Dan claims they are addressing it, see my first post, the section starting with "Except! Something happened recently!" I can confirm the Aeons (both open and closed) on Drop.com are still shipping the defective pads, and no one from Drop has confirmed they're shipping the non-padgate pads. I...

I've seen people justify all kinds of defects when spending $800+ for headphones, so I'm no longer surprised when I see replies like this. I'm happy you haven't had permanent pad warping, hopefully that doesn't mean you want to stop headphone manufactures from being held accountable to quality...

I know the first post is kind of long, but if you look at the last section, you can see DCA has responded to the defect and said they're modifying the pad design

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/is-the-aeon-padgate-finally-coming-to-an-end.964788/

wow your pads are effed, how much did you spend on these cans? These are definitely the #padgate pads, have you asked DCA for a replacement non-defective pair?

I gave up after the third pair of replacement pads that DCA sent me started warping badly again within 2 weeks. My second pair was from Dekoni. The pad issue is a known warranty issue so they shipped me the third pair for free. They mishandled the first pads and told me it wasn't under warranty...

Solid state amplification is fully solved problem, except for people who voluntarily spend money on ifi products, but most people know better than that 😂* I corrected it, thanks for pointing out the initial logical flaw in my statement

Solid state amplification is a 100% solved audio problem, any amp will drive these fine. I'd be more worried about the defective pads headed your way https://www.head-fi.org/threads/is-the-aeon-padgate-finally-coming-to-an-end.964788/

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/is-the-aeon-padgate-finally-coming-to-an-end.964788/

They are worse, see the image of my own Dekoni pads in the first post. I think DCA collaborated with Dekoni on the pads. Dekoni also forces you to ship back defective pads on your dime to get a "free" replacement, so when they warp and bulge, you lose your time and money because they want their...

Yes, if your pads have permanently deformed, ask for a free replacement from Dan Clark Audio. Really, though, don't buy the Aeons. I'm on my third replacement pads that are already warped. Do not get Dekoni pads, they have the same problem but worse, and if they deform and you ask for a...

The Youtube video is likely a result of poor manufacturing. There is an Amazon store page showing the price of the Noirs, when they're currently called Dan Clark Audio. $900 for pads that deform faster than any other headphone (that I've owned, at least). You should also know that Dan...

Holy #padgate batman, how long had you owned those before you posted that photo? $900 headphone pads shouldn't look that warped. Both pads look pretty bad in this photo. Have you asked for a replacement pair (see linked thread)?

Having pads where the core material doesn't drift from the outer leather is not mutually exclusive with soft pads

The Aeons (all models, as far as we know) have a well known issue with the pads. The foam under the leather of the pad rolls out of shape, causing the pads to bulge in unexpected ways. If it's not clear what you're looking for: look for the sharp seams in the leather that don't line up with...