My DT 880 leatherpads arrived today and i can't be happier!
The pads are very easy to install on the headphone, in opposite to the original velour pads. The already comfortable Beyer got so much more comfortable, that i even like the feeling having them on my head.
As for the sound, let me just say this: I spent several hours with them today enjoying music, with some back and forth A/B/C switching with my 10 days old HD 800 and same aged JVC DX1000.
Compared to the velourpads of the 3 weeks old DT 880 (600 Ohm), the leatherpads give a greater body through a more emphasized bass and a fuller , warmer, sweeter midrange, while recessing the highs a bit which always were somewhat a problem for me especially on my 3 years old 250 Ohm Version.
With the HD 800 i felt like being at a live concert with many hundreds of people, me being one of them. But with the reborn DT 880 it feels like an emotional, intimate private audience.
After enjoying the music so much, which i didn't for a very long time, i decided to return the DX1000 and sell the HD 800 - no joke! Since the Beyer is more forgiving than both others, i can even enjoy lesser quality music and through a slightly worse amp (direct through Benchmark DAC out compared to DAC -> Lehmann BCL).
Today was the day i came to the conclusion that neutrality, naturality and maximum detail is not everything, but for me musicality, intimity and therefore enjoyment is; and that just because of some replacement pads. Unbelievable!
Of course i do know that the change in the characteristic is not for everyone, but for me it was just spot on and it is hard for me to think about a more enjoyable sound right now.
I think about getting a replacement set of leatherpads just in case production stops and i will need them anytime in future.