I can tolerate stock ear pads on the old model but prefer the ear space I get changing them. The Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 pads are an option ($10-$15 on EBay or Amazon). They give more space for ears and soundstage. They add a bit more detail on top, making them sound more pricey, without being any brighter (they're already pretty bright, but bearable). They seem to control a little of the mid bass bump, and keep the sub bass very similar. The comfort is amazing. The $20 MEZE 99 pads ($20 direct from the site) were harder to get on (both wrap around the outside of the ear cups, they don't click in place like the stock. You have to carefully align an inner plastic ring under the pad, once you'd carefully stretched them on. At first they are a lot firmer but with the use of them and body heat they soften up and are fairly comfortable. They add that extra space, have similar treble to stock & tighten lower mids. They increase the mid bass punch without bloating it, and the sub bass actually hits harder lower. Mids are fuller, and better than ATH-MSR7, or stock pads. Great for listening quietly - you won't need to crank them for sparkle or boom.