Source for replacement ear pads? Custom or factory.

[rvfrick]

Firstly, I am not the headphone connoisseur that this forum appears to cater to. So go easy on me. Nevertheless, like most of you, I have a favorite set and they are in disrepair.

It's a pair of Sony MDR-CD6 (not to be confused with the MDR-V6). I bought them about 10 years ago and I enjoy them every time I listen to them. They are extremely efficient, comfortable, lightweight, and block out ambient noise. I can wear them all day long.

The comfort and sealing rely on the suppleness of the pads, which are constructed of a thin membrane over low-density foam. The cost for this comfort is fragility; the membrane eventually tears or cracks and peels off. Once the pads start to deteriorate the audio quality stops because the cans no longer have a sealed chamber (apologies, I don't know that the jargon for this).

I have replaced the pads once about 5 years ago. Now it's time to replace them again. I have tried Sony, PartsSolver.com, the Internet, even a friend inquired in Akihabara, Tokyo. No luck. The part is discontinued. I have tried the MDR-CD5 pads but they were too firm and did not seal at all.

My question is this; does anyone know where can I source replacement pads? Is there a way to make my own? Is anyone familiar with the manufacturing process? Being a mechanical design engineer, I'd be willing to try and make some if someone could send me in the right direction. Then we could have a source for custom made pads.

Finally, if no one can help with replacement pads, can anyone suggest alternate headphones to try? My budget is limited to $300. They have to be very comfortable, block out ambient noise, and have replacement parts available

Signed,
Help me Obiwan Kenobi

 

[dharma]

Replacement pads for sony headset MDRCD6 - FixYa

MDR-CD6 Replacement Pads

 

[rubygirl]

Did you ever find replacement ear pads to fit your Sony MDR-CD6 headphones?  I too cannot seem to find these anywhere.  Thanks in advance.

 

[SunSinger]

Inexpensive Chinese 60-mm slip-on (tug-on is perhaps a bit more accurate) replacement ear pads that fit the MDR-CD6 fairly well and look good are available. They appear to be made of black vinyl-covered foam, with a narrow, slightly stretchable cuff at the back that slips over the oval plastic piece on the MDR-CD6 that holds the small circular "speaker". You have to peel off the original adhesive ear pads; it doesn't matter if some residue of the original foam and adhesive is left behind. Although these replacements are circular out of the bag, they stretch a bit and conform well to the oval shape of the MDR-CD6. They cost a bit over $3 a pair (in 2017), including free shipping to the U.S. The only downside is that they feel warmer on the ears than the original pads. But there don't seem to be a lot of good alternatives for those of us who like the sound of the MDR-CD6's and want to keep using them after the original pads start to degrade. Search eBay for: "ear pads" 60mm -foam -sponge (the "-" tells the eBay search engine to exclude the term).