HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[Dr. Kraken]

The main issue with aftermarket pads on the M50X (and cousins) are that they are usually twice as thick as the originals... Resulting in your ears being twice as far from the drivers. It does change the tuning a bit, especially if you are sensitive to it.

Personally the enhanced comfort far outweighs any loss in quality for me.

Oh yeah for sure if they differ in size and dimensions, then sure. But usually aftermarket ones try to replicate the original ones. I think if he likes how they sound, he should probably go for original, as long as the price makes sense

 

[goldfritter]

The main issue with aftermarket pads on the M50X (and cousins) are that they are usually twice as thick as the originals... Resulting in your ears being twice as far from the drivers. It does change the tuning a bit, especially if you are sensitive to it.

Personally the enhanced comfort far outweighs any loss in quality for me.

I stuck Brainwavz on a pair of Turtle Beach Elite Atlas and it actually improved the sound for me. Much better soundstage. And significantly more comfortable.

So I'd agree that it's worth trying aftermarket pads.

 

[dash09]

Wassup guys,
My Audio Technica ATH M50X ear pads are starting to crack so I'm trying to find where I can get original ATH M50X ear pads locally, or would it be best just to order them from Amazon?
I found no name brands on TakeAlot, but one of the reviewers said that these pads muddied the sound on his ATH's.
Or is there perhaps another option to o with locally?

I've replaced m50 earpads before, bought wicked cushions from amazon. Good thing is that most generic oval shaped pads would fit so you will find lots of options, some really good ones in fact. They will be larger than stock, waaay more comfy but will add some bulk. Worth it though

 

[Ghostface1288]

I highly doubt you will find original pads locally. Something like this will honestly be fine dude:

Takealot

I have a set of Brainwavz memory foam pads on my M40X, and they did not noticeably change the audio for the worse. (Unless I did some serious A to B testing) They are infinitely more comfortable than the stock pads though. Might be different for the M50X...

for R400 I would first give the takealot option a try before ordering original replacements.

Shot man, yeah I saw these ones. I rate i'll try them out for that price and if i don't dig them then i'll just get the orignal ones from Amazon if and when they go on a special

 

[Ghostface1288]

I think if you truly want original, its best to get on Amazon. Though I doubt there will be notable difference between decent aftermarket ones than original.

Yeah I'm gonna try out the aftermarket ones from TakeAlot and if I don't dig them, i'll just get the originals from Amazon

 

[Ghostface1288]

I stuck Brainwavz on a pair of Turtle Beach Elite Atlas and it actually improved the sound for me. Much better soundstage. And significantly more comfortable.

So I'd agree that it's worth trying aftermarket pads.

Shot for your input, yeah i'm gonna try the aftermarket ones first 👊

 

[DrNoSkill]

This may be the wrong thread but i need to ask, how do we feel about IEMS and are there any good ones for sale in SA?

 

[Deviation]

This may be the wrong thread but i need to ask, how do we feel about IEMS and are there any good ones for sale in SA?

IEMs are great but a lot of people moved on to wireless buds.
There used to be FiiO M11 DAP floating around here for people who used to travel with IEM.

Also, people who do buy IEMs always import. The usual ZS, or the Aria Moondrop from Amazon or group purchase for direct import from China.

 

[goldfritter]

Also, people who do buy IEMs always import. The usual ZS, or the Aria Moondrop from Amazon or group purchase for direct import from China.

You can get KZ and CCA on Takealot nowadays. Nothing above upper-entry level, but for most people they'll be streets ahead of the cheapo in-ears.

 

[DrNoSkill]

IEMs are great but a lot of people moved on to wireless buds.
There used to be FiiO M11 DAP floating around here for people who used to travel with IEM.

Also, people who do buy IEMs always import. The usual ZS, or the Aria Moondrop from Amazon or group purchase for direct import from China.

I have been looking at importing for a few months from places like linsoul and aliexpress but the import costs are insane. I ask because i see takealot has a bunch of IEMS these days like from KZ.

I love my HD560s but some days i just want to game a bit with some buds but my JBL pair is really poor.

 

[DrNoSkill]

You can get KZ and CCA on Takealot nowadays. Nothing above upper-entry level, but for most people they'll be streets ahead of the cheapo in-ears.

