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

The Sennheiser HD6X0 line—encompassing the legendary HD600, the warm and beloved HD650, the modern HD660S, and the fan-favorite Drop HD6XX—is a cornerstone of the audiophile world. A huge part of their magic, and their longevity, comes from their earpads. These velour cushions are critical for both comfort and their iconic sound signature.

But pads wear out. The foam compresses, the velour gets grimy, and the seal weakens. This degradation noticeably impacts the sound, often leading to a loss of bass and a change in the midrange. While replacing them with original Sennheiser pads is the purest way to restore them to factory spec, the world of third-party pads offers an exciting opportunity to tune the sound to your personal taste. This is “pad rolling.”

Let’s break down some of the most popular earpad options for the HD6X0 series and see what they bring to the table.

#### The Benchmark: Stock Sennheiser Pads

Before we dive into alternatives, we have to understand the original.

* **Material & Comfort:** Made of a high-quality, soft velour with a medium-density foam. They are known for being extremely comfortable for long listening sessions, though they can get a bit warm. The clamp pressure is firm at first but eases into a perfect fit over time.
* **Sound:** This is the sound the headphones were tuned for. The velour is breathable, which contributes to the open, airy presentation. They provide the classic HD6X0 sound: a forward, lush midrange, a tight and articulate bass that rolls off in the sub-bass, and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble (the famous “Sennheiser veil” to some, “natural” to others). Any deviation from these pads is a deviation from the original artistic intent.

**Best for:** Purists, and anyone wanting to restore their headphones to their original, intended sound.

#### The Third-Party Contenders

##### 1. Dekoni Audio Pads

Dekoni is arguably the king of aftermarket pads, offering a wide range of materials for the HD6X0 series.

* **Elite Velour:** This is Dekoni’s answer to the stock pad. They are slightly deeper and use a denser memory foam. Most users find them to be a minor, but positive, change. The sound remains very close to stock, perhaps with a slight tightening of the bass due to the better seal from the memory foam. It’s a great “stock-plus” option.
* **Fenestrated Sheepskin:** Perforated genuine sheepskin. This is one of the most popular mods. The perforations allow the pad to breathe like velour, preventing the “boomy” bass that can occur with solid leather pads. The result is often described as a cleaner, faster bass response, a slightly more detailed treble, and a wider soundstage. It can help “lift the veil” for those sensitive to it, without making the headphones harsh.
* **Choice Suede:** These are incredibly soft and comfortable, offering a different texture from the stock velour. Sonically, they tend to make the headphones a bit warmer and smoother than stock. The bass gets a subtle lift in presence, and the highs are often perceived as even more relaxed. A great choice for those who want to lean into the warm, non-fatiguing nature of the HD650/6XX.

##### 2. ZMF Headphones Pads

ZMF is known for its boutique headphones, but they also make some of the most luxurious and sonically respected pads on the market.

* **Universe & Ori Pads (Perforated Lambskin/Suede):** These are a premium upgrade. ZMF pads are typically thicker and more angled than stock pads, which significantly increases the distance between your ear and the driver. This change almost universally results in a larger, more expansive soundstage. The perforated versions are recommended for the HD6X0 series to maintain the open-back character. Expect a fuller, more impactful bass response and a grander presentation. They are extremely comfortable but will change the sound more drastically than the Dekoni options.

**Best for:** Those looking for a luxury feel and a bigger, more “fun” soundstage without sacrificing quality.

##### 3. Yaxi Pads (Alcantara)

Yaxi is a Japanese brand famous for its KOSS Porta Pro pads, but their HD650 pads have also gained a loyal following.

* **YAXI for HD650 Alcantara Pads:** Made with a luxurious Alcantara material on the contact surface and protein leather on the sides. They are slightly thicker than stock pads and feature a larger ear opening. The general consensus is that these pads increase both the sub-bass and the upper treble, creating a subtle V-shaped or “U-shaped” sound signature. This can make the headphones sound more dynamic and engaging, at the slight expense of the iconic mid-forward character.

**Best for:** Listeners who want to add a bit more bass slam and treble sparkle for a more energetic listen.

##### 4. Generic “Brainwavz-style” Pads (Amazon/AliExpress)

You’ll find countless budget-friendly hybrid, velour, and pleather pads on sites like Amazon. These are often thicker, angled pads made of cheaper materials.

* **Material & Comfort:** Varies wildly. Comfort can be good, but the quality of the foam and fabric is a gamble.
* **Sound:** This is where things get unpredictable. Due to inconsistent foam density and materials, these pads can do strange things to the frequency response. Solid pleather pads will almost always boost the bass to boomy, muddy levels while potentially creating sharp peaks in the treble. Velour versions are safer but may still alter the sound in undesirable ways.

**Best for:** A last resort, or for those who are purely experimenting and don’t mind the gamble. They are an affordable way to replace completely flattened pads, but don’t expect them to preserve the original sound.

#### Quick-Glance Summary

| Pad Type | Key Sound Change | Comfort | Best For |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| **Stock Sennheiser** | The intended, mid-focused, natural sound. | Excellent | Purists, restoring original sound. |
| **Dekoni Elite Velour** | Very close to stock, maybe slightly tighter bass. | Excellent | A high-quality stock alternative. |
| **Dekoni Fen. Sheepskin**| Tighter bass, clearer highs, wider stage. | Very Good | “Lifting the veil,” adding clarity. |
| **ZMF Perf. Lambskin** | Grand soundstage, more impactful bass. | Superb/Luxury | A premium, fun, and comfortable upgrade. |
| **Yaxi Alcantara** | More sub-bass and treble, energetic “U” shape. | Excellent | Adding excitement and fun factor. |
| **Generic Budget Pads** | Unpredictable. Often adds boomy bass. | Variable | Budget replacement, experimentation. |

Ultimately, choosing a new set of earpads for your HD6X0 headphones is a journey into subjective preference. The safest bet is always a fresh pair of stock pads. But if you’re willing to experiment, a new set of pads is the single most effective way to tailor the sound of these legendary cans to your exact liking.