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Rhenn15
3
Jan 26, 2018
Do any of the available ear pads fit the Massdrop x Fostex T-X0 Planar Magnetic Headphones?
trybeingarun
137
Jan 27, 2018
Rhenn15The t50rp pads should fit
Hyde
1119
Jan 28, 2018
Rhenn15Yes as Rhenn15 said T-X0 is basically modded T-50RP so quite a wide variety of pads actually work on this. Though I've struggle to find a good pad that will make T-50RP sound the best, so unless comfort is a huge problem I'd trust Massdrop choosing the stock pads on T-X0 for a reason (audio quality) so I'd probably avoid pad swapping.
I own a T-50RP MK3 and I've gone through 4 pads and funny enough I find the Dekoni TH-X00 (not designed for it but it fits) pad actually sound better than their T-50RP pad. Reason being the TH-X00 pads is a little bit shallower and bring the driver closer to your ear which bring up the vocal range better. T-50RP pads are a bit more V-shaped sounding.
Again it really depends on what your musical preference is so your mileage might vary but I'd recommend keeping the stock pads.
Rhenn15
3
Jan 28, 2018
HydeThe stock pads get really hot, I was hoping to get something leather or the venestrated sheepskin to cool it down some, I'm really new to the audiophile headphones and "modding" headphones. I have my headphones plugged into my Scarlett Solo and the volume is ok, but wish they were louder. The sound quality is far better than anything I've ever heard. So Idk how to really say what my preference is, I just enjoy very well balanced sound where I can hear everything, and can pick out all the instruments. Lol
Hyde
1119
Jan 28, 2018
Rhenn15lol ahhhhh ok in that case you can probably try the T50RP pad or TH-X00 pads from Dekoni.
Personally I like TH-X00 pads more even though it's not designed for it and you might have to rotate it around to get the right angle.
But you can always go with the safe route and get the T50RP pad.
Rhenn15
3
Jan 28, 2018
HydeIf I go the route of the TH-X00 pads which type would you recommend? Also, is it an easy fit or a struggle? lol
Hyde
1119
Jan 28, 2018
Rhenn15I've only tried the premium (protein leather) but normally people recommend sheepskin or venestrated. I think sheepskin has more "punch" in the sound and venestrated is probably more balanced sounding. I got premium because I was too cheap to go leather lol.
As for the fit it's actually fairly simple because TH-X00 is actually a little bit bigger, except it's round while T50RP is oval.
Just keep in mind that TH-X00 is angled pad so you might have to get the thicker part to the lower back behind your head, imagine 45 degree downward behind you when it's on your head.
I've never auditioned T-X0 so hopefully those 2 go well together haha.
SmoothDistortion
24
Dec 26, 2019
HydeHey. I own the hybrid, velour, and sheep skin pads for the TH-X00. Do you really think protein leather sounds the best? And does it really increase sound stage? Mind sharing a bit why you prefer the protein leather over the sheep skin? Kind of itching to get that protein right now.
Hyde
1119
Dec 26, 2019
SmoothDistortionHmmmm I haven't test enough on T50RP, but if you only look at TH-X00 then I find the protein leather is closest to stock sound (although still slightly different). Sheep skin is not too bad but I always thought it sounded "thick". Hybrid to me the vocal sounded too far. But it's been a while my memory could be wrong. :P
SmoothDistortion
24
Dec 26, 2019
HydeAh. Was just wondering which you found to be a fuller sounding low end between lamb skin and protein leather on the X00. Thank you
Hyde
1119
Dec 27, 2019
SmoothDistortionI find different people might have different preference. But to elaborate on my answer I guess the Lambskin would have a more "focused" sound as in certain frequencies are pushed and certain frequencies are reduced, so it result in sorta "cleaner" sound but overall presentation feels "thick" as I mentioned. This might have more perceived bass. Protein leather on the other hand remain closer to stock sound except it has a little bit wider sound stage and also "looser" bass? The impact isn't as precise and clean but rest of the spectrum feels more balanced as a whole. To be honest the stock pad still sound the best but if comfort is really an issue then for my preference I would prefer protein leather over lambskin lol. But I've heard some people who swear by lambskin or hybrid (this is actually my least favourite) so your mileage may vary. Though from what I've read people all swear by ZMF Eikon pads, apparently it's the best. For me I'd recommend trying TH610 pads while it's not exactly the same but it's not too far off either. Lots of choices lol.
SmoothDistortion
24
Dec 27, 2019
HydeThanks for the detailed answer. As an owner of the ZMF Atticus, I will tell you right now the lamb skins on those don't sound as good as the Drop TH-X00 lamb skins.
Hyde
1119
Dec 27, 2019
SmoothDistortionAhhhh it might be because of dimension and thickness, TH-X00 is very sensitive to internal volume of the pad (how big the hole is) and also distance from driver to ear (how thick the pad is). Any change to these can throw the sound signature out the window. Though I'm curious as to what your impressions is regarding Atticus vs TH-X00, I was under the impression that Atticus should be the better headphone overall?
