Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro - pads replacement?

[inabstracto]

Hello!

Just wanted to ask you whether it is worth and difficult to replace old velour pads on Beyers DT990 Pro for new ones? Mine are flat and I read that it can cause the sound become muddy and headphones are less comfortable in general. Can you tell me how much of an improvement - in terms of sound quality and comfort - will it be if I spend $30 on brand new pads?

 

[DW87]

Although I cannot help answer your question, I have a new pair of these and I was wondering if you have any pictures of the pads?

 

[inabstracto]

I shot a couple of random pics with phone camera. Sorry for the quality, but I hope it's good enough:

 

[inabstracto]

Can anyone help?

 

[apatN]

Oh my your pads are even more worn than mine. $30 well spend imo.

 

[ArmAndHammer]

Not sure on the worth but it is very easy to replace. I would think it would be worth it though.

 

[inabstracto]

Thanks for your replies. Maybe you have some advices of how to keep these pads "fresh" and how often do I have to change them (I know it's hard to tell)?

BTW, I tracked a pic of them in one of online shops and it looks like they come with a small guide about swapping them

.

 

[ArmAndHammer]

It is real easy. Take a hold of the old pad and grip it with your thumb and pointer finger and then give a pull straight away from the can. It will come right off and you will easily see that there really is not much holding them on. Just a rubber ring that slips over a lip molded in to the can.

Have you had your phones since new or did you buy used and the pads came flat? I was sitting hear looking at mine and I cannot imagine how they could become so flat. I guess over time and extensive use it could happen. I have only had mine a month so mine show no signs of wear but that will change I am sure.

 

[Headdie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by inabstracto /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for your replies. Maybe you have some advices of how to keep these pads "fresh" and how often do I have to change them (I know it's hard to tell)?

This I can't tell, but it's easy to refresh them by yourself, at least for the old black version. When you remove the pads, there's a screen behind. You cut it (at twelve and six o'clock for example), remove the stuf inside and replace it with new sponge. This way, you can refresh it when you want and have it softer or harder, as you prefer. You have nothing to loose, yours are already dead flat...

 

[inabstracto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmAndHammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you had your phones since new or did you buy used and the pads came flat? I was sitting hear looking at mine and I cannot imagine how they could become so flat.

I bought them second hand. The previous owner told me that he washed them to keep them clean, maybe that's the reason why they are so flat, or maybe that's just a matter of time and extensive usage. I have them for a few months now and they're still very comfortable when worn for no more than an hour or two.

I read that their sound exposition changes one they become flat and am curious what keeping them further from ear can do to listening performance.

 

[ArmAndHammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by inabstracto /img/forum/go_quote.gif I bought them second hand. The previous owner told me that he washed them to keep them clean, maybe that's the reason why they are so flat, or maybe that's just a matter of time and extensive usage. I have them for a few months now and they're still very comfortable when worn for no more than an hour or two. I read that their sound exposition changes one they become flat and am curious what keeping them further from ear can do to listening performance.

I would assume my DT-770's would be similar, but I squished mine against my head to simulate having flat pads and they were louder at the same volume but the sound stage was killed and that is one of my favorite things about my 770's. I at the least I would say you are missing out on the sound stage your 990's has to offer. It was kinda muddy too, everything just ran together instead of having any instrument separation. Kinda crazy that ear pads can have that much effect on the sound of the music coming from a set of headphones.

 

[inabstracto]

Yes, that's exactly what I've read in one of reviews a while ago. What do you think of going for leather pads instead (at least I think they're made of leather, as they're black on the pic)?

 

[ArmAndHammer]

I think they might be hotter than the velor which are oh so comfy. Soundwise, not sure if there would be a difference and if there is, no idea what it would be.

 

[Shahrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmAndHammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would assume my DT-770's would be similar, but I squished mine against my head to simulate having flat pads and they were louder at the same volume but the sound stage was killed and that is one of my favorite things about my 770's. I at the least I would say you are missing out on the sound stage your 990's has to offer. It was kinda muddy too, everything just ran together instead of having any instrument separation. Kinda crazy that ear pads can have that much effect on the sound of the music coming from a set of headphones.

matches my experience. flatter pads = more bass, bit more mids, less treble, less soundstage/airiness.

 

[inabstracto]

Thanks for help. Looks like I'm going to buy new pads on Monday. The price is quite a pain since it'll 1/4 of headphones' overall price, but I'm excited to hear, what changes it'll bring, oh, and there'll better be changes!