VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Kristin Lennox]

...leaving black flakes around my ears and neck after every wear. Muy unattractive.

Opinions on replacement? I can replace with Sony brand for about $20 (plus shipping), but of course the off-brand compatible pads are significantly less.

Has anyone here used the off-brand pads? Did you notice any difference?

Thanks!
_________________
Always look on the bright side of life.

Dee doo. Dee doot doot doo dee doo.

my website

[dwpthe3rd]

I recently purchased ear pads for my AKG 240 studio monitor phones.... bought cheap from an on line store... turns out the new ones are plastic 'faux leather' & not as comfortable as originals. Put my old pads back on; I plan to buy genuine AKG next time and I'll not make that mistake again.
_________________
If attacked by a mob of clowns go for the juggler.

dwpthe3rd

[ChrisMezzolesta]

I got non-Sony pads from I think Musicians Friend (don't quote me on that), I think it was like $16 for 2 pair - ended up working fine.
_________________
Chris Mezzolesta, Voice Talent
800.356.5519 www.voiceatile.com

[Ed Fisher]

You are singing to the Choir.

More than once I've had someone ask me to have those "ugly black moles" on my neck checked out!

My SONY MDR V600's served me well for many...many years. But, you're right, whatever they use to surface the foam they use eventually falls apart (OK...it might take a BUNCH of years) and I also found that the Sony's THEN BECOME much more prone to giving me FEEDBACK from my Mic.

As most already know, FOAM is a terrible sound insulator by itself. I think the lining they used makes it essentially "air tight" which helped to isolate the sound.

I was checking out some possible replacement Headphones at my local Best Buy, when I noticed a display with a bunch of high end headphones so I tried some out. I was BLOWN away by the Sennheiser HD280s when I put them on my head. NOT by the quality of the audio (which is extremely good) but by HOW I COULD NO LONGER HEAR MYSELF when I spoke.

While others were rocking to the music...Here was I...saying "Test...1..2...3" out loud as I tried on different pairs. They had them for 99 bucks. Right next to them were the newer model HD380. ($149)They had some improvements supposedly...including slightly larger ear cups, a removable mic chord, and a couple more thousand HZ of the high end. BUT...even though they had great passive acoustic isolation properties....I felt that when I said "Test...1..2...3" in those....I could hear a very LITTLE more sound by comparison. (Sennheiser claims they are the same at 32-db ambient noise attenuation)

But...turned out they didn't have a single pair of either in the store. So I had to order and have them delivered there. So (even though I intend to , at some point, order replacement ear foam for my old Sony's) I am delighted to discover that many people in this group ALREADY USE the HD280s.

First thing I noticed was I was able to REALLY TELL what is going on in my audio chain. These things are SO QUITE (some call them "head crushers" because they have a nice SNUG fit to keep out the noise. I would compare it a bit to wearing ear protection when you are mowing your lawn.) I MEAN.....it's like you have your head under a pillow. You are seriously able focus only on your audio.

BUT...I just noticed today that BB has just reduced their Sennheiser 380's ALSO to $99. (on sale) And frankly, with my head and ears they are a bit more comfortable...BUT...do I want to trade that comfort for a little less acoustic separation?

Anyone here using the HD380s?

Like the Meatloaf song:

"Let me sleep on it baby, baby let me sleep on it Let me sleep on it and I'll give you my answer in the morning..."

[Bruce]

Funny thing... I just replaced my Sony pads. I can't speak to the cheap ones on EBay, but we got the Sony "brand" ones at $20 from there and they look and feel good. Sadly something went wrong during installation and the phones sound a bit off and muddy. I'd hate to take 'em apart again since they're such a pain to install, but I think I'll have to.

No more black bits around the ears,

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[Bill Campbell]

Awesomely comfortable

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/368310-REG/Garfield_SGARHS1_Headphone_Softie_Earpad.html

You're welcome.
_________________
www.asapaudio.com

[georgethetech]

I had an old pair of V6's laying around and replaced the pads with these:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-Velour-Earcushions-MDR7506-Headphones/dp/B0016MF7W2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1377494879&sr=8-13&keywords=sony+ear+pads

I still hate they way they sound, but my wife enjoys using them now.
They'll never be DT770's...
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

[Kristin Lennox]

Lots of links to check out -- thank you!!
_________________
Always look on the bright side of life.

Dee doo. Dee doot doot doo dee doo.

my website

[CarynClark]

I replaced my pads (with Sony pads) on the exact same headphones about two years ago. I realized my stud earrings were roughing them up and making them flake. Sooooo... I don't wear those earrings anymore!!!

Good luck in your quest!!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[Ed Fisher]

[Jason Huggins]

LOL...I must be really gentle with my 7506s. I've had them for about 4 years and they look brand new. I guess everything deteriorates over time though.