[ZorgDK]

I just slapped on some Beyer DT990 velour pads on the old HE-6. Pretty nice, they're a tad thicker, and so there's a bit more room for my ears now. 
 

 

[Loevhagen]

Seems to fit like a charm. Do you perceive it to alter the sound to any significant extent? The reason I ask is simply that after some "ear pad rolling" on various headphones, the sound seems to alter quite a bit on e.g. T50RP and the HE-500.
 

 

[Kremer930]

Just had a laugh to myself....  I know that the Schiit Lyr - Tube Rolling thread is very popular.  With the new foam, pleather and now the Beyer pads for the HE cans, perhaps we can start a Pad Rolling thread!!  

 

[Loevhagen]

The simple fact is: The ear pads alter the sound signature on almost any headphone far more than any DAC, amp and cable. If you have not tried it - you should go explore it for yourself. It is wasteless to discuss this topic without listening yourself. THAT was profoundly and serious meant.
 
You can beat that poor horse for ever - or just listen for yourself. 
 
Those having acoustic treatment in the home theater / stereo room - they know the root cause here. Others won't be able to comprehend. Simple as that. Sorry for being blunt. 
 
 

 

[sridhar3]

If you don't think pads make a difference, you should hear the original Ed10 compared to the ones with the reworked pads.  Huge difference.

 

[Kremer930]

I meant my comment seriously just in case you interpreted it wrongly. 
 
I know people have spoken about the reduction in bass on some and the amount of ear roomin others. I am serious. 

 

[Loevhagen]

ZorgDK: *bump *
 
BTW: You cut those rubber rings down quite a bit to make the DT990 pads fit - didn't you?
 
Edit: Looking at your picture - no doubt about it - you shelved down the rubber.

 

[grokit]

Quote:

Just had a laugh to myself....  I know that the Schiit Lyr - Tube Rolling thread is very popular.  With the new foam, pleather and now the Beyer pads for the HE cans, perhaps we can start a Pad Rolling thread!!  

http://www.head-fi.org/t/572327/mission-replace-the-hifiman-ear-pads-with-other-brand-ear-pads
Already happening 

 

[ZorgDK]

Absolutely different pads alter the sound slightly. I always thought my ears were too close to the drivers on the HE-6, even though they weren't actually touching the drivers most of the time, and it's nice to have the drivers moved a bit further away with both the Beyer and pleather pads.
 
With the Beyers: To cover the drivers I temporarily used the foam that came the Beyer pads, it's similar to that in the HD650. It adds a bit of a veil I think (I removed it in the HD650 for the same reason), and I'm going to put in some nylon from some women stockings instead. Loevhagen, I tried to use the rubber rings that came with the Hifiman pleather pads to further increase the distance of my ears to the drivers. I cut them a bit smaller so they would fit, but I gave up on it (I'll try again later..).
 
Regarding sound, I noticed better soundstage/imaging, and more reverb with the Beyer pads.
 
I didn't use the Beyer pads long though, as I was curious to try the new Hifiman pleather pads too. So I "rebuild" the pleather pads, and I have to say they are pretty nice too, a bit different sounding than velour. I had the impression of faster reverb, more tight/controlled than with the Beyer velour pads. I think I understand why Hifman has changed the stock HE-6 pads to the pleather ones.
 
I prefer velour though, and I'm going to put the Beyers back on when I've cut out some nylon for it.
 

 

[Kremer930]

I am pretty tempted to try the Pleather.  Are they easy to put on?  I have never removed the stock pads.
 
Grokit....  I may need to check out the pad rolling thread.  

 

[ZorgDK]

Yes, Kremer930, get on with the pad rolling. 

 Let's see, what else can we roll...? 

 
The pleather pads are easy to get on and off. Minimal risk to damage the 4 connector plastic tabs in the process, the old pads are easier to break.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[singh]

What about these gel cushions ?
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580542-REG/Beyerdynamic_900780_Gel_Style_Ear_Cushions_for.html
 
worth a try ?

 

[musicman59]

I have them and already tried them in the HE-6. The sound is good maybe a little dry in comparison to the velour pads but still very good. They are very comfortable but the only issue is that you get hot overtime since they are like vinyl in the out side touching your skin. If they were covered by some kind of cloth they would be real winners.
I ordered the Beyer Manufaktur leather pads to try but they are in back order so I won't get them until about 2 more weeks.

 

[singh]

can i get these gel earcushions , from somewhere else (other than the link i gave) ?
I cant seem to find them on amazon or ebay.

 

[musicman59]

Quote:

can i get these gel earcushions , from somewhere else (other than the link i gave) ?
I cant seem to find them on amazon or ebay.

Here you go.
 
http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/spare-parts/ohrmuschelsatz-17.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580542-REG/Beyerdynamic_900780_Gel_Style_Ear_Cushions_for.html