ZMF Sub Pads for 6xx & Beyer+

[granularclouds]

ZMF has rolled out aftermarket pads for the Sennheiser line (6xx/650/660/600 and seemingly 58x as well) as well as the circular Beyerdynamic line.

Link to Beyer pads.

Link to Senn pads.

Senn pads come in lambskin, lambskin perforated, and suede (also perforated).

Beyer pads come in lambskin and lambskin peforated.

Would absolutely love to hear some impressions if anyone gets their hands on these. I have both 6xx and 1990 Pros in my lineup.

One note - the pads seem fairly thick/fat, as most aftermarket pads seem to be, which may not do wonders for those who already notice or are bothered by clamp force on their headphones, but I’d be very curious to hear experiences with regards this - I don’t have any experience with ZMF phones/pads, so maybe they’re plush enough that despite their thickness, the fit is or can be far more comfortable all the same.

[Falenkor]

@granularclouds

Beyer pads come in lambskin and lambskin peforated.

I just wonder why no suede like the senn has…

[CTOXmas]

they have a picture on the page that looks like a suede/velour for the beyers maybe it’s still wip

[Falenkor]

@CTOXmas

looks like a suede/velour for the beyers maybe it’s still wip

thought that was the grado adapter

[alphamarshan]

In for the suede and fenestrated/perforated lambskin on the 6XX. Happy to provide some impressions when they get here.

[Rick_Jones]

Just got the Beyerdynamic pads in with the Grado adapter:

Grado Ltd Edition Hemp

Just got the pads in today. Comfort is a 10. Ears will get a little warm. Adds a slight bit more warmth to the sound. I probably would stick with the perforated pads that I have here. I would think the solid Lambskin will be way too dark. Also do note that the ring will not work with Beyerdynamic pads. The lip is not long enough to attach them. But the XL Brainwaz pads will sorta work. [20220207_160324]

[alphamarshan]

Mine arrived today! Unfortunately they got here before my 6XX did lol, so I’ll have to wait a day or two to try them out.

[Falenkor]

curious on your thoughts when it comes to the quality you guys.

[alphamarshan]

Okay, 6XX are here along with the ZMF Suede and Perforated Sheepskin pads! I prefer the 600 head padding so I swapped it out with that.

Running them via USB to a SMSL VMV D1se DAC and have a DarkVoice with upgraded tubes (Tung Sol power tube, CV181-Z input tube). Will also listen on the Singxer SA-1.

[alphamarshan]

By the way, Zach has posted a video going over the measurements on the 6XX with the new pads, if anyone’s curious: ZMF 6xx+ Sub pads - Replacement Pads for Sennheiser HD6XX - YouTube

[alphamarshan]

Okay, so here’s a quick overview of the 6XX w/ ZMF Pads after listening for a few hours.

Source: Amazon HD → USB → SMSL VMV D1SE DAC → DarkVoice / Singxer SA-1

I had the 6XX years ago but through my various upgrades sold them and tried some other products out like the 660s, but felt the 6XX paired best with the DarkVoice so came back to them again. Trying out the ZMF pads with them as pad-rolling is one of the best ways to change the sound and feel of your headphones, plus ZMF is well-known for making quality products.

Going back and forth, I do think the Perforated pads are more comfortable. Well, maybe not more comfortable, but cooler and less likely to get as hot as the Suede.

Song list:

Matchbox Twenty – The Difference
FM-84 – Outatime
Coheed & Cambria – Feathers
Shockline – Say It All
In Flames – Man Made God
Angels & Airwaves – The Adventure (Acoustic)

I listen to lots of different kinds of music but mostly I prefer rock, metal and electronic music. I am sensitive to sibilant treble so I prefer a warmer sound signature. Take all of this with a grain of salt as I’m not a professional reviewer or anything:

Suede: Sounds great. I’m actually a little surprised at the energy in the upper mids and treble here. There is definitely a “shimmer” particularly in the chorus of The Difference. At around 0:55 of Say It All, I like to listen to this phrase for “shoutiness” as well as any sibilance. It’s energetic but sounds nice as opposed to harsh.

Perforated Lambskin: Okay yes, the treble is definitely tamed slightly in comparison to the Suede. I’m not really sure how to word this but I hear a slightly more “natural” and relaxed presentation to the sound.

Dekoni Elite Hybrids: Wayyyy more low end. Not as natural but would be better for longer sessions listening to metal or heavy rock. I am guessing this might be closer to what the ZMF Solid Lambskin pads sound like.

For my preferences, I enjoy the Perforated Lambskin most all-around and will probably daily drive these, but I can see myself putting on the Suede for acoustic listening sessions or the Elite Hybrids for rock/metal listening sessions.

[PandaZ]

Has anyone tried the 6xx pads on the 660?

Have the beyer pads on my Grado hemp and they improved them dramatically.