Sennheiser HD6X0 Series Pad Round-Up.
We got our hands on every replacement pad for the Sennheiser HD600 and tested them to help you decide which ones are the best suited for you. Beware of tons of frequency response graphs!
If you have even remotely looked into quality headphones, Sennheiser is always one of the most recommended brands in the audiophile world. They are known for their build quality, great frequency response and support for parts – stock and after market. Particularly their HD6X0 lineup: (HD 600, HD650, HD6XX, HD 660S, HD660S2, HD58X, HD580). These are popular everywhere from studios to households. Naturally, there are pairs of these headphones that have been around since their initial release in the 90s that hold up well in every way but one: the pads.
The Problem
Pads can have a larger effect on the sound of headphones than most people expect. They control the distance between your ears and the driver, how the driver fits into the space around your ear, and even how much air pressure builds up inside the cup. All of this shapes frequency response, bass behaviour, and the [tonal character of instruments and vocals](tooltip: timbre). Much like car tires that wear down regardless of the quality, the preinstalled pads can wear out in about 2-3 years for an average listener. This is not a problem unique to the HD6X0 but a problem for practically any headphones you can think of.When pads wear out, the foam softens and collapses. That changes the fit and usually leads to a warmer, darker, less controlled sound with treble that rolls off (quieter for higher frequencies). Swap to a different pad and the opposite can happen, where the headphone becomes thinner or brighter. “Pad rolling” (niche term for swapping out pads) can be fun, but it can just trade one disadvantage for another. Sennheiser sells original pads directly, and those [almost always](tooltip: Depending on the usage, they wear out relatively quickly and the sound becomes increasingly mid-centric as the foam collapses.) remain the safest option for people who want the signature HD6X0 sound, preserving their reputation as the “kings of timbre”. However, there are a plethora of aftermarket choices that promise better comfort, more durability, or more bass.
What We Did
We collected every replacement pad we could get our hands on. In total we tested nineteen pads, including stock Sennheiser, Soulwit variants, ZMF, Krone, and Dekoni. Every pad was installed on the Sennheiser HD600 and measured with our B&K 4128C test fixture (pictured below). We’ve also compared their frequency responses against stock (few months old) HD600 pads in all of the graphs below.
Each one also received subjective listening notes. Comfort was also evaluated but we did not highlight them unless they were notable since comfort can vary a lot between listeners. Most of these have foam inserts. Their main job is to protect the driver from dust and hair buildup which can affect the frequency response. Needless to say they are a more than welcome inclusion. We’ve also measured some key dimensions to accompany our thoughts on comfort. The first photo below is how the depth was measured, second is the width and the third is the height.
{{slide}}Depth Measurement{{/slide}} {{slide}}Width Measurement{{/slide}} {{slide}}Height Measurement{{/slide}}
Nineteen is a LOT, so we chose the top five pads that should work for most people. In case you’re not most people, or are just curious about a pair of pads you already own, there will be an appendix with the notes and graphs for the rest. We use a few adjectives throughout this article that might not immediately make sense if you are not familiar with audio terminology. Rather than reinventing the wheel or writing a huge glossary here, we recommend checking the list of [definitions](tooltip: They are definitions for the most part, because there are a lot of terms that aren’t standardized.) in the Head-Fi “Describing Sound” glossary, which explains common audio terms clearly.
The Big 5
Soulwit Cooling Gel
Dimensions: 28-29 mm deep, 40 mm wide, 68 mm tall.
These measure extremely close to stock from 150 Hz to 10 kHz and add a bit more upper treble that sounds airy without becoming sharp. Sub-bass is stronger than stock without warming the mids, and overall balance remains excellent. Cooling gel is comfortable, the material is very soft, and there is an included foam insert. This pad earns a very solid recommendation.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Soulwit Cooling Gel Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Soulwit Cooling Gel Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Soulwit Lambskin
Dimensions: 25-26 mm deep, 44 mm wide, 67 mm tall.
These are slightly warmer with more bass than stock, but not excessively so. Ear-gain is a little reduced, upper treble is well balanced, and timbre is only slightly worse than stock. The lambskin feels premium and the foam insert helps protect the driver. A great choice for someone who wants a stock-like sound with a bit more bass presence.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Soulwit Lambskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Soulwit Lambskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
ZMF Perforated Suede
Dimensions: 29-30 mm deep at the thickest point, 22 mm at the thinnest point, 45 mm wide, 69 mm tall.
These measure very close to stock with a slightly more relaxed 2 kHz region and softened 6–8 kHz. They retain the HD6X0 tonality while smoothing the upper mids and treble. They are comfortable and their durability is excellent; older sets measure very similarly to new ones. Foam insert is also included. A very dependable alternative to stock.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with ZMF Perforated Suede Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}ZMF Perforated Suede Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Krone Kalpasmos
Dimensions: 29 mm deep, 39 mm wide, 65 mm tall.
These are nearly identical to stock with extra upper treble that gives a more airy or “sizzly” top end. Bass extension is slightly better than stock and overall tuning stays within the signature HD6X0 character. They use a foam insert and the material is soft enough for long listening. Good for listeners who find the stock pads too veiled.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Krone Kalpasmos Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Krone Kalpasmos Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin
Dimensions: 30 mm deep, 42-43 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
These are warmer than stock with stronger, but still controlled, bass extension. There is an ear-gain dip around 2 kHz, and above that the response stays reasonably close to stock, though a little darker overall. They make the HD600 behave more like an HD650 with extra upper treble. Timbre is slightly worse than stock, but the pads are well-made and use a foam insert. Another great choice for people who like more bass.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Concluding Thoughts
The five pads we highlighted will suit most listeners who want to preserve the HD6X0 character while improving comfort, durability or specific parts of the frequency response. However, not everyone listens the same way or values the same things. Some people prefer more bass, some prefer more treble, and others care much more about comfort or specific materials like suede or velour.
