I have a pair of Audio Technica M40x and while I like the sound decently enough, I find the pads very uncomfortable. They hurt after a while and my ears get quite warm. So I’d like to replace the pads. I’ve seen Brainwavz and Dekoni recommended before, but the former is not available in the EU (for a reasonable price that I can find anyway) and the latter is quite pricy. Are there any other recommendations?
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The distance from the driver to the ear is quite important. I had brainwavz pads a long time ago and they were much deeper and more comfortable but it completely destroyed the sound. I think you either need original pads or pads from a third party that are made to be just like the original ones. Especially if the shallow depth on the original is the issue for you, there is no fixing it as far as I can tell.
Well, I got them today (Elite Velour) and will be sending them back. I knew I’d give away some of the sound quality/signature, but this was way worse than I thought it’d be. They were very tinny and hollow with the dekoni pads. Perhaps their own fake leather version would be better but idk if I want to take that risk again.
Yea, it was the same with the brainwavz ones. Actually I’m listening right now to a very jerry-rigged version of the M40x, I might post it somewhere on lemmy. It has the original pads, but the fake leather started to crumble heavily. I decided to rub it all off turning the faux leather pads into plain fabric ones. It doesn’t really change the sound at all. So I don’t think the leather version would solve the issue. Essentially, the M40x drivers need to be really close to the ear to work properly as the sound thins out significantly with every additional millimeter of distance. Deeper pads without destroying the sound is not possible in my estimation. Side note: mine are open-back now (lol) but it doesn’t change the sound?!
Thanks, I ended up buying Dekoni pads like yesterday, so I’ll see how that goes. I’m not using the headphones at all right now due to the comfort.
No recommendations, but some info. Ear pads dramatically affect sound signature. Changing pads from the original will almost certainly change the sound signature. Some replacement brands do measurements (Dekoni) which helps choose something that works OK. A good way to have it both ways is to have a DAC/amp with PEQ, then correct for the replacement pads using that. Some popular headphone models and replacement pads have measured and corrected PEQ presets. E.g. there are some for M50 with Dekoni.
Yes, I’m aware that the sound will change and willing to accept that if it’s not in a bad way. I’m not in love with the sound signature or anything. I mostly use them at the office, since they’re relatively easy to pack, so comfort takes slight priority here (though I don’t want them to sound bad of course).
Thanks though
