rvfrick
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2005
- Posts
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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
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