[Trance88]

Hey guys!
I've started to notice that my earpads aren't as soft as they once were and are starting to get a little leathery on the area that touches my head. What could be causing this and what can I do about it? The headphones are only 2 months old!

 

[alv4426]

Thats what happens when you don't clean them after EVERY use (same thing happened to me after about 3 months). Get ready to buy new pads soon cause yours sound like they are ready to start cracking/flaking soon.

 

[TMRaven]

Even cleaning won't completely void the problem.  Audio Technica chose to use very cheap pleather for the M50 pads.  Luckily replacement pads are cheap.

 

[tdockweiler]

I've noticed this as well after just 3 months of use. They're now almost as hard as the stock pads on the SRH-840. Actually worse.
I now can't say they're that comfortable, but luckily the sound hasn't changed.

 

[CaveManta]

My earpads became relatively hard not long after I got them. Their softness also varies depending on the temperature of my room, which is weird.
Watching an unboxing video of the M50 had me surprised, because the M50 in the video had such soft earpads. Mine were never so soft, even right when I got them.
I just wish there was a way to get replacement earpads of higher quality, that wouldn't become hardened after just a few months of use.