Baycode
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Dec 21, 2004
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Recently I was in preparation of a review for Brainwavz HM5 earpads. I have 3 different varieties and a previous pleather HM5 earpad version. I also have a bunch of velor and pleather earpads from different manufacturers.
Depending on the headphone I have tried to fit them, they were "slightly, moderate or very difficult" to fit (since HM5 earpads are produced to fit HM5 headphones; difficulty in fitting on other brands are not the fault of the HM5 earpads itself).
From my previous modification trials I knew that even some of the original earpads are very difficult to fit.
So before going any further for swapping the earpads and starting my review I have to find a way to fit them easily.
I have searched head-fi but couldn't find a tip for easing the process (if there is the same technique please inform me and I will edit my post accordingly -giving credits to the previous headfier-).
So bicycle tire levers came to my mind. Since I already have 3 plastic tire levers, I have decided to use them.
Process was still not extremely easy, but much easier than not using the levers.
After installing the 1/3 or 1/2 of the earpad above the headphone housing (shell) I secure the installed parts with my 2 fingers (to prevent them slipping off) and carefully inserted the tip of the tire lever under the lip of the earpad and tried to get it above the housing. It's the same process as we use while uninstalling a bike tire (as seen on the picture). But this time only one lever is appropriate. Care must be given and all the movements must be slow and have to be carried out with patience. If excessive force is given there is a risk of tearing the earpad lip. So do it at your own risk.
Hope this guide may help some headfiers in future. I wanted to share
PS: Previously I have shown this technique in a "short form" under my Brainwavz HM5 earpads review.
Bike tire levers (choose a plastic one which doesn't have sharp edges)
Mounting process is the same as unmounting a bike tire (as seen, but one lever is appropriate).
Brainwavz HM5 earpad.
Bike tire lever that I use (funny but I have never used this lever before for a flat tire)
Same method can be used for mounting or uninstalling earpads.
Here a Philips Fidelio X2 fitted with Brainwavz HM5 earpads using the above technique.
Fostex T50RP (modded and recabled) fitted with Brainwavz HM5 pleather memory foam earpads using the technique.
