[Lifesaburrito]

I've heard that I can buy the pads from the Sennheiser HD-414 for the Grado SR-80s... Tell me more about this, and where I can buy them. Will they improve both sound and comfort? If sound, in what way?

Also, that cloth mesh protecting the drivers is abbrasive to my ears(It's either that or the pads), is there something I can replace that with? Would it be a bad idea to just pull them off?

All in all, I'm very happy with these Grados.

 

[joelongwood]

Don't pull off the mesh covering the drivers.......foreign matter such as hair could get in and screw them up. As for the Senn pads, they are the replacement pads for the HD-414 and can be purchased directly from Sennheiser:
http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail...ct_prod=019545

As for sound changes, the Senns will sound different. Whether you prefer the sound is up to you. You might want to buy 2 pair, so you can try one modded and one unmodded (hole cut in center) to see which you prefer.
The one area that has no disagreement around here is comfort......the Senns are MUCH more comfy.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your Grados!

 

[Lifesaburrito]

Thanks, I think I'll get two pairs, like you suggested. How large of a hole should be cut in them?