Thanks to Brainwavz for the review samples of the HM5 pleather and velour earpads replacement!
 

 
 
These replacement earpads are meant for Brainwavz HM5 headphone, but Brainwavz told me, size wise, they are compatible with other headphones from other brands, such as Audio-Technica ATH-M50 and the variant. I tried, the earpads, size wise also compatible with ATH-MSR7.
 
I don't have Brainwavz HM5 headphone, so I will test it with ATH-M50LE and ATH-MSR7.
 

 

 
 
Sorry the color of the pleather pad is rather off on the pictures. The correct brown color of the earpad is close to the first picture.  Both the pleather and velour earpads are the same size, and they are larger and thicker than the M50LE and MSR7 original earpads.
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
Size wise they are compatible with both ATH-M50LE and ATH-MSR7, and due to larger size and thicker pads, they are generally more comfortable than the stock earpads. The velour earpad is more comfortable than the pleather earpad, but generally both are comfortable.
 
 
 
 
Sound Quality on ATH-M50LE and ATH-MSR7
 
Pleather earpad on ATH-MSR7
Reduces the overall loudness by around 3 dB.
Reduces the midrange level, and a little bit of bass. Midrange sounds recessed, resulting a V shape tonality. Vocal becomes slightly more prone to sibilant. 
Overall tonal balance is still relatively acceptable.
 
Velour earpad on ATH-MSR7
Reduce the overall loudness by around 5 dB.
Reduce the bass and lower midrange area quite significantly, around 6 dB, resulting bright tonality, with thin and bright midrange, and lacking in bass.
Overall tonal balance is not acceptable.
 
Pleather earpad on ATH-M50
Reduces the overall loudness by around 2 dB.
Reduces the midrange level, and a little bit of low bass. Midrange sounds recessed, resulting a V shape tonality. Vocal becomes slightly more prone to sibilant. But the effect is less than when compared to the Pleather earpad on MSR7, less V shape tonality.
Overall tonal balance is still acceptable, more acceptable than the sonic changes by the pleather earpad on MSR7.

 
Velour earpad on ATH-M50
Reduce the overall loudness by around 4 dB.
Reduce the bass and lower midrange area quite significantly, around 6 dB, resulting bright tonality, with thin and bright midrange, and lacking in bass.
Overall tonal balance is not acceptable.

 
 
Sound wise, the sonic changes by the pleather earpad is generally more acceptable than the velour earpad. The velour earpad makes the M50LE and MSR7 sound too bright.
 
 
Those are good quality earpads, and designed best for Brainwavz HM5 headphone.

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Intro:  Brainwavz aftermarket Headphone ear pads are custom made ear pads for HM5 headphones and many other similar sized headphones. In case of HM5, These ear pads will bring a positive sonic change and overall improvement in soundstage, tonality and naturalness. There are two types of ear pads available, one is pleather type other is velour type.
 
Full review on HM5 here: http://www.head-fi.org/products/brainwavz-hm5-studio-monitor-headphones/reviews/12055
 

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Steps for Installation:  (You will need a flat scale or ruler)
 
1) Detach the current ear pads from driver assembly by giving them a circular twist.
 
2) Using a flat surfaced scale, remove the current ear pads completely off the base plate.
 
3) Take the aftermarket ear pads, first insert one end of the pad into the plate, and then gradually slide the edge, along the base plate by using a flat scale.
 
4) Adjust the ear pads accurately, and fit back to the driver assembly.
 
 
Headphones known to be compatible with these ear pads:

- Brainwavz HM5
 
- AKG Q701 
 
- Audio Technica ATH-M50  
 
- Shure SRH 440 
 
- Koss DJ100 / DJ200 
 
- Takstar HI 2050 and Pro 80 
 
- Ultrasone HF 580 / SH 1 Pro / HFI 780 
 
- Sony MDR V6 / ZX 700 
 
- Fostex T50RP T50 
 
- M-Audio Q40 
 
- JVC S500S
 

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Sonic Changes:  We know that there are two kinds of earcup options available on HM5. There are important and major differences in sonic performance by ear pads on both of these ear cups. So I will explain every combination possible on HM5.
 
