[noplsestar]

In general, I'm of the opinion that going from single-ended to balanced does not inherently improve audio quality for headphones. In most cases, you just get higher output, which only sounds like better quality because it's usually very hard to do a good volume matched comparison between two different outputs on the same amp. With that said, some amps may have a different enough signal path internally between their balanced and single-ended outputs that the outputs could legitimately sound different (which would be better in that case would be subjective). So all that to say, maybe on the particular amp you're using one output might sound better than the other to your ears, but that's not always going to be the case. I've tried my PM-3s on single-ended and balanced outputs on a few different amps and never heard a difference that couldn't have just been higher volume on the balanced output.

Thanks for your words! Yeah, thought so.
Well, I think first I will invest in new pads. Then maybe a balanced cable
(But firstly I would have to find a pair for good money)

 

[McCol]

Thanks for your words! Yeah, thought so.
Well, I think first I will invest in new pads. Then maybe a balanced cable
(But firstly I would have to find a pair for good money)

I might be able to help you out with that but my set are the limited red edition
Excellent condition and hardly used

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/oppo-pm3-planar-red-headphones-like-new.33732/

 

[bru87tr]

I’m glad I never sold mine and I tried!

I got a balanced cable for mine. They really take the extra power well.

 

[noplsestar]

I might be able to help you out with that but my set are the limited red edition
Excellent condition and hardly used

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/oppo-pm3-planar-red-headphones-like-new.33732/

Hi, sorry, not my color.

I’m glad I never sold mine and I tried!

I got a balanced cable for mine. They really take the extra power well.

What cable do you have?

 

[bru87tr]

Hi, sorry, not my color.

What cable do you have?

Hart audio cable.

 

[HipHopScribe]

I also have a Hart Audio cable. Good build quality for a decent price, and being modular is really nice. Use them for all my headphones

 

[evanft]

I also don't think the PM3s are resolving enough top really tell the difference even if there was one between balanced and single-ended.

 

[noplsestar]

Hart audio cable.

I also have a Hart Audio cable. Good build quality for a decent price, and being modular is really nice. Use them for all my headphones

Alas they don’t have Oppo cables anymore. I saw some „Earmax“ chifi cables on eBay. Guess they would sound worse

 

[bru87tr]

Alas they don’t have Oppo cables anymore. I saw some „Earmax“ chifi cables on eBay. Guess they would sound worse

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

 

[HipHopScribe]

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

Yep, this is the one. Use it on my Devas too.

 

[noplsestar]

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

Ah, great, thanks, that looks promising!

 

[bru87tr]

Ah, great, thanks, that looks promising!

Not promising, it’s the one you need.

 

[noplsestar]

Since there are headband replacements for the PM3 that also fit the ATH M50x, like this one ...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B082X3K44S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=headfi-20

... I´d like to ask you guys if you think this option would also fit for the PM3?
https://www.amazon.de/SOULWIT-Proteinleder-Abdeckung-Kopfbügelpolster-Reparaturteil-Schwarz/dp/B0BPHMJ6PW/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=MFZ89UE61F2R&keywords=Kopfhörer-Kopfband-Abdeckung+ATH+M50X,+PM-3,+PM3&qid=1706531778&sprefix=kopfhörer-kopfband-abdeckung+ath+m50x+pm-3+pm3+,aps,120&sr=8-4

Installation video doesn´t look too difficult. What do you think?

Edit: What solutions do you have? Are there any special ones?

 

[HipHopScribe]

Since there are headband replacements for the PM3 that also fit the ATH M50x, like this one ...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B082X3K44S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=headfi-20

... I´d like to ask you guys if you think this option would also fit for the PM3?
https://www.amazon.de/SOULWIT-Proteinleder-Abdeckung-Kopfbügelpolster-Reparaturteil-Schwarz/dp/B0BPHMJ6PW/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=MFZ89UE61F2R&keywords=Kopfhörer-Kopfband-Abdeckung+ATH+M50X,+PM-3,+PM3&qid=1706531778&sprefix=kopfhörer-kopfband-abdeckung+ath+m50x+pm-3+pm3+,aps,120&sr=8-4

Installation video doesn´t look too difficult. What do you think?

Edit: What solutions do you have? Are there any special ones?

Hmm hard to say. The 2nd option seems very specific for the M50X, so it may not work if they aren't exactly the same size, but it might be worth a try if it's easy to return.

I tried one of the zipper ones like the 1st option, but I didn't love how it looked or felt, so I'm using a beyerdynamic headband, which I like because it doesn't add much bulk, BUT it's too short, so the hard headband is exposed at both sides, which doesn't bother me but may not be aesthetically ideal for some people

 

[noplsestar]

Hmm hard to say. The 2nd option seems very specific for the M50X, so it may not work if they aren't exactly the same size, but it might be worth a try if it's easy to return.

I tried one of the zipper ones like the 1st option, but I didn't love how it looked or felt, so I'm using a beyerdynamic headband, which I like because it doesn't add much bulk, BUT it's too short, so the hard headband is exposed at both sides, which doesn't bother me but may not be aesthetically ideal for some people

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