It already has it's own headphone amplifier.

  You need to bend the ring then be rough stretching the pad.    It's not easy but it works.   If you have the same hybrid pads I wouldn't bother, it ruins the sound.

I'm back on the stock pads now and the sound is so much more satisfying.   Struggling to understand how they can sound so different.   I've pad rolled with my Hifiman HE-400 and even made some jergpads but all that is nothing compared to the difference with these THX and the hybrid HM5 pads.

It's a shame i'm going to have to go back to stock from these HM5 hybrid pads as I think they look and feel great:    

  Yes speech (and lyrics) come to the front with the hybrid HM5 pads. Mids sound great with them.   Most the sub bass is gone and the treble has become hot.       No tools, just my hairy man hands. I had to flex the ring and be very rough with the pads, everything took the punishment fine.

I think these sound great stock but I recently swapped out the stock pads for these HM5 "hybrid" pads: http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/headphone-pad-hybrid   I ordered these before even taking delivery of my THX00 as I thought my ears would have no chance fitting the stock pads, though...

Since my Fostex THX00 arrived from Massdrop i've not been using my new Studio's so have put them up for sale.   Mint condition if you are reading from Australia and would like to try them.

Hybrid HM5 pads arrived this morning and I still hadn't received my THX00.... though I was thankful to finally get it a few hours later.   Loving these with some Tool at the moment.   Really surprised how good the stock pads actually are. Thought i'd have no chance fitting my ears in them. ...

  I'm still waiting. Christmas Eve here and the day is nearly over. Won't get them till after the long weekend at the earliest :(

  You don't mention what amp/DAC you are using. Perhaps it is not a good pairing?

  In Australia we don't have to pay any tax if the item is declared at less than $1000. Free to import cheaper items :)

  I'm in Karratha so please post when you get yours as mine will be ~2 days later.

  Yes, mine is exactly the same.

  Nice, thanks for the pics.   Other people didn't like the HM5 pads on these. Glad to hear you think they are good.   Cant wait to get my THX and HM5 hybrid pads.