1) Stock Closed Ear Cups
 
2) Custom Semi Open Ear Cups
 
Exclusive review on semi open ear cups: http://www.head-fi.org/products/brainwavz-hm5-semi-open-headphone-cups/reviews/12261
 
Let us see how the ear pads perform on both of these ear cups.
 
Stock Closed Cup with velour earpads, lows are tighter and are well controlled. The overall sound is more airy with increased soundstage. Sounds much more relaxed than the pleather ear pads and provide more neutral sound quality. Increased wearing comfort and ventilation is a bonus. We have to remember that, since these are ventilated, they will leak sound into the surroundings. Apart from that, most of the sonic changes are positive. On pleather earpads, Lows are strong but a little boomy, Highs are a touch smoothened, and soundstage feels congested. Overall sounds dark and muddy when compared to velour pads. Although comfort is good, and high level of isolation is achieved by these. These pads provide much better seal than the velours, and are thicker in width. Stock ear pads sound noticeably inferior compared to the above two, and is relatively uncomfortable, due to its thin padding.
 

 
Semi Open Cup with velour pads, there is too much sound leakage, causing almost nonexistent lows and highs, and bloated, muffled mids. With aftermarket foam pads, which provide better seal, the sound is comparatively more balanced, but still sounded more ‘far’. Velour pads are best used with stock closed earcups, and foam pads performed a little better than velours. But still I feel there is a presence of ‘bloat’ and sound feels ‘muffled’, taking away the details. Best match with semi open ear cups was achieved with stock ear pads. I suppose thats due to best seal (flexibility) of the earpads and the drivers being more nearer to our ears, it evened out the ‘farness’ feeling. But the stock ear pads are least comfortable amongst all ear pads.
 

 

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Comfort:
 
Pleather Pads: These pads are thicker, and give a more pronounced clamping effect owing to already strong clamp of the HM5. Since these do not have any ventilation; they cause our ears to sweat. These are also comparatively more fatiguing to wear because of reasons mentioned above.
 
 

 
Velour Pads: Velour pads are widely acknowledged as most comfortable pads available and same holds true here. These velours provide good ventilation to our ears, hence we feel less sweaty and more comfortable.  The velours are more cushion-y and thus reducing the prominent clamping on the HM5. Also due to the given air movement, sound coming from velour pads is more natural and relaxed. 
 

 

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Conclusion:  These ear pads have a great value, comfort and sound to them. For those who already own the HM5’s with stock earcups, velour ear pads are definitely worth considering. I did not quite like the comfort and sound of pleather ear cups owing to lack of ventilation and clamp (effects are clearly felt in tropical climate) For enthusiasts who plan to upgrade to semi open ear cups, stock ear pads are best match; hence there is no need to get aftermarket earcups.
 

 
I would like to add that, semi open ear cups + stock ear pads combination provides the best possible sonic performance in the HM5. 
 
 
Advantages:  
 
1) Sound: Major Improvement in soundstage, naturalness and tonality on stock ear cups. 
 
2) Comfort: The HM5 is now far less fatiguing and are very comfortable, so one can listen to it for longer sessions on stock ear cups.
 
3) Value: These ear pads cost have a very good performance, and are economically priced.
 
Limitations: 
 
1) Usability: If you plan to get the Semi open ear cups, there will be no need for any of the aftermarket ear pads.
 
2) Build Quality: The build is good enough, but not great on velours. Stitches can come out and get loosened during installation. But this is really not an issue since these are very economically priced.
 