It is also important to remember that pad behaviour varies across different headphone models. Results you see here will not necessarily translate to other brands or driver types, especially with planars, electrostatics or ANC headphones, which can react very differently to pad changes. As a rule of thumb, replacement pads made by the original manufacturer are always the safest option if your goal is to maintain the intended sound of a headphone.
All this to say that we hope we helped you find a good fit for your preferences or at least armed you with the information to do so yourself!
Appendix
For anyone with those more individual preferences, the full appendix lists every pad we tested in alphabetical order sorted by their manufacturers along with their measurements and notes. You can pick the option that best matches your taste and need rather than relying on the general recommendations we made.
AHG
AHG Perforated Lambskin
Dimensions: 29 mm deep, 44 mm wide, 68 mm tall.
Notably, these are one of the very few options that make the HD6X0 series headphones brighter and leaner. This could be an option for [someone who is looking for more treble and less bass](tooltip: Get help.). Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with AHG Perforated Lambskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}AHG Perforated Lambskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Dekoni
Dekoni Choice Leather
Dimensions: 30 mm deep, 42–43 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
These have good bass extension but far too much low-mid elevation. Combined with recessed ear gain, they sound muddy, overly warm and lacking clarity. Treble is not terrible but still feels relatively dark because of the bloated mids. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Dekoni Choice Leather Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Dekoni Choice Leather Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Dekoni Choice Suede
Dimensions: 30 mm deep, 42–43 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
Basically the same tuning issues as the Choice Leather but more exaggerated. Excess warmth, and very dark treble. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Dekoni Choice Suede Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Dekoni Choice Suede Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Dekoni Elite Hybrid
Dimensions: 30 mm deep, 42–43 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
They are way too warm, boomy, and bloated. The elevated low-mids overwhelm detail, and the treble peak around 12kHz leaves the tuning a little off balance. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Dekoni Elite Sheepskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Dekoni Elite Sheepskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Dekoni Elite Velour
Dimensions: 30 mm deep, 42–43 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
They are too warm and muddy with a slightly V-shaped but still dark tonality. Treble is recessed and resolution is poor. Comfort is decent. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Dekoni Elite Velour Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Dekoni Elite Velour Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
GVO Ears
GVO Ears Black
Dimensions: 31 mm deep, 38 mm wide, 64 mm tall.
These are warm and slightly V-shaped but still dominated by low-mid thickness and higher upper treble. They are thicker than stock pads which might make them more comfortable for some. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with GVO Ears Black Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}GVO Ears Black Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
GVO Ears Gray Velour
Dimensions: 31 mm deep, 42 mm wide, 65 mm tall.
They have better bass than stock. Although, the ear gain is far too recessed so it sounds dark and muffled. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with GVO Ears Gray Velour Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}GVO Ears Gray Velour Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
GVO Ears Black Velvet
Dimensions: 28 mm deep, 43 mm wide, 73 mm tall.
It has a notably larger ear opening compared to the stock pad. Better base but there is a strange dip in the treble. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with GVO Ears Black Velvet Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}GVO Ears Black Velvet Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Jomwag
Jomwag Breathable Mesh
Dimensions: 31 mm deep, 44 mm wide, 66 mm tall.
Very poor fitting and difficult installation. Strong low-mid elevation makes the sound muddy, and the treble is only somewhat passable with elevated but uneven upper treble. The material feels abrasive. It has built-in foam though.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Jomwag Breathable Mesh Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Jomwag Breathable Mesh Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Wicked Cushions
WC Freeze Pad
Dimensions: 25 mm deep, 49 mm wide, 69 mm tall.
Classic case of too much low-mid elevation and the treble has very strange behaviour. Thick, wooly and lacking clarity. No foam insert.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with WC Freeze Gel Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}WC Freeze Gel Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Yaxi
Yaxi ALC 650
Dimensions: 31–32 mm deep, 48 mm wide, 77 mm tall.
They have better bass than the stock pad but that makes the low-mids way too warm. Consequently, the treble, which is not terrible, feels relatively dark. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with Yaxi ALC 650 Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}Yaxi ALC 650 Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
ZMF
ZMF Solid Lambskin
Dimensions: 29–30 mm deep at thickest, 22 mm at thinnest, 45 mm wide, 69 mm tall.
They are warm with bloated low-mids and quite recessed treble. The result is a dark, muffled signature with poor clarity. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with ZMF Solid Lambskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}ZMF Solid Lambskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
ZMF Perforated Lambskin
Dimensions: 29–30 mm deep at thickest, 22 mm at thinnest, 45 mm wide, 69 mm tall.
These are extremely close to the stock pads except for the weird dip in the treble which throws the signature off balance. Sounds murkier overall. Foam insert included.
{{slide}}HD600 Frequency Response with ZMF Perforated Lambskin Pads{{/slide}} {{slide}}ZMF Perforated Lambskin Pads Pictured{{/slide}}
Oh boy, that was a lot of graphs. On the off chance that you want to see even more graphs, check out some of the articles below.