HydeThe Atticus is a full bodied, rich, lush, uber organic sounding headphone. It trumps the TR-X00 series in many ways. The bass extends pretty low losing a bit of steam below 50hz. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Hans Zimmer's A Dark Knight plentry on the Atticus. Still very impressive extension. Instruments have a fun, mid bass focused presence that surrounds the listener. Yo-yo Ma's cello playing for example has excellent drag and weight coming off notes. It's much easier to pinpoint the positioning of instruments being played. Superior depth. Like there are different levels of tangible force coming at my ears from different directions. The TR-X00 has a tighter, snappier bass overall. Not to mention it wins in pure extension. Please understand the bass of the Atticus is really grand. Like you would feel swamped by how large the presentation feels. It's enormous. That's about it though. Mid range is very interesting. The Atticus is a dark sounding headphone. Vocals are recessed but still have loads of body across male and female characteristics. They're not too far pushed down. Just clearly not the star. Fatigue free. Now male vocals are pretty nice with the Mahogany TR-X00. Female vocals on the other hand are kind of thin in comparison. Plus it's a really thick, cohesive mid range stuck to the rest of the frequency response. The Atticus mid range actually feels like it has its own identity within the overall picture. Some may say the TR-X00 has more detailed treble, but it's rough in my opinion. It gives music a nice edge occasionally. Stops the bass from being a completely dominant force at all times. I didn't find it to be a problem unless I was listening through ESS dacs which can be ruthlessly revealing. Treble for the Atticus is dark done right. Very soft presence. Just extended enough to make sure hi hats aren't lost. Recessed for sure. However, singers never seem to be robbed of any details. No sibilance to speak of. Hi hats can be a little hard to focus on I admit. Doesn't present the illusion of more detail like the TR-X00. Sound stage is where the Atticus has the biggest upper hand. It's huge. Of course not like HD 800s huge but you'll forget you're wearing a closed back for certain. This is never the case with the TR-X00 as we know it has the sound stage of a snow globe. Respectable height though. You better be willing to go all in for purchasing a ZMF high end even at the lowest point like the Atticus. Once I got the Asgard 3 + modi multibit, the headphones had WAY more weight, dynamics, stage presence, etc. My JDS Atom + OL dac went to r/Avexchange immediately. Like the next day they were sold. Not even sure I'm scraping the surface of what these TPE drivers can do. They appear to be soaking up all the power I throw at them. Sure, they got plenty loud before. But it's like going from 2D to 3D hearing an amp rated at 600mw per channel @300 ohms. Considering going to the Lyr 3 some time this year. The TR-X00 is way easier to be satisfied with. Could call an entry level stack end game for those no problem. I personally found they shined best through the CTH + SDAC. Especially after 50 hours of burn in. The parts of the mid range seeming to be lacking suddenly floated in space from the slight tube wetness added, treble was more tolerable, and bass felt like it was truly unlocked in its freedom to change presence from song to song. Even opened up that narrow staging a bit. I love it. Measurements will tell you an Atom measures better, but I guarantee it won't sound nearly as good. Take my word for it. It's like the CTH forgave the TR-X00 of its errors. Did it make it an Atticus? No. But I'd be quite happy calling it my end game set up if I didn't want to commit to the deep dive of complimenting some of Zach's best work. Hope this brief impressions post helped. Ask any questions if there are any remaining things you want to know about. Got a CTH + SDAC and Asgard 3 + modi multibit sitting next to each other on my desk at home. 👌 Edit. Real quick I promise burn in was never convincing to me before getting a hybrid. xduoo XD-05? Sounded great instantly. JDS Atom + OL dac? No problem. ES100 for my IEMs. Immediately loved it. The CTH sounded wild in treble at first. Voices were way too loud at times. Left it playing music at 10 O'clock 8 hours a night with no headphones plugged in for a week. Now the bass presence has great weight, treble is very watery with headphones that normally have a recessed mid range, and it's overall smooth now. Everything widens up while preserving instrument presence. That's the best way I can describe it. And a bit of tube sound to draw you in. In a very romantic description, I'd say it's like the first few seconds of waking up where you haven't completely accepted you've woken up from a dream. Not sure how else to put it. Super good with a TR-X00. Ended up being being great value when it was $220 with the SDAC built in.
(Edited)
Hyde
1119
Jan 2, 2020
SmoothDistortionDamn thanks for the detailed review, at one point before I was considering getting the Eikon (since I like treble). But based on your suggestions I think I'd have to save up a lot more before I dive into this lol. Maybe in the immediate future I should consider the CTH first haha. A little bit easier on the pocket to start with (since I already have D2000). Again thanks for all the suggestions and feedback!
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