### The Ultimate Sennheiser HD6X0 Earpad Round-Up

The Sennheiser HD6X0 series—comprising the legendary HD600, the smooth HD650, the modern HD660S, and their Drop counterparts like the HD6XX and HD58X—are more than just headphones; they are an institution. For decades, they have been the benchmark for open-back, natural-sounding audio. But even legends have an Achilles’ heel, and for this series, it’s the earpads.

The velour pads are critical to the headphones’ acoustic design and comfort. Over time, they compress, wear out, and collect oils. This isn’t just a comfort issue; “pancaked” pads ruin the seal, decrease the distance between your ear and the driver, and can turn a detailed, balanced headphone into a muddy, bass-light mess.

Replacing your pads is the single most effective maintenance you can perform. But which ones should you get? Do you stick with the original, or venture into the vast world of aftermarket options? Let’s break it down.

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#### 1. The Gold Standard: Stock OEM Sennheiser Pads

Before we look at alternatives, we must understand the benchmark. The original Sennheiser pads are engineered specifically for these headphones. They use a specific density of foam and a specific type of velour to achieve the signature sound profile that made them famous.

* **Sound:** This is the sound the engineers intended. Replacing worn-out pads with a fresh pair of OEM pads is often a revelation. The bass tightens up, the imaging snaps back into focus, and the classic HD6X0 sound signature is fully restored.
* **Comfort:** The soft velour and perfect clamp force (when new) make them comfortable for hours on end.
* **Pros:** The one and only way to get the 100% authentic, intended sound of your headphones.
* **Cons:** They can be pricey compared to some third-party options and will eventually wear out just like the originals.

**Verdict:** If you love the way your headphones sounded out of the box and want to restore that magic, stop here. Buy genuine OEM pads.

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#### 2. The Popular Challenger: Dekoni Audio

Dekoni has built a reputation as the go-to brand for high-quality replacement pads. They offer a variety of materials for the HD6X0 series, each designed to tune the sound in a specific way.

* **Elite Velour:** This is Dekoni’s answer to the stock pad. It’s very close to the original in terms of feel and sound. Some users report it’s slightly stiffer initially, which can create a slightly better seal and a minor bass lift, but it’s widely considered the safest and most faithful aftermarket alternative.
* **Choice Suede:** These pads are incredibly soft and comfortable. Sonically, they tend to create a warmer, smoother sound. The bass gets a subtle boost and feels more present, while the top end can be slightly tamed. A great choice if you find the stock sound a touch too neutral or analytical.
* **Fenestrated Sheepskin:** The perforations in the leather are key here. These pads typically open up the soundstage, giving a greater sense of air and space. The treble detail is often enhanced, and the bass becomes tighter and faster, though sometimes with less sub-bass impact than suede or solid leather. Durability is a major plus.
* **Elite Hybrid:** Combining velour on the face, solid leather on the outside, and fenestrated leather on the inside, these pads aim for the best of all worlds: the comfort of velour, the isolation of leather, and the airiness of fenestrations. They are often described as a well-balanced “mod” pad.

**Verdict:** Dekoni is the top choice for those looking to intentionally and predictably tune their headphones. Want something close to stock? Elite Velour. Want warmer? Choice Suede. Want more air and stage? Fenestrated Sheepskin.

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#### 3. The Boutique Upgrade: ZMF Headphones

Known for their beautiful artisan headphones, ZMF also makes highly-regarded earpads that fit the HD6X0 series. These are often seen as a premium, transformative upgrade rather than a simple replacement.

* **Perforated Pads (Lambskin, Suede):** Like the Dekoni fenestrated pads, ZMF’s perforated options are designed to increase the soundstage and sense of openness. ZMF pads are often lauded for their exceptional comfort and build quality. The lambskin variants can add a touch of crispness and speed to the sound, while the suede provides a lusher, more comfortable experience.
* **Solid Pads:** While less common for open-backs, ZMF solid pads will significantly increase bass presence and isolation at the cost of soundstage.

**Verdict:** If you view your HD6X0 as a platform for high-end modding and want to push its performance with premium materials, ZMF pads are an excellent, albeit expensive, choice.

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#### 4. A Roll of the Dice: Generic Amazon/AliExpress Pads

Venture onto Amazon or AliExpress, and you’ll find countless no-name pads for a fraction of the price of OEM or Dekoni pads. They come in pleather, cheap velour, and “cooling gel” variants.

* **Sound:** This is the biggest gamble. The foam density, the material, the dimensions—they are all inconsistent and not tuned for the HD6X0. The most common result is a disastrous change to the sound signature: boomy, uncontrolled bass, a sucked-out midrange, and/or sharp, sibilant treble. While you *might* get lucky, you are almost guaranteed to ruin the sound that made you buy the headphones in the first place.
* **Comfort:** Can be hit or miss. Some are surprisingly comfortable, others are stiff and sweaty.
* **Pros:** They are very, very cheap.
* **Cons:** Unpredictable and almost universally negative impact on sound quality.

**Verdict:** Avoid these unless your only goal is to have something covering the drivers and you have zero concern for audio fidelity. You get what you pay for.

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### Final Recommendations

* **For the Purist:** Buy **genuine Sennheiser OEM pads**. It’s the only way to ensure the sound you fell in love with.
* **For the Safe & Sensible Alternative:** **Dekoni Elite Velour** pads are your best bet for a near-stock experience from a third party.
* **For the Sound-Tuner:** **Dekoni’s** lineup is your playground. Use Fenestrated Sheepskin for a wider stage, or Choice Suede for warmth and comfort.
* **For the High-End Modder:** **ZMF Perforated Pads** offer a premium comfort and sound-tuning experience.
* **For the Extreme Budget-Conscious:** If you absolutely cannot afford anything else, at least look for a generic pad with reviews that mention it sounds “close to stock.” But proceed with extreme caution. Your ears will thank you for saving up for a proper pair.