Well using the Grado bowl pads significantly lifts the Portapro drivers away from the ears which yields the dramatic changes in sound (more sparkly highs, a greater sense of detail and much more controlled, though technically, less bass). It basically achieves exactly what I was using EQ settings for before. Here's another user's pic of the same set up I'm using:
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Also, I'm going to order some of the Grado generic "cushion" replacements (
SEE HERE) so as to try a set up like this users here. I think the effect will be the same as with the bowls, above as, generally, the same thing is being accomplished (the driver being a tiny bit further away from the ear) and this also looks like it will be more functional as the pads seem to be very well secured on the driver housing. The user has done the "quarter mod" on the Grado pads and left the underlying, stock Koss pads un changed:
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That last set of pads only costs like 10 bucks.
I'm not going to do the "quarter mod" on the stock Koss pads as I honestly don't see how removing just a bit of foam is going to change sonics much. But using other pads to lift the drivers away from the ears a bit makes a HUGE difference. Some folks might not like it but I prefer the increased detail and "sparkle" and vastly improve the slight decrease in bass ...
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