Comparison of the: Original Flat Pads (OFP), Deluxe Flat Pads (DFP), and stock L-Cush (LC).
First, a little history. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these details. Most of you probably know that the first series of Grado phones used flat pads on all models and looked just like the OFP that TTVJ sells. The first Grado series had a smaller chamber and I think were all designed by Joe Grado. The i series was the next series and were designed by John Grado with no help from Joe Grado. The i series debuted the larger chamber and replaced the flat pads with the pads that are used now-the LC and the comfies. I believe the G-Cush pads came later. The e series continues to use the same pads as the i series. When Grado came out with the i series they eventually stopped selling the OFP. TTVJ came to the rescue of those needing OFP and had them made and started selling them. As far as I know, if it wasn't for TTVJ, there would be no OFP.
Probably it was 2013 when I talked to Joe Grado at a headphone meet. I listened to his HP1 or HP2-don't remember which-and a 225i. Both were using the OFP, which I assume he got from TTVJ. However, Joe wasn't using a stock OFP, he was using pads that he had 'treated' and was selling for something like $100 or more a pair. He said these treated pads sounded much better than the stock pads and would last much longer. He also made the comment that he had advised John Grado against using the LC pads, but that John hadn't listened. The recording Joe was playing was a live recording he made using the microphone arrays he had invented and was selling and it was astounding on both the HP and 225i. Joe also commented that the 225i was all the headphone the average person would ever need. I wonder if the treated DFP that TTVJ is now selling has something to do with the treatment Joe Grado said he was doing? Maybe Todd can answer this question.
Now for my comparison. I used my Grado 225e and GH1, and my Alessandro MS2i, which is the Alessandro version of the Grado 325i. All of these phones use the LC. As was stated above by several users, a couple of things happen when you swap the LC for the OFP or the DFP. First there is an increase in volume with the OFP or DFP since the drivers are now closer to your ears, so you have to try to compensate for this on your amp. The second thing is that the phones have a looser fit since the flat pads aren't as thick as the LC. Makes comparing more difficult.
To make it brief, I found that the OFP caused the bass to be elevated over the DFP or the LC. On the GH1, I didn't care for either flat pad as they both had too much bass, even though the DFP had a little less bass than the OFP.. I also didn't care for the OFP on the 225i or the MS2i as it was also too bassy, kind of thumpy, and brighter on the high end. . I thought the DFP had a balanced sound on the 225i and the MS2i and really didn't prefer the LC over the DFP or the DFP over the LC. After trying to adjust the volume levels and then listening, I had a hard time hearing any difference between the DFP and the LC.
So, in my opinion, the DFP is a good alternative to the LC. If you find the LC pads to be uncomfortable, and they do hurt my ears after wearing them for a while, the DFP is a good thing. The DFP is more comfortable and, at least to my ears, not a compromise over the LC. I'm leaving the DFP on my MS2i. Thanks Todd at TTVJ for the chance to try these flat pads.