[musicman59]

I have 2 pairs of K81DJ for my wife and me when we travel

. I removed the pads of one of them lat night and connected both pairs using a “Y” cable to my Maxi Moy Signature amp to make a comparison. The amp is connected to an iPod video using a RAL cable dock connector to mini jack cable.

IMO without the pads the high frequency get cleaner and more defined also the bass get tighter and less diffuse. I think because of the effect on the highs and bass the mid range gets a little bit receded and the soundstage got a little bit bigger.

The midrange specially voices on the K81DJ with the pads is more in your face so the effect when the pads are removed is welcome to my taste

.

Next step is to replace the vinyl pads for the Sennheiser velour pads used in the HD25 to make them more comfortable.

I see the re-cable them is easy. You just need to remove the ear pads then remove the 3 screws in the metal body of the transducer and voila! You have total access.

Has anybody done it? What cable did you use?

 

[KinesongPayaso]

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicman59 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have 2 pairs of K81DJ for my wife and me when we travel . I removed the pads of one of them lat night and connected both pairs using a “Y” cable to my Maxi Moy Signature amp to make a comparison. The amp is connected to an iPod video using a RAL cable dock connector to mini jack cable. IMO without the pads the high frequency get cleaner and more defined also the bass get tighter and less diffuse. I think because of the effect on the highs and bass the mid range gets a little bit receded and the soundstage got a little bit bigger. The midrange specially voices on the K81DJ with the pads is more in your face so the effect when the pads are removed is welcome to my taste . Next step is to replace the vinyl pads for the Sennheiser velour pads used in the HD25 to make them more comfortable. I see the re-cable them is easy. You just need to remove the ear pads then remove the 3 screws in the metal body of the transducer and voila! You have total access. Has anybody done it? What cable did you use?

people use mostly mogami mini, or canare mini star quad or something like that

 

[mminutel]

I took them out a few days after I got them. It does brighten them up. I too was fond of bass when I came here but I like an all around type sound now. I recabled them with starquad a little while ago but it made them a lot darker I found. I couldn't tell it at first but I replaced it with the stock cable because I got the starquad a little short and the difference was amazing.

-EDIT- Anyone know the shipping amount on a pair of the velour pads? I cant see the shipping cost before I buy.

 

[norseman8485]

The pleather pads can easily be pulled off from the side. Just pull it a bit out of the notch and the whole thing comes off easily.
I've recabled mine with starquad a few months back. Very nice, but still not as bright as I would've liked. Just bought a length of SPC cable today to attempt a 2nd recable. I'll update with any sound improvements if anyone's interested.

 

[musicman59]

i just order 2 pairs of velour pads and a headphone holder and total shipping to Michigan was $5.00.

 

[JMCIII]

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAstrat /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just wondering how many of you guys have removed the foam inserts in your k81's. I personally have them removed right now, but I tend to change my setups quite often. I like the increase in highs and I think the mod calms the bass down quite a bit. Well let's hear it!

Mine came out after burn in and have stayed out. I can't imagine putting them back in (though I did save them in case I ever suffer a lapse in judgement and sell them). Best tweak for these cans and it's free (and reversable if you - for some unknown reason - don't like the affect).

 

[spinali]

Very interesting thread. I've been toying with this phone as a closed portable solution, but dense bass is a turnoff. If removing pads makes a difference, or making them into different variety of sound doughnut, then they become much more attractive.

One listener here claimed that the de-padded K81dj is comparable to a Grado SR80; I wonder if others can back up that comparison?

 

[KinesongPayaso]

nvm
please delete

 

[sigmatron]

the pads lower the db alot. better sound, yes. much higher db.