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This is part of a larger retrospective / review I wrote on the HM5 - which can be found here : http://www.head-fi.org/t/748855/review-revisiting-the-brainwavz-hm5-a-retrospective-plus-bonus-look-at-pad-and-cup-options
 

ADD-ONS PART 1 – PADS

Audrey very generously sent me two extra pad options to try with the HM5 – a set of velours (black) and a set of thicker coloured pleather (mine are the dark red).
 
 
The velours are very close in size to the original pads and have equally good comfort and fit. The craftsmanship on the pads is excellent – quality stitching and materials used. My main problem with trying to A/B the pads is the amount of time trying to switch them – I know my sonic memory has the normal human auditory flaws – so please take the following comments with a huge grain of salt. This is what I think I’m hearing – but I wouldn’t swear on it. The velour pads IMO give a slightly airier and brighter presentation with an increase in lower treble. Cymbals seem to have more shimmer and there is more upper energy overall and maybe slightly less bass as well.  If you take my earlier comments on bass into account, you’ll probably guess that I’m not a huge fan of the velours with the HM5. For me – just too much upper end energy, and for want of a better word, too much tizz. Others may love this though and at the reasonable price being charged, they are well worth trying. Even more so – if you are modding other headphones (I understand these may fit some Shures and also the T50RP.
 
 
Moving onto the dark red pleathers, and this time there is more of a physical difference.  These have slightly smaller internal dimensions as they are both wider and deeper (more memory foam). Once again, they are super comfortable. Again the same caveat applies re switching times. This time they are a lot closer to the original pleather – but my impression is of slightly more bass (slightly better fit / clamp?), and to me anyway, they looks lightly better.  Anyway – they are my current go to with the HM5 – and I really do like them.
 
 
One recommendation I would give to Brainwavz when selling these would be to consider including a pair of mounting discs.  I don’t think it would cost too much extra, but would make it a lot easier to switch pads and make comparisons when using the HM5.  I know I’d love an extra pair now, and would definitely be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege.
 

ADD-ONS PART 2 – 3D PRINTED OPEN CUPS

These have intrigued me for a while, as I’ve often wondered exactly how the HM5 would sound as a semi-open headphone.
 
 
The cups themselves are slightly rougher in appearance that I was expecting, but I’d imagine that from these shells, you could then sand them to your own preference, and paint them if you wish. They also aren’t pre drilled – just have plastic stubs – so you really have to make the holes yourself if you are intending using these full time.
 
Comparisons this time were slightly easier, as I simply removed the screws, then carefully held the stock “backs” in place, and then swapped the semi-open “backs” (again held in place) to compare. So it involved a shorter time overall changing the cup rear cavities in order to get a good impression of the changes.
 
For a start (once I’d removed the backs), I simply held them in place with my fingertips, quickly listened, and then removed them altogether (completely open).  The effect was immediately noticeable with the first change being a noticeably wider soundstage presentation, and less reverb.  It was a change I very much liked. If anything vocals sound a lot more natural – less etching.  Bass didn’t change a whole lot in overall impact or tonality – just slightly cleaner.
 
 
If anything the 3D cups sit partway between the closed and fully open. They give a hint of how good a more open HM5 can be – but unfortunately still keep a certain amount of reverb, and for my tastes anyway, strangle some of the benefits of going as open as possible. For a laugh, I removed my HD600 backs, and held them loosely in place (they don’t fit of course).  IMO this should be Brainwavz next improvement – an almost completely open (i.e. mesh backed) rear cup. IMO it has better sonic qualities, and would also look a lot better than the 3D cups.  They could even use the existing plastic mould for the current cups – just fit a shaped mesh instead of the existing faceplate.  I’d buy them tomorrow – and I’d bet a lot of other HM5, Lindy, FA003 etc. owners would do the same.
 
 
So for now I’m not using the 3D cups – what they provide in sonic improvement is good, but doesn’t go as far as it could, and unless I take the time to “finish” them, they do look pretty “ugly” IMO. One last comment on the 3D cups – because of their increased depth, they don’t move freely under the arms/yokes.  Again this could be fixed with an open “mesh” design.