.