Been looking into the KZ ZS10 pro but they are about R1k more expensive on takealot compared to aliexpress, the upside being i won't need to wait 2 months to get them from takealot.

 

[Deviation]

I have been looking at importing for a few months from places like linsoul and aliexpress but the import costs are insane. I ask because i see takealot has a bunch of IEMS these days like from KZ.

I love my HD560s but some days i just want to game a bit with some buds but my JBL pair is really poor.

I know what you mean. The physical dimensions of the driver can't really compete with full size drivers. There are charms in IEM with how they deliver sound directly into your noggins, but I always found them a bit uncomfortable.

 

[DrNoSkill]

I know what you mean. The physical dimensions of the driver can't really compete with full size drivers. There are charms in IEM with how they deliver sound directly into your noggins, but I always found them a bit uncomfortable.

I do agree with your point, its either my sennies hurt my ears or my buds hurt my inner ears so i switch it up every other day.

Would like a decent pair of IEMS to make the switch less jarring. I think i will save a bit and go for the KZ PR1 Pro someday.

 

[CptGopher]

This may be the wrong thread but i need to ask, how do we feel about IEMS and are there any good ones for sale in SA?

I like both IEMS and over ear headphones, but you can't beat the portability of IEMS. Take my 7hz Timeless to the office every day.

If you're looking for more exotic options than what ZA has to offer, check out HifiGo from China. They use proper couriers, so no SAPO lost packages and delivery time is ~2 weeks.. Good support too, though you're unlikely to need it.

IMO, skip the KZ stuff and get your hands on some Moondrop Aria/Starfields. 7Hz timeless if you wanna spend a bit more.

For sources. a phone with an apple dongle dongle (they make a USB-C one as well that works on Android) is all you need. If you want customization options and more EQ than you can shake a stick at. check the Qudelix 5k. Fuckit check it out if you use headphones as well. Pretty sure it can drive 99% of headphones.

 

[DrNoSkill]

I like both IEMS and over ear headphones, but you can't beat the portability of IEMS. Take my 7hz Timeless to the office every day.

If you're looking for more exotic options than what ZA has to offer, check out HifiGo from China. They use proper couriers, so no SAPO lost packages and delivery time is ~2 weeks.. Good support too, though you're unlikely to need it.

IMO, skip the KZ stuff and get your hands on some Moondrop Aria/Starfields. 7Hz timeless if you wanna spend a bit more.

For sources. a phone with an apple dongle dongle (they make a USB-C one as well that works on Android) is all you need. If you want customization options and more EQ than you can shake a stick at. check the Qudelix 5k. Fuckit check it out if you use headphones as well. Pretty sure it can drive 99% of headphones.

I have an apple dongle as i was advised to get one on this thread before and i recently got myself a FIIO K3 which works like a dream, my issue with the apple dongle is for some reason on my S22 the volume of my headphones are still incredibly low when maxed out so i will settle for using samsung buds on my phone and at the office.

I will definitely check out HiFIGO, i always appreciate new recommendations, thank you sir, if i manage to save for a 7hz timeless i will pick one up, if the temptation of open back planars does not win me over.

 

[Dr. Kraken]

I have an apple dongle as i was advised to get one on this thread before and i recently got myself a FIIO K3 which works like a dream, my issue with the apple dongle is for some reason on my S22 the volume of my headphones are still incredibly low when maxed out so i will settle for using samsung buds on my phone and at the office.

I will definitely check out HiFIGO, i always appreciate new recommendations, thank you sir, if i manage to save for a 7hz timeless i will pick one up, if the temptation of open back planars does not win me over.

The EU versions of the Apple Dongle (The one we get here) have a power output of about half the US version (I believe something like 0.45 Vrms vs 1.0) Even worse, it will playback much quieter on Android systems as opposed to being plugged into a PC. The recently released Moondrop Dawn Pro dongle is very powerful and can also be used with some demanding headphones.

If ordering from HiFiGO, they have it for about R950 bucks, it might be overkill for only IEM use, but I see it as something versatile to add to your arsenal for a quite cheap price given the specs it has. Can also be used as a desktop DAC/AMP. Currently shopping for some gear on eBay and Amazon via MyUS, not sure if you get official US Apple Dongles there, but if I find one, I'll see about throwing it in for ya.

