[bladefd]

How much did you listen them up? I got my HD600 to feel like what the self-adjusting headband on AKGs feel like, which is almost nothing. On my head that's about 20x of 10 second bending at each point tehn I put them back on at about six clicks out from the tightest setting (I can wear them at four clicks but there's more weight on the headband against the top of my head).

Hmm, I held it for 10secs on each side. I will try more later.

All newer so not downgrades, you just get different trade offs on the sound from the newer driver designs.

HE400S : higher sensitivity at very low impedance, partially negated by how planars can tolerate lower damping factor before they start distorting.

K7XX : Slightly improved imaging, but a bit down from K702.

HE-5/HE-500 : Can sound very different. Comparatively very low sensitivity.

R70X : Higher sensitivity, higher impedance. No 3500hz peak - some will hear smoother, some will hear darker.

Any ideas on the comfort of those 4? I know a lot of comfort is subjective depending on head size/ear size/etc but general idea will do. Not at my pc currently in middle of the night here so will research comfort aspect tomorrow..

I am going to try to see if I can get used to my hd600 and just hold onto it if I can. Too much hassle experimenting with different headphones, returning and trying next one, etc.. Especially if I buy used and don't find comfortable, I wouldn't be able to return. I would have to resell and go through all that trouble again. Occam's razor is what I should consider when possible

Thanks for making my life easier!

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hmm, I held it for 10secs on each side. I will try more later.

Not on each side ie left and right, it has to be 10 seconds at each bend point. Jusst follow this hyper detailed workflow.

1. Pull left earcup to fully extend metal retention arm.

2. Pull right earcup to fully extend metal retention arm.

3. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

4. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

5. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal (that kitschy marble blue fork that holds the earcup) and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

6. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

7. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

8. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

9. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

10. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

11. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

12. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

13. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

14. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

15. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

16. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

17. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

18. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

19. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

20. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

21. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

22. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

23. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

24. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

25. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

26. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

27. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

28. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

29. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

30. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

31. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

32. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

33. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

34. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

35. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

36. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

37. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

38. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

39. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

40. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

41. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

42. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

43. Hold left earcup. Push back into the headband to shorten the extension of the metal arm to your preferred setting as before.

44. Hold right earcup. Push back into the headband to shorten the extension of the metal arm to your preferred setting as before.

45. Do a test fit. Is it good? No? Try adjusting how far out the metal arms are extended - shorter and longer. Did either work? If not, continue.

46. Pull left earcup to fully extend metal retention arm.

47. Pull right earcup to fully extend metal retention arm.

48. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

49. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

50. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

51. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

52. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

53. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

54. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

55. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

56. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

57. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

58. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

59. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

60. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

61. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

62. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

63. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

64. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

65. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

66. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

67. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

68. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

69. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

70. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

71. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

72. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

73. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

74. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

75. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

76. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

77. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

78. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

79. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

80. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

81. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

82. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

83. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

84. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

85. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

86. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

87. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

88. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

89. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

90. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

91. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

91. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

92. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

93. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

94. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

95. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

96. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

97. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

98. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

99. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

101. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

102. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

103. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

104. Do a test fit. Is it good? No? Try adjusting how far out the metal arms are extended - shorter and longer. Did either work? If not, continue.

105. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

106. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

107. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

108. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

109. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

110. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

111. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

112. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

113. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

114. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

115. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

116. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

117. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

118. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

119. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

120. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

121. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

122. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

123. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

124. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

125. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

126. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

127. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

128. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

129. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

130. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

131. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

132. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

133. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

134. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

135. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

136. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

137. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

138. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

139. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

140. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

141. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

142. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

143. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

144. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

145. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

146. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

147. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

148. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

149. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

150. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

151. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

152. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

153. Do a test fit. Is it good? No? Try adjusting how far out the metal arms are extended - shorter and longer. Did either work? If not, continue.

154. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

155. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

156. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

157. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

158. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

159. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

160. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

161. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

162. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

163. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

164. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

165. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

166. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

167. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

168. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

169. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

170. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

171. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

172. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

173. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

174. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

175. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

176. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

177. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

178. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

179. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

180. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

181. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

182. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

183. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

184. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

185. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

186. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

187. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

188. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

189. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

190. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

191. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

192. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

193. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

194. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

195. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

196. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

197. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

198. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

199. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with the thumbs meeting in the center of the fully extended metal arm. Bend outwards and hold for 10 seconds.

200. Place thumbs on left metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

201. Place thumbs on right metal retention arm, with one thumb on the plastic gimbal and the other thumb positioned in such a way that the center ie the bend point will be about 5mm above the gimbal. Bend outward and hold for 10seconds.

202. Do a test fit again. Did it work? Try everything again but this time when you bend it, bend it more than you did previously.

Any ideas on the comfort of those 4? I know a lot of comfort is subjective depending on head size/ear size/etc but general idea will do. Not at my pc currently in middle of the night here so will research comfort aspect tomorrow..

AKG most comfortable to me but if you have large earlobes you'll wear them too centered to get the area that has the widest diameter, which may make them sound brighter. K701/702 earpads are angled to position the driver forward and at an angle relative to ear canal.

If you don't use them dead center, as with any large round earpad, you'll have more of the earbad in contect with the skin on your cheeks farther out from your ears and towards your nose. If your skin is easily irritated or you sweat on the pads and don't dry them much less wash them regularly, say hello to visible acne or worse.

Self adjusting headbands means the head size or afro haircut is critical. Too large? Good luck not having it clamp. Too small? They'll feel like nothing on your head and chances are they will fall off with the slightest movement.

