We are now proud to offer a custom balanced cable from 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-.

Our new Argon Mk3 are an evolution of the original's sound.  We have developed a driver modification that brings the best qualities of the Mk2 driver to the Mk3 platform.  The Mk3 baffle has also been modified to allow for greater flexibility in tuning preference based on pads and how you mount them.  The stock baffle foam has been replaced by a combination of felt and foam that blocks the Mk3 baffle vents about 95%.  While the Argon Mk3 is tuned to provide a balanced sound with tastefully elevated bass with the oval pads mounted in baffle lip, if you would like to add a little bass feel free to mount the pads around the outside of the cups similar to Mk2 style mods.  Pad choice also has a greater impact on sound with the Mk3 than the Mk2.

NOTES ON PADS:

The "stock" pad option is provided for users who already have ZMF pads and would like to use what they already have.

The ZMF oval protein pads provide a sound closest to the original Argons - and is recommended for those who have been looking to buy Argons but have been unable to find any Mk2 units to send in.

The ZMF oval lambskin pads provide a more laid-back alternative to the protein pads.  They reduce mid-bass a little and lead to a smoother transition between bass and mid-range.  They also provide smoother treble and less energy between 8Khz-10khz.

The ZMF cowhide pads provide an even more laid-back sound than the lambskin pads with an even warmer tilt.  Please note that it can be difficult to achieve a good seal if you wear glasses with cowhide pads.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Argon Mk3 headphones with metallic vinyl cups and updated 3D printed badges.

Deerskin or Alcantara strap: A very soft and comfortable strap! 

V-moda cable: We feel the stock cables do not provide a good user experience and have decided to include a V-moda cable included in the cost of the headphones.  Included cable will be black or gray; other colors available upon request.

Stock cables and documentation.  If a case is not ordered the Argons will be shipped in the original box.  If a case is ordered, the original box will not be included.

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.