### A Pad-Rolling Guide for the Legendary Sennheiser HD6X0 Series

The Sennheiser HD600, HD650, HD660S, and their Drop variants like the HD58X and HD6XX, are more than just headphones; they’re an institution. For decades, this family has been the benchmark for natural, non-fatiguing, and detailed sound. One of their greatest strengths is their modularity, and the easiest, most impactful modification you can make is changing the earpads.

Worn-out stock pads can ruin the sound, causing a loss of bass and a veiled treble. But swapping them isn’t just for maintenance—it’s a gateway to tuning the sound to your exact preference. Whether you’re a purist looking to restore that factory-fresh sound or an adventurer seeking more bass, a wider soundstage, or a different feel, there’s a pad out there for you.

Let’s dive into some of the most popular options.

#### The Benchmark: Stock Sennheiser Velour Pads

Before we explore alternatives, we must understand the reference point. The stock Sennheiser velour pads are the sound the engineers intended.

* **Comfort:** They are lightweight, breathable, and have a moderate clamp. They are comfortable for hours, though the velour can be a dust and hair magnet.
* **Sound:** This is the iconic HD6X0 sound. A beautifully balanced and coherent presentation with a world-class midrange, smooth treble, and tight, articulate bass. The key here is the velour’s breathability, which is crucial for the open-back design to work its magic. Over time, these pads compress, bringing your ears closer to the driver, which can increase mid-bass bloat and reduce clarity. Replacing them with a fresh stock pair is often all that’s needed to fall in love with your headphones all over again.

#### The Aftermarket Contenders

##### 1. Dekoni Audio Pads

Dekoni is the undisputed king of the aftermarket pad world, offering a huge variety of materials for the HD6X0 series.

* **Elite Velour:** This is Dekoni’s answer to the stock pad. It’s very similar in sound and feel to a fresh OEM pair, perhaps with a slightly denser foam that can add a touch of bass impact. If you can’t find OEM pads or want something a bit more durable, these are an excellent and safe choice for maintaining the original character.

* **Elite Sheepskin (Solid):** This is where things start to change dramatically. Swapping breathable velour for non-porous sheepskin creates a better seal, which has two major effects: isolation and bass. The Sheepskin pads significantly boost the quantity and slam of the low-end, transforming the HD6X0 into a much warmer, bassier headphone. This comes at a cost, however, as the midrange can sound slightly recessed in comparison, and the soundstage may feel a little more closed-in. If you’ve always wished your HD650 had more low-end grunt, this is your pad.

* **Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin:** The “fenestrated” (perforated) pads are an attempt to find a middle ground. The perforations allow some air and sound to pass through, preventing the “over-sealed” effect of the solid leather. The result is a fascinating signature. You still get a bass boost, but it’s often tighter than with the solid pads. The perforations tend to elevate the treble, adding air and a sense of detail. For some, this is the perfect combination of added fun and technical performance. For others, it can make the headphones a bit too bright or “shouty” in the upper-mids.

* **Elite Hybrid:** Combining the best of both worlds, these pads feature a velour face (where the pad touches your skin), a solid sheepskin exterior, and a fenestrated sheepskin interior. They aim to provide the comfort and breathability of velour with the acoustic properties of sheepskin. The sound is often a well-executed compromise: a noticeable bass boost over stock, but less than the full sheepskin, with a midrange that remains largely intact and treble that isn’t overly brightened.

##### 2. ZMF Headphones Pads

ZMF is known for its boutique, high-end headphones, and their pads are of equally high quality. They are often thicker and deeper than stock or Dekoni pads, which can increase comfort and dramatically alter the soundstage.

* **ZMF Universe Perforated Pads (Lambskin/Suede):** These are a popular choice for “opening up” the HD6X0. The increased distance between your ear and the driver deepens the soundstage and can improve imaging. The perforated nature helps retain the open-back feel while the material (lambskin or suede) adds its own flavor. Lambskin tends to be a bit brighter and bassier, while suede is often warmer and smoother. Using ZMF pads is a significant departure from the stock sound, creating a more spacious and sometimes more “U-shaped” signature.

##### 3. YAXI Pads

YAXI is a Japanese brand known for its focus on comfort and unique materials.

* **HD650 Special Edition (Alcantara):** These are a luxury upgrade. Alcantara is a soft, durable microfiber that feels incredible against the skin. Sonically, YAXI pads are often described as a gentle enhancement of the stock sound. They tend to add a bit of body and warmth to the lower midrange and bass without sacrificing the soul of the headphone. They offer a tangible upgrade in comfort and a subtle, pleasing tweak to the sound that many find to be a direct improvement on the original.

#### The Verdict: Which Pad is for You?

There is no single “best” earpad. The right choice depends entirely on your goal.

* **For the Purist:** Stick to genuine **Sennheiser OEM pads**. If you want a slight upgrade in durability, the **Dekoni Elite Velour** is a fantastic alternative.
* **For the Bass Lover:** The **Dekoni Elite Sheepskin** will give you the low-end slam and isolation you’re looking for.
* **For the Detail & “Air” Seeker:** The **Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin** will liven up the top end and add a sense of space, at the risk of some brightness.
* **For the Soundstage Enthusiast:** A set of **ZMF Universe Perforated** pads will provide the most significant change, creating a more expansive and speaker-like presentation.
* **For the All-Around Upgrade:** The **Dekoni Elite Hybrid** or **YAXI Alcantara** pads offer a balanced approach, enhancing bass and comfort without straying too far from the beloved stock signature.

Pad-rolling is one of the most rewarding aspects of owning an HD6X0-series headphone. It’s a simple, reversible, and relatively affordable way to breathe new life into an old favorite or tailor its sound perfectly to your library and your ears.