Wicked Cushion vs Dekoni Audio replacement earpads

[Johne1]

Hi All,
New here. I came looking for an audiophile forum where I might find some people with experience with these two brands of replacement earpads. Dekoni earpads are approximately twice the price of WC (Wicked Cushions) but are they twice as good?
I’m specifically looking to replace and upgrade the earpads on a pair of Audio-Technica ATH M50X and AKG K240 MK II. I use the ATH M50x for monitors, reference, and casual listening. I use the AKG for mixing, transcribing and casual listening.
Any recommendations or suggestions?
Thanks!
John

 

[Audio Addict]

I am not familiar with Wicked Cushions but I have Dekoni pads for my Focal Utopia and several HiFiMan headphones. They have all been excellent pads. You might also look at ZMF Headphones as they have added more third party headphone ear pads selection. I have tried their Utopia and HD600 ear pads. The price is reasonable and the quality excellent as well.

 

[audiobomber]

I bought Dekoni Elite Velour pads for my Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones. They killed the PRaT and ruined the sound, IMO. Some people love them, but then not everyone values or understands PRaT.

Replacement earpads can change the sound radically, and I don't know of any way to tell whether one will find the difference an improvement without actually listening. Certainly if you look at frequency response, the Dekonis should have been an improvement, but they ruined what I love about the 1990 when using the supplied Analytical pads.

If you like the sound of your headphones, I suggest you trust the manufacturer and buy the original pads.

 

[Johne1]

I am not familiar with Wicked Cushions but I have Dekoni pads for my Focal Utopia and several HiFiMan headphones. They have all been excellent pads. You might also look at ZMF Headphones as they have added more third party headphone ear pads selection. I have tried their Utopia and HD600 ear pads. The price is reasonable and the quality excellent as well.

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the info.

 

[Johne1]

I bought Dekoni Elite Velour pads for my Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones. They killed the PRaT and ruined the sound, IMO. Some people love them, but then not everyone values or understands PRaT.

Replacement earpads can change the sound radically, and I don't know of any way to tell whether one will find the difference an improvement without actually listening. Certainly if you look at frequency response, the Dekonis should have been an improvement, but they ruined what I love about the 1990 when using the supplied Analytical pads.

If you like the sound of your headphones, I suggest you trust the manufacturer and buy the original pads.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll probably buy some Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros and take your advice on using OEM ear pads. Those Beyerdynamic DT 1990s look very well made and have very impressive specs. They’re on my short list of open headphones to buy.