Oppo PM-3 : The Portable Planar - Impressions

[HipHopScribe]

Thanks! Can I also ask which replacement pads you use? They are nicely attached.

These pads from Sixsop

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T6VQYZ5

Unfortunately, it looks like they're out of stock.

 

[bru87tr]

Glad I bought a set and put them away.

I use these currently they work ver nicely.

MSR7 Replacement Earpads, JARMOR Protein Leather & Memory Foam Ear Cushion Cover for Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 ATH-MSR7BK Over-Ear Headphones ONLY (Black)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081CFT736?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_PY583N6P4F2Y02DHQDNP&language=en-US

Damn, oos too.

 

[peterinvan]

NEVER go from single ended to balanced!!!! It will fry your amp, for sure. To try PM-3 balanced, you need a balanced cable terminated in 2.5mm or 4.4mm male plug. You can then use a 4.4mm female to 3.5mm male to use with regular audio devices.

I just completed my project to get 4.4mm balanced cable. The wiring on the PM3 seems unique, so I had to fabricate a 2.5mm to 4.4mm adaptor.

I had a 3.5 to 2.5mm TRRS balanced cable that fits the PM3. Then I purchased a 4.4mm plug and2.5mm tail:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0827RPWXT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Using my multimeter I figured out the left and right channels. With a magnifing glass and very steady hand managed to solder the plug to the tail:

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Well done.
Reasonable adapter.

I'd have just bought a cable. ^^

 

[peterinvan]

Well done.
Reasonable adapter.

I'd have just bought a cable. ^^

Oppo PM3 balanced....

The 3.5mm socket on the Oppo is a tight fit. I couldn't find a 3.5 to 4.4mm balanced cable with a small enough barrel on the 3.5mm side.

Besides, I had all the parts in my drawer, so I enjoyed the project (at no cost).

 

[HipHopScribe]

Hart Audio has a balanced cable that works well for the PM-3, for anyone who doesn't want to make their own cable

https://hartaudiocables.com/products/hc-2-3-5mm-trrs

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Oppo PM3 balanced....

The 3.5mm socket on the Oppo is a tight fit. I couldn't find a 3.5 to 4.4mm balanced cable with a small enough barrel on the 3.5mm side.

Besides, I had all the parts in my drawer, so I enjoyed the project (at no cost).

I've bought a FAW cable with XLR termination for my PM3 years ago.

But that's not meant/ suitable for portable use.

 

[bru87tr]

I find the hart cable very portable. What’s wrong with it ?

 

[peterinvan]

Hart Audio has a balanced cable that works well for the PM-3, for anyone who doesn't want to make their own cable

https://hartaudiocables.com/products/hc-2-3-5mm-trrs

Looks nice, but the 3.5mm barrel is too fat. Besides, I couldn't justify $81 USD for my eight year old PM3s

 

[bru87tr]

I didn’t pay $81 and it fits my PM-3 just fine.

 

[HipHopScribe]

Looks nice, but the 3.5mm barrel is too fat. Besides, I couldn't justify $81 USD for my eight year old PM3s

Not really that much unless you're getting multiple interconnects. I find it fine personally, not too fat. Been using it for a while now. I use Hart Audio cables for all my headphones

 

[Chris Kaoss]

I find the hart cable very portable. What’s wrong with it ?

I've talked about my FAW cable.

The Hart cable(s) is a system related one, which could be very handy if you go for more/all headphones in your possession.

 

[mnp75]

Restoring my PM-3s… Installed replacement pads (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07R2KJ1KK) and did what's probably just a temporary fix to the headband: handlebar tape for a cycle attached to the bottom of the band with electricians tape. Not sure how long the electricians tape will hold and eventually the top of the headband will also start flaking as the bottom already was. At that point, I'll wrap a longer stretch of handlebar tape around the whole length of the headband, that should be a more or less permanent fix (can of course be redone if the handlebar tape will start to wear out). Already did trial run of that, looked pretty ok, kinda sporty

 

[Bambule]

I also want to restore my good old pm3
Thinking about getting pads, and maybe headband, from vesperaudio.
There are so many options, leather, perforated, velcro, combinations of them, angled, even gel for cooking down leather pads...
Anyone can give me some advice/thoughts which option could be preferable for this headphone? I'm leaning towards getting a warmer, little bass heavier sound out of them
Thanks

 

[peterinvan]

I also want to restore my good old pm3
Thinking about getting pads, and maybe headband, from vesperaudio.
There are so many options, leather, perforated, velcro, combinations of them, angled, even gel for cooking down leather pads...
Anyone can give me some advice/thoughts which option could be preferable for this headphone? I'm leaning towards getting a warmer, little bass heavier sound out of them
Thanks

I am also on this search. I have been using a pair of Brainwaze AKG pads in PU leather that disintegrated after a few years. They stretch over the cups, so don't need the clip on ring. I liked the bass response, clear vocals, treble and comfort.

I bought a similar pair of AKG MX50 pads (sheepskin, 100x80x26mm) from Aliexpress. They are comfortable, but the reduction in the bass is a disappointment.

Dekoni offer some PU leather and suede pads, with fenestrated lining on the interior. They show a graph with bass and treble elevated for $50 USD. Anyone tried these?