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thanks for the tip about the pads! any recommendations?
I have read about people using the following pads with them:
HP-L3000 (most popular, ~$100)
HP-W3000ANV (~$100, less thick than above)
Stax SR-007 O2 ($120-160, depending on brown Mk1 vs. black Mk2 versions)
Audeze LCD-2 ($75)
J-Money Beyerdynamic (~$50-60)
My impressions are that the stock pads do not provide a sufficient seal and introduce a premature bass rolloff (dropping off below 80-100Hz) and potential stridency in the upper mids and lower treble.
I have only had experience with the J$ Beyer pads but my experience is that they smoothed out the midrange/treble peaks, enhanced the soundstage (the J$ pads are very thick), and greatly enhanced the bass response (easily audible down to 20Hz). If you feel the bass on the W1000X with the stock pads is just right or sufficient, there is a chance the J$ Beyer pads would provide too much bass. I have not tried the other pads mentioned, but there are quite a few impressions on them in the W1000X appreciation threads.
The general consensus is that the stock pads are terrible and need to be replaced in order to unleash their full potential.
Versus the HD 650, the Sennheiser provides a more intimate sound field presentation with thicker mids, less prominent treble and a darker presentation. The W1000X is very lively and the HD 650 is very relaxing. While resolution between the two is similar with perhaps a slight edge to the W1000X, the Sennheiser's smoothness tends to blunt out things a little more. Both have their own voice and own magic.