I just picked up a pair of these, and and I can't decide if I should just shorten the cable, or let it be.
What's the consensus here?
Also, I have a fresh pair of ZMF Ori and a pair of Brainwavz flat sheepskin pads. Sounds like both are good options. The Alpha Pads are always good, it seems.
Is one of these pads a consensus favorite?
Don't think there is truly a concensus, it's mainly about personal preference and people seem to like all different pads. I got the TH-X00 PH specifically because I knew I wanted to change to the pads I had on my old Denon AH-D2000's (lambskin J Money pads) and the PH have the most bass boost of the TH-X00 family. J Money pads are nearly exact in all dimension and design to the ZMF Ori pads. With the J Money pads there is some bass level lost, but the other gains more than make up for the slight loss in level. Low end clarity, detail, extension, and speed are all improved, and the mids are bought a little more forward, and a little more detail and energy in the highs. The stock pads, in addition to being not comfortable, really don't do the low end justice, it can sound overpowering and distorted in heavy bass tracks along with being a little flabby and competing with the lower mids. May be able to get away with the stock pads for non bass heavy tracks or a non PH TH-X00. I didn't buy the PH's for non bass intensive music though...
I would say there may be a consensus on one of the pads to not try on a TH-X00...the Shure 1540...whoooo weee was that an earful of treble and massive distorted bass, SUPER V shaped!