### Sennheiser HD6X0 Series Pad Round-Up: Tuning a Legend

The Sennheiser HD6X0 series—comprising the venerable HD600, HD650, HD660S, HD660S2, and the Drop HD58X—is legendary in the headphone world. For decades, these headphones have been the benchmark for natural, detailed, and non-fatiguing sound. A huge part of their magic, and a key element in their sound signature, is the earpads.

Over time, these pads compress and wear out. When this happens, the driver gets closer to your ear, the seal changes, and the sound you fell in love with starts to fade. The bass becomes flabby, the mids lose their focus, and the magic is gone. While replacing them with a fresh set of OEM pads is the surest way to restore that factory-fresh sound, the world of third-party pads offers an exciting opportunity: tuning the sound to your exact preferences.

This is a round-up of the most popular earpad options for the HD6X0 series, and what you can expect from each.

#### The Benchmark: Stock Sennheiser Velour Pads

Before we dive into alternatives, we must honor the original. The stock Sennheiser velour pads are the gold standard for a reason. They are designed specifically for these headphones to produce their intended sound.

* **Sound:** They provide the classic, balanced HD6X0 sound. The bass is tight and present but not overpowering, the midrange is lush and forward (the series’ claim to fame), and the treble is smooth and detailed. They are the definition of “correct” for this headphone line.
* **Comfort:** The soft velour is breathable and comfortable for long listening sessions, with a moderate clamp force that secures the headphones without causing pressure points.
* **Takeaway:** If your old pads are flat as pancakes and you just want to bring your headphones back to their former glory, buying a new set of genuine Sennheiser pads is your best and safest bet.

#### The Aftermarket Titan: Dekoni Audio

Dekoni has built a reputation as the go-to for premium replacement earpads. They offer a wide range of materials for the HD6X0 series, each with a distinct impact on the sound.

* **Elite Velour:** This is Dekoni’s answer to the stock pad. It’s very similar in feel and sound to the original, using a slightly different, slow-rebound memory foam. Some users report a minuscule increase in bass presence due to a slightly better seal, but it’s an excellent and often more readily available alternative to the OEM pads.

* **Elite Sheepskin (Solid):** This is for the bass-heads. Swapping the breathable velour for non-perforated sheepskin leather creates a much stronger seal. This dramatically increases bass quantity and sub-bass extension. The sound becomes warmer, punchier, and more isolated from outside noise. The trade-off is that the magical midrange can sound slightly recessed in comparison, and the soundstage may feel a bit more closed-in.

* **Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin:** This is often considered the sweet spot for those wanting a change. The perforations (small holes) in the sheepskin allow some air to pass through, preventing the excessive bass bloat of the solid leather pads. They still provide a noticeable bass boost over stock, but they also tend to brighten the treble and expand the perceived soundstage. This is a popular choice for “waking up” the sometimes overly-relaxed sound of the HD650.

* **Elite Hybrid:** Combining the best of all worlds, the Hybrid pads typically use velour for the face-contact surface (for comfort and breathability), solid sheepskin on the outside (for isolation), and fenestrated sheepskin on the inside (to tune the sound). This results in a balanced signature that boosts bass and improves isolation without sacrificing as much of the stock character as the full sheepskin pads.

#### The Boutique Choice: ZMF Headphones

ZMF is known for its beautiful, handcrafted headphones, and they sell their premium earpads separately. They are a pricier option but are revered for their supreme comfort and nuanced sound changes.

* **Universe Perforated Suede/Lambskin:** These are a fan favorite. The larger acoustic chamber and premium materials often result in a wider, more spacious soundstage. The perforated nature of the pads keeps the sound from becoming boomy or closed-in. The suede version is known for adding a touch of warmth and smoothness, while the lambskin can add a bit of clarity and a cleaner bass response. They are exceptionally comfortable and a fantastic way to add a touch of luxury and space to your Sennheisers.

#### The Japanese Alternative: YAXI

YAXI is a Japanese brand that has gained a following for its thoughtfully designed comfort-focused pads.

* **YAXI HD650 Special Edition Earpads (Alcantara):** These pads are slightly thicker and use a larger inner ear-hole than the stock pads, made from luxurious Alcantara material. The result is a noticeable improvement in comfort for many users. Sonically, they provide a gentle lift to the low-end and a slightly warmer overall tone, making for a very pleasant and fatigue-free listening experience without drastically altering the core sound signature.

#### A Word of Caution: Cheap Generic Pads

You will find countless cheap, no-name pads on sites like Amazon and eBay. While the price is tempting, it’s generally best to avoid them. The sound of the HD6X0 series is a direct result of meticulous engineering, which includes the foam density, fabric type, and dimensions of the pads. Cheap pads use inferior materials and are not tuned for the headphone, which can completely destroy the frequency response, turning your high-fidelity headphones into a muddy, unbalanced mess.

#### Conclusion

Pad rolling is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to customize your Sennheiser HD6X0 headphones.

* **For Purity:** Stick with genuine **Sennheiser OEM pads**.
* **For More Bass & Isolation:** Go for **Dekoni Elite Sheepskin**.
* **For a Lively, V-Shaped Signature:** Try **Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin**.
* **For a Wider Soundstage & Luxury Comfort:** Look into **ZMF Universe Perforated** pads.
* **For Enhanced Comfort & Warmth:** Consider the **YAXI Special Edition** pads.

Each pad offers a different flavor, allowing you to tailor a legendary headphone to your personal taste. Happy listening