 

[DrNoSkill]

The EU versions of the Apple Dongle (The one we get here) have a power output of about half the US version (I believe something like 0.45 Vrms vs 1.0) Even worse, it will playback much quieter on Android systems as opposed to being plugged into a PC. The recently released Moondrop Dawn Pro dongle is very powerful and can also be used with some demanding headphones.

If ordering from HiFiGO, they have it for about R950 bucks, it might be overkill for only IEM use, but I see it as something versatile to add to your arsenal for a quite cheap price given the specs it has. Can also be used as a desktop DAC/AMP. Currently shopping for some gear on eBay and Amazon via MyUS, not sure if you get official US Apple Dongles there, but if I find one, I'll see about throwing it in for ya.

Hey man, thanks that is great advice but i only really want buds for desktop use at the moment, getting the dongle isn't on my list at the moment, i'll stick to wireless buds for mobile use

 

[Chevez]

This may be the wrong thread but i need to ask, how do we feel about IEMS and are there any good ones for sale in SA?

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/moondrop-nekocake-anc-tws-iems.502762/

 

[Dr. Kraken]

Anyone local make custom cables for headphones?

 

[Dire]

Does anyone know where I could get replacement pads for Philips Shp9500's?

I could just get off Amazon but I'm hoping that there's a local option. I can find a few different replacement pads locally but none specifically for the shp9500, I'm not sure if any of them would fit.

 

[PandaAttack1]

Does anyone know where I could get replacement pads for Philips Shp9500's?

I could just get off Amazon but I'm hoping that there's a local option. I can find a few different replacement pads locally but none specifically for the shp9500, I'm not sure if any of them would fit.

You can put HM5 pads on your 9500's bud. There are a few headphones in that range that can kind-off share pads.

The below should fit your 9500's.

Takealot

 

[Dire]

You can put HM5 pads on your 9500's bud. There are a few headphones in that range that can kind-off share pads.

The below should fit your 9500's.

Takealot

Thanks for the HM5 pads tip! Ill search around for any HM5 pads.

I saw those Steelseries Arctis replacement pads that you linked on Takealot. They do look like they might fit, but from what I can see they use a magnet mount system and not a clip on system.

Im not too sure if I could DIY the pads on somehow without resorting to gluing them on. Do you have any advice for that?

 

[PandaAttack1]

Thanks for the HM5 pads tip! Ill search around for any HM5 pads.

I saw those Steelseries Arctis replacement pads that you linked on Takealot. They do look like they might fit, but from what I can see they use a magnet mount system and not a clip on system.

Im not too sure if I could DIY the pads on somehow without resorting to gluing them on. Do you have any advice for that?

All these style of pads wrap around a clip or lip on the headphone itself, it should work. I've had a few of them.

Look at the image below. Left is the replacement 'Arctis' pads on Takealot. Right is a screenshot from a random 9500 pad replacement video. The Arctis pads will wrap around your current ring/clip and then just click back into the headphone. Or at the very least it should. You will need to reuse the plastic ring like the bro in the video linked way below.

Compare the two videos to each other below. The pads themselves are basically the same. They just wrap onto different rings for the respective headphones. The pads wrap tightly around the rings, so you won't require any glue.

 

[Dire]

All these style of pads wrap around a clip or lip on the headphone itself, it should work. I've had a few of them.

Look at the image below. Left is the replacement 'Arctis' pads on Takealot. Right is a screenshot from a random 9500 pad replacement video. The Arctis pads will wrap around your current ring/clip and then just click back into the headphone. Or at the very least it should. You will need to reuse the plastic ring like the bro in the video linked way below.

Compare the two videos to each other below. The pads themselves are basically the same. They just wrap onto different rings for the respective headphones. The pads wrap tightly around the rings, so you won't require any glue.

Thank you very much for all of this!

I'll order the Arctis pads and give it a go. My only remaining concern is the new pads altering the sound signature to be significantly worse, or perhaps ruining the open back sound and/or reducing the sound stage. I guess for R260, I cant really complain though.

Worst case scenario is I get the Arctis pads, dont like them, and then I'll just have to import pads that are known to pair well with the SHP9500 and that keep the sound signature as close as possible to stock pads.

