Apple EarPods. Any mods for them?

[777funk]

I find them to be uncomfortable (too hard)... but maybe this is for a reason. Also, I suspect the seal is less than ideal. Maybe this is also for a reason. But on the good side, I think they sound pretty decent for the around $14 price tag.

Are there any mods for these to make them fit, seal, or just sound even a little better in general?

 

[40760]

Donut foams definitely helps. I'm listening to a pair with them as I'm typing this.

 

[richoval]

what about something like that:

https://www.k55.ch/comply-foam-soft...aufsatze-passend-zu-apple-airpods-2-paar.html

 

[CK Moustache]

@777funk

I'd recommend trying Earhoox (https://www.earhoox.com/products/earhoox-for-earpods-airpods). I've got the first generation without those triangular holes and find them very comfortable, to provide an easy and consistent fit and seal, and also to reduce microphonics (cable noise).

PS: I also think that they sound really decent for the price point. While the tonality could be improved (lower treble peak), it's still reasonably well and the technical quality is not too bad either. I rate them above my Venture Electronics Monk + earbuds.

 

[777funk]

In case anyone is curious about ebay Chinese knockoffs... I tried some. They're $2 instead of $7 to 20 depending on where you buy, but they're fisher price childs toy sound quality and make the apple sound hifi. I bought 8 pairs for $14.99. Maybe there are better clones out there but just a heads up. The original is a decent cheap earbud.

 

[CK Moustache]

Maybe there are better clones out there but just a heads up.

I got some EarPods made (or offered, or whatever) by a company called "ViThō". Unlike on the Amazon listing, there are no manufacturer logos on the EarPods or cable but they look almost identical to my authentic EarPods, with only very minor differences (slightly longer, slightly shinier/less matte cable surface; says "made in Vietnam" instead of China) and the same carrying case (including Apple logo). I wouldn't be surprised if the drivers were the same but the acoustic damping on the output somewhat higher as they sound minimally bassier and warmer and lack the EarPods' upper midrange elevation in favour of a roll-off; similarly good technicalities and as a result good sound overall although I wouldn't mind less warm lower mids (all just recalling my notes/brief review from some time ago; haven't had them in my ears ever since - but now I want to take them out again and have a listen).