Nothing is perfect
So, I have received the HM9 today, as also the HM5 in the so called "thick" version (bought directly from Mp4 Nation).
The HM9 are for me out of the equation unless you want to transform the ATH in On Ear.
Yes, their inner diameter is so small (4cm max) that they are NOT Over Ear at all.
The sound itself is nice, it is actually unchanged, just a bit more, far from the ear.
The comfort if good because they are relatively soft. But, it is On Ear.
If you want to transform the ATH in On Ear there is another pair of Earpads in Ebay, they are grey with some red cloth inside. You find them by searching replacement earpads ATH-WS99. So you have two On Ear options.
The HM5 Thick are actually thinner than the normal one. And softer. Maybe they call them Thick for a different density of the Memory Foam. Or maybe they just are confused. I have never got a clear answer from them when I asked for the difference.
The softness (not only of the Foam but also of the Leatherette) make them a little bit more pleasant (although I did not notice anything uncomfortable on the other one, I just noticed the difference now). They also feel "warmer". And, they absorb more bass.
So, I would say, the HM5 Thick and Velour are for those wanting a less prominent bass (the Velour specially), while the HM5 normal are for those looking for more bass.
I also had the impression that the HM5 normal were accentuating the highs too (or the Thick were attenuating them). Which is nice, considering that at same time they neutralize the harshness which the ATH can have sometimes at loud volume.
All HM5 have a inner diam. of 7x5cm, which could become 6,5x5,5 once you put them on the ATH.
I also have received the AKG K845BT earpads. Inner diam. 5,5, thickness 2,3 (but they are not so perfect, I had to ask for a replacement of one of the two, which was a bit higher on one side. But, they sent it without a problem).
No idea where you can get them outside EU. In Germany it is easy. I suppose in all EU too.
Not sure about US and rest of the world.
They are surely an improvement over the stock pads for comfort, a bit larger and a little bit thicker. When stuffed with something inside, to make them even thicker, they improve comfort and sound to my ears.
They have just a little bit bass enhancement and harshness attenuation effect compared to the HM5. Still, they give some more space to the sound and comfort to your ears, compared to the stock pads. And they look discrete, actually beautiful.
The Kicker Cush, you should order them from Kicker. I would not give much explanation, I would just say you need replacement earpads for the Kicker Cush and you want to know how to order a pair.
They do not ship outside US.
They boost the bass and attenuate the highs more than the AKG. Are also thicker, but a bit smaller inside (5cm). On the other hand they are thicker, 2,8cm.
The original pads are 4,3/4,5 inner diam. and 1,9/2 thickness.
So, I would say so:
HM5 normal for maximum bass and soundstage enhancement, with harshness reduction but also a perceived brighter sound.
HM5 "thick" and Velour for a more balanced sound, with less bass enhancement (specially the Velour) and also a bit less soundstage enhancement. The Velour have a more smooth sound.
HM9 if you want them to become On Ear. No soundstage enhancement, just, you have the headphone a bit farer from your ears.
The sound is mostly the same, maybe a bit brighter, compared to the stock pads.
Cush if you want a more discrete looking option than the HM5 (although I must say, the Velour look very discrete to me. Not huge), and you wish a good bass enhancement and some harshness attenuation.
The AKG if you want the most discrete looking option, with a minimal bass and soundstage enhancement (which can be improved by stuffing them). Highs are the same. A little bit more maybe. But no more harshness.
That's all.
I'm SOOOOO much happier with these than the Backbeat Pros. More clean headroom, better lowend punch, gorgeous textured mids, sparkling highs... don't even miss ANC that much, all it really helps are the low frequency noises anyways.
