This open source project provides blueprints for your own, homemade, 3D printable headset. It includes a complete parts list, printing plans, assembly instructions, and even shows you how to build and program your own headphone amplifier.

Called Ploopy Headphones (opens in new tab), the headphones look pretty good considering most of them are made with 3D printer filament. The entire project, including the drivers and amplifier board, is planned out with source files (opens in new tab) and a step-by-step guide on how to assemble the custom-made parts (opens in new tab). It also includes how-tos on what to order from the PCB manufacturer and which chips to get.

If not, you can buy a kit from Ploopy Co. that has all the parts you need to build your own audiophile headphones. The kit costs $150 CAD, much less than the $300 CAD it costs for off-the-shelf headphones.

The beauty of 3D printed parts is that you can choose the color of the headset as you like. Also, if any part of the Ploopy can breaks, you can print spare parts and replace it yourself.

What is really impressive, however, is that the headset offers a rather impressive frequency response (opens in new tab) due to the planar magnetic drivers; Ploopy compares the headphone's response to that of the rather famous and popular audiophile can, the Sennheiser HD 6XX, and compares it to the Sennheiser HD6XX.

Ploopy hopes to lay the groundwork for a community-driven audiophile headphone platform. These first generation Ploopy designs are basically a framework for more customized and even personalized cans in the future, which is pretty cool.

There is something about this project that I absolutely love. Building your own hardware is a learning experience, and while it can be tricky at times, it gives you a new appreciation for the kit on your desktop. There is a reason I recommend building your own PC whenever possible. Make your own keyboard, too.

I had never thought about building my own headphones before, but it sounds like a very nice venture. Also, Ploopy Co. already offers a variety of trackball mouse blueprints (opens in new tab) that you can download and build yourself. Great stuff.