Thanks again for the help, I'll let you know how it goes. 👌

 

[PandaAttack1]

Thank you very much for all of this!

I'll order the Arctis pads and give it a go. My only remaining concern is the new pads altering the sound signature to be significantly worse, or perhaps ruining the open back sound and/or reducing the sound stage. I guess for R260, I cant really complain though.

Worst case scenario is I get the Arctis pads, dont like them, and then I'll just have to import pads that are known to pair well with the SHP9500 and that keep the sound signature as close as possible to stock pads.

Thanks again for the help, I'll let you know how it goes. 👌

Awesome! I think you will pleasantly surprised with the pads. At the very least it will keep your headphones usable while you save/wait/decide on some Dekoni pads.

 

[valiente]

Gents, excellent thread going here.

I have had a pair of Sennheiser PC363D for over 10 years now, I pulled up the receipt from September 2013 and it cost R3099 back then

They still work great and after soldering the Volume knob they have chucked on.

However I felt like it was time for something similar and got the HD599 from @BradDMitch

I would like to use them as my main driver's going forward but I really need a Microphone.

Not keen on a ModMic vibe, as that adds another cable.

I was thinking of something that stands next to my Monitor, not on an arm as that will be in the way again.

I want to be able to sit about 30cm away from the microphone.

Found this which was just released: Alias - USB C Condenser Gaming Microphone

Pretty expensive but something similar that someone has experience with.

Any recommendations?

 

[lil_nap]

Gents, excellent thread going here.

I have had a pair of Sennheiser PC363D for over 10 years now, I pulled up the receipt from September 2013 and it cost R3099 back then

They still work great and after soldering the Volume knob they have chucked on.

However I felt like it was time for something similar and got the HD599 from @BradDMitch

I would like to use them as my main driver's going forward but I really need a Microphone.

Not keen on a ModMic vibe, as that adds another cable.

I was thinking of something that stands next to my Monitor, not on an arm as that will be in the way again.

I want to be able to sit about 30cm away from the microphone.

Found this which was just released: Alias - USB C Condenser Gaming Microphone

Pretty expensive but something similar that someone has experience with.

Any recommendations?

Good evening, not sure if this is the best recommendation but I've found the Samson meteor mic to be a really good for what I use.
I know a couple of people who also have it and they are really pleased with it as well.

I've had mine since April 2018 with no issues, I tend to take it with me in to the office as well and it's nice and portable with a traveling bag.

 

[lil_nap]

Good evening everyone!
I'm looking to purchase some new headphones.
I was thinking about getting the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless since it's on special and my Sony XM3 has this weird thing with the ANC in the left cup that hurts my ear, though I don't care too much for ANC in general

Sennheiser Momentum 4 - Wireless Headphones (Each)

For the ultimate listening experience Get the next generation MOMENTUM 4 Wireless that is inspired by music. Sennheiser's Signature Sound Discover best-in-class sound with our audiophile-inspired acoustic system. Superior Sound Enjoy your favorite music like never before with our...

www.e-piphany.co.za

I thought I might spoil myself so I'm not too sure if I should go for the above or rather something else like the Bose QC Ultra or HD600 with Qudelix (if it supports it) for gaming and music, travel is a bonus.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

 

[Dr. Kraken]

I personally would recommend the Momentum 4 over the Sony XM lineup (wonky bass response).
I rule out the HD600 if you're going to be traveling a lot with them, but for home use, it would be my pick. It's not the best for gaming, I usually use IEMs for that anyway, but it doesn't matter unless you're a competitive sweat. Movies are great on the HD600.

So pretty much, HD600. If traveling a lot, Momentum 4.

 

[lil_nap]

I personally would recommend the Momentum 4 over the Sony XM lineup (wonky bass response).
I rule out the HD600 if you're going to be traveling a lot with them, but for home use, it would be my pick. It's not the best for gaming, I usually use IEMs for that anyway, but it doesn't matter unless you're a competitive sweat. Movies are great on the HD600.

So pretty much, HD600. If traveling a lot, Momentum 4.

Thanks for the quick response, the Momentum 4 Wireless does look like a great deal, is the HD600 still the holy grail or would the 660S2 be better?
I can maybe even get like Hifiman Sundara's with the M4W