Headphone Heights

Hope They're Better Quality Than the 550's

24.6.59.190

Sibelius

A

In Reply to: RE: AKG K553 MK II posted by peppy m. on August 28, 2021 at 11:02:38

Because I have a pair of those literally rotting on my nightstand. The ear cups are flaking the black material off everywhere, and the rubber parts are turning to a sticky goo. Just awful. Comfortable, and sounded good, my family got them for me as a gift, but they've got to go in the trash. Had them for maybe 3 years.

I'm considering the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, 32 ohm, $159 or so from Amazon. I have the DT880's and love the sound. Headband needs a cover since it's also got the rubber go problem, but the ear cups are velour and are still in good shape.

Follow Ups:

I have a pair of vintage AKG K141's..... - TWB 22:46:00 09/03/21 (0)
that did the exact same thing with the ear pads. I upgraded the pads to a velvet memory foam pad and NEVER looked back! Also the AKG were notorious for sliding down while listening, I fixed that issue by wrapping a velcro lambskin seatbelt cover around the headband and they are now as comfortable as can be! For about $25.-30. bucks it was a good save....
A worthwhile upgrade for these 'phones is... - peppy m. 08:57:08 08/30/21 (3)
The stock earpads will eventually need replacing, just like many other headphone earpads will.

And when you do decide to replace them, Dekoni Audio genuine lambskin leather replacement earpads made for the AKG "K" series headphones are the way to go. Not only are they more comfortable and cooler to wear, but they last longer than the stock pads do.

These Dekoni Audio pads also do not appreciably change the sonic signature of the stock K553 MK II either, because they very much resemble the stock earpad design.
- RE: A worthwhile upgrade for these 'phones is... - Sibelius 09:02:38 08/30/21 (2)
  I looked for replacements at one point and couldn't find any available that fit, this was awhile ago, so if there are replacements that would be great. It's the goo from the rubber parts that I don't know how to get rid of. Anything you know of that could clean that up? I really hate to throw them in the e-waste!
  - RE: A worthwhile upgrade for these 'phones is... - peppy m. 17:06:44 08/30/21 (1)
    Last time I looked, there were cheap "original" style replacement earpads being sold for your headphones on places like ebay. But I would not bother with those types because Dekoni Audio earpads are so much nicer - and much more durable too.
    Not sure what to do about the goo, though...
    I might try a product like "Goo Gone" adhesive remover, available in any hardware store. I would soak a rag in Goo Gone and rub gently at first. An old toothbrush might work also as a scrubber. Avoid soaking the drivers.
    
    Edits: 08/30/21
    - RE: A worthwhile upgrade for these 'phones is... - Sibelius 06:23:38 09/01/21 (0)
      I do have some goo gone, guess it can't make it any worse! If I can clean that up I'm more than happy to get some new ear pads. I'd rather not get new "cheap" phones, I'd rather get some Stax or other lifetime ones. I know, different leagues, but I'm in a position where I could swing them now (before college tuition takes the BIG bites).

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