I have had them basically since they were launched ... so approximately 2-3 years? It's probably typical wear-and-tear from normal usage. Just looking for a way to continue using them without getting black flakes on everything, because otherwise they are still perfect and I love the sound.

The pleather of my K371 headband has been flaking for a while now, and lately its been getting pretty bad. Does anyone have any suggestions for repair or replacement or even a simple headband cover? Do other owners face the same issue after several years of use?

Haha yeah getting them back on (into the grooves) was tricky. Using a guitar pick helps a ton though.

Very interesting comment about the mids. I agree that the original OEM pads + Brainwavz sheepskin (oval and small oval) can sound shouty with some vocals. Out of curiosity, how do the micro suedes affect the other regions (bass/treble) and seal?

I'm also very happy with the 4XX. I know there are much better sounding cans around, but for the price I think the 4XX is a steal (or the 400i ver 2020). But since we're talking hypotheticals here, I personally find the Sundara more tempting than the Deva or 5XX.

I use the ovals with another headphone (AKG K371) and they are also very comfy (fits my ears just fine). I have a feeling that the sound has changed somewhat between the different pads on the 4xx, but can't really be sure since they are so annoying to take on/off and I didn't bother to A/B them...

Very sorry to hear that. Seems to be a common issue based on what I've read here, but luckily my unit is problem-free (purchased almost immediately after initial release). I do agree with the earlier poster that the hinge mechanism is needlessly over-engineered without any apparent benefits. If...

I am not sure if they've changed the stock pads since my original purchase in 2018 ... but basically the stock pads were glued onto the mounting ring by a very thin pleather lip. After about 1 year, the glue came undone and the seams started to tear so that I could see the blue foam underneath...

Since my original pads disintegrated after 1 year of normal usage, I have since replaced them with some Brainwavz round pads (sheepskin). However, I found that the openings for my ears were too small, such that the lower portion of the pads rested on my earlobes, causing discomfort during long...

So I finally got around to replacing the pads with some Brainwavz regular oval sheepskins. I find them much more comfortable than the original pads and the small ovals (pu and sheepskin versions). In case it is useful to anyone, here are some pictures for size comparisons between the regular...

I also use a Meizu HiFi (Pro) but noticed some infrequent electromagnetic interference when my phone is transmitting/receiving data. Mostly, my A12t is plugged into a Fiio BTR3 for wireless convenience, which is more than enough for me when on-the-go. at the office, or sitting at a coffeeshop...

Personally, I haven't encountered any major QC issues with my unit (not to say that they don't exist for others here). So if you have a return policy available via Amazan.ca, why not give the K371 a shot? I also graduated from the HD598, which has a very different sound signature but I enjoy the...

I will need to recheck ... I recalled no stickers but a quick Google search indicates there should be. Here is a link I found that shows the sticker, which appears to be some kind of damping material >> https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/akg/k371/

If you want to try aftermarket pads, I know that the Brainwavz small oval (currently using) and the regular oval (reported by others here) will fit the k371. Both sizes are available in micro seude which I assume will have similar properties to velour. I am using PU and sheepskin versions only...

I think K371 have a distinct advantage in terms of soundstage and rumbling bass over IEMs (even at higher price range). For technicalities and details, it really depends on the IEM that you want to compare with, but IEMs do tend to out-perform headphones in detail and resolution at the same...