[funkymartyn]

Not sure if we're allowed to link to other forums, but here is a couple posts with pictures detailing the difference between the ttvj deluxe and F pads. There are physical differences and slight differences in the frequency response. The ttvj deluxe were around before the recent revival of the F pads, so the price was somewhat driven by ttvj being able to charge it due to being the only way to get a classic flat pad. At this point, I'm not sure why you'd pay almost double for the ttvj over the F pad.
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...5x-review-and-measurements.11120/#post-351566

Good to know this , but where can you buy the F pads in the .uk. ??

 

[Pirastro]

Not sure if we're allowed to link to other forums, but here is a couple posts with pictures detailing the difference between the ttvj deluxe and F pads. There are physical differences and slight differences in the frequency response. The ttvj deluxe were around before the recent revival of the F pads, so the price was somewhat driven by ttvj being able to charge it due to being the only way to get a classic flat pad. At this point, I'm not sure why you'd pay almost double for the ttvj over the F pad.
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...5x-review-and-measurements.11120/#post-351566

The pictures in the link show two pads that are obviously different in size and form. The pads that come with the Hemp are exactly the same size and shape as TTVJ Deluxe. I will post pictures soon.

 

[ESL-1]

Not sure if we're allowed to link to other forums, but here is a couple posts with pictures detailing the difference between the ttvj deluxe and F pads. There are physical differences and slight differences in the frequency response. The ttvj deluxe were around before the recent revival of the F pads, so the price was somewhat driven by ttvj being able to charge it due to being the only way to get a classic flat pad. At this point, I'm not sure why you'd pay almost double for the ttvj over the F pad.
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...5x-review-and-measurements.11120/#post-351566

The fact is Grado has never stopped offering their flat pads, I have been buying as I need for a number of years.
The Joseph Grado Signature HP1000 series and the first edition of the RS1 were both fitted with and tuned to original flats so they almost always had them available and pricing was reasonable. Since I have both of those I always kept them in fresh flats.

I was part of an experiment where we tried flats vs. original (usually L cushions) and we found that some of us preferred the sonic results with the F on certain models.

I now have flats on my PS500e & RS1e in addition to the oldies.

 

[Freia]

Speaking of flats, just how similar are they compared to S cushions in terms of thickness? You guys got me wondering ,and as of now I’m using quarter-modded Yaxi’s S pads. They sort of resemble the flat pads and I can always add tiny cuts around the hole but I doubt it will have any effect.

 

[Halimj7]

Interesting!

Five sets of Grado's? I love my Grado's, but...

How is the ps2000?

 

[qua2k]

Haha. Obviously, no consensus here!
I wonder if Grado changed their F pads... In the link above (by @oryan_dunn) - I saw this photo and caption:


BUT, here is the photo from Grado's online store of the F pads:


So... maybe Grado changed their F pads in recent years?

Anyhow, I think I will just go with the Grado pads!

Thanks everyone for your feedback

I am of the opinion the 'new' Grado F pad that came out first with the Hemps are the TTVJ Deluxe pad, the very same. When they were first included with the Hemps (pre X models), the same F pads were available on the TTVJ web site for purchase. They were not available for purchase from 4ourears until last summer, almost a year after the Hemps were released. It was also rumored (not sure if confirmed) that the new F pad was TTVJ's creation and they supplied it to Grado for the Hemps, hence the change in the picture above. The timing of the Hemps, changing from the old F, too many dots connected which leads me to believe they are the same.

 

[oryan_dunn]

Speaking of flats, just how similar are they compared to S cushions in terms of thickness? You guys got me wondering ,and as of now I’m using quarter-modded Yaxi’s S pads. They sort of resemble the flat pads and I can always add tiny cuts around the hole but I doubt it will have any effect.

The flat pads have several different density foam layers, and the top layer is quite dense, I think the cuts are just to make it easier to get it on the headphone. The denser foam also contributes to the sound differences. Quarter mod S pads are much more soft and sound different to F pads.

 

[oryan_dunn]

The fact is Grado has never stopped offering their flat pads, I have been buying as I need for a number of years.
The Joseph Grado Signature HP1000 series and the first edition of the RS1 were both fitted with and tuned to original flats so they almost always had them available and pricing was reasonable. Since I have both of those I always kept them in fresh flats.

I was part of an experiment where we tried flats vs. original (usually L cushions) and we found that some of us preferred the sonic results with the F on certain models.

I now have flats on my PS500e & RS1e.

Did you have to call to get them? They definitely weren't available via 4ourears.com nor any other online place. A few years ago when I got my ttvj flats, that was the only place I found to get decent flat pads.
https://web.archive.org/web/2018032...ado_Headphone_Replacement_Cushions_s/1673.htm
You can play around on the archive to see what was available when, and even going back years, they never stocked the flat pads until very recently on their official website.

 

[Freia]

The flat pads have several different density foam layers, and the top layer is quite dense,

Guess there’s only one way to find out

 

[ESL-1]

Did you have to call to get them? They definitely weren't available via 4ourears.com nor any other online place. A few years ago when I got my ttvj flats, that was the only place I found to get decent flat pads.
https://web.archive.org/web/2018032...ado_Headphone_Replacement_Cushions_s/1673.htm
You can play around on the archive to see what was available when, and even going back years, they never stocked the flat pads until very recently on their official website.

Interesting, I never had a problem regarding availability. Minor mystery.

 

[oryan_dunn]

Interesting, I never had a problem regarding availability. Minor mystery.

Where did you buy your pads from?
I found a post from 2004 that said ttvj was the only place to get the flats, and that was what I remember as well. Even after the Hemps came out, ttvj was still the only place to get flats until Grado started selling the F pad last year.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/are-these-the-grado-flat-pads.59531/#post-677829

 

[jonathan c]

Grado Labs to ‘jonathan c’: send it in.

Well, the Hemp is back, as good as / better than new, from Grado Labs.

 

[Shane D]

How is the ps2000?

I don't own the PS2000.

 

[jonathan c]

How is the ps2000?

I can tell you about the PS2000e…

 

[Paul W]

Well, the Hemp is back, as good as / better than new, from Grado Labs.

That's good news! Your highlighting of the breakage has been invaluable for Grado Hemp owners here.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind all Grado Hemp owners to condition the Hemp earcups with oils & wax recommended by several members so far, all of which are greatly appreciated.