 

[text]

AKGs are verrrrrrry comfortable, I can tell you. And not just for an hour but for many hours at a time. But I'm always trying to push AKGs, I guess, I've loved mine so much for 12 years now.

 

[audiobomber]

Grado soft cushions, low clamping force, light weight, extremely open sound, punchy dynamics. You won't go wrong with the GH3.
https://www.4ourears.net/gh3_p/4e-gh3.htm?fromgrado=yes

 

[DavidA]

Tried that. Loosened it up a bit. It definitely feels bit more comfortable but I still do feel it against my cranial. I will try it for a few days though and we will see.
Another issue I forgot to mention is itchiness around my sideburns where the brainwavz velour pads rest.. Might be the material but I don't have any allergies.. I dunno..

I should try a few different headphones though from amazon. If I like one, I can still return them and look for used. Amazon has great 30 day return policy.

Recommended by other posters so far:
-custom Grado
-Soundmagic HP200
-Fostex T60RP
-HiFiMan HE400S
-AKG K7XX
-HiFiMan HE-5 / HE-500
-Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
-Shure SRH1440

Not really thinking about Grados (customizing could be a hassle & returns costly if not comfortable) or Soundmagic (reviews are mehh).
The recommendations in bold are open game. I'm trying to determine which would be significant downgrades in sound quality from HD600 -- downgrades are not worth it so I would eliminate those next. Doing some googling next few days...

A little late but here are a few pictures that might interest you:

L to R: custom Ypsilon S1, custom Nhoord Red V2 with MDR7506 headband, custom Ypsilon R1, HD700 and HD650 on stand. Using G-pads on first 3, stock ear pads on HD700. HD700 one of the most comfortable but its sound signature is not something that you may like since its a bit bright to many but for me its one of the best for gaming due to the great soundstage / positional audio along with great comfort. All of the others are very light and comfortable that I can use them for 6-8 hours without any problems.


Nhoord Red V2/mdr7506 headband ($320), Ypsilon S1 ($350), Ypsilon R1, aluminum rod blocks/gimbals ($450), modded RS2e, on stand Ypsilon G1, aluminum gimbals ($400), stand in background: EL8 open and HD58X


Size comparisons: HE400, Nhoord Red V2, K7XX, HE400i. Nhoord Red V2 is by far the lightest, HE400 heavy but fairly comfortable due to headband mod and Focus pads over stock pleather.

My suggestion is a custom made Nhoord Red V2, much easier to drive than the HD600 and to some of my friends a better sounding headphone since the bass is a bit fuller and the highs don't have the 4-5khz peak like the HD600 and it sounds great on almost any gear unlike the HD600 which pretty much needs an amp. Since its fairly hot and humid here in Hawaii the larger G-pads breath better than most ear pads so comfort for me is a bit better than most of my other headphones. If you want more info on a custom build let me know as there are a who build them and do great work. I've built all of mine and quite a few others which I've sold in the past but I don't have the time these days to do builds.

 

[bladefd]

A little late but here are a few pictures that might interest you:

L to R: custom Ypsilon S1, custom Nhoord Red V2 with MDR7506 headband, custom Ypsilon R1, HD700 and HD650 on stand. Using G-pads on first 3, stock ear pads on HD700. HD700 one of the most comfortable but its sound signature is not something that you may like since its a bit bright to many but for me its one of the best for gaming due to the great soundstage / positional audio along with great comfort. All of the others are very light and comfortable that I can use them for 6-8 hours without any problems.


Nhoord Red V2/mdr7506 headband ($320), Ypsilon S1 ($350), Ypsilon R1, aluminum rod blocks/gimbals ($450), modded RS2e, on stand Ypsilon G1, aluminum gimbals ($400), stand in background: EL8 open and HD58X


Size comparisons: HE400, Nhoord Red V2, K7XX, HE400i. Nhoord Red V2 is by far the lightest, HE400 heavy but fairly comfortable due to headband mod and Focus pads over stock pleather.

My suggestion is a custom made Nhoord Red V2, much easier to drive than the HD600 and to some of my friends a better sounding headphone since the bass is a bit fuller and the highs don't have the 4-5khz peak like the HD600 and it sounds great on almost any gear unlike the HD600 which pretty much needs an amp. Since its fairly hot and humid here in Hawaii the larger G-pads breath better than most ear pads so comfort for me is a bit better than most of my other headphones. If you want more info on a custom build let me know as there are a who build them and do great work. I've built all of mine and quite a few others which I've sold in the past but I don't have the time these days to do builds.

Lots of good information! I appreciate it.

I don't mind custom builds, but problem is it may not be easy & cheap to return if not comfortable. If you buy from Amazon, returning is easy & free but of course there is no option there for customized headphones. Warranty could also be an issue for custom build if something were to go wrong. So that's where I am bit disconcerted about a custom build.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Lots of good information! I appreciate it.

I don't mind custom builds, but problem is it may not be easy & cheap to return if not comfortable. If you buy from Amazon, returning is easy & free but of course there is no option there for customized headphones. Warranty could also be an issue for custom build if something were to go wrong. So that's where I am bit disconcerted about a custom build.

If you try a Grado with circumaural Beyer pads the adapters from Headphile is reversible, although I don't think you can return the adapter and the Beyer earpad.

If you have access to a 3D printer you can have them scan the headphone and earpads and make an adapter that fits over the Grado earcup rim like the C-Pads, then if you like the sound and ergonomics, order the wood C-Pads to match your headphone if you got an RS-2 or RS-1. Or take the same scan and have somebody do it on a CNC machine so you have a matching aluminum C-Pad for a PS500.

 

[DavidA]

You have a very good point about warranty and returns. If you can find a store that has some of the higher end Grado (GS1000e or higher) you can see if the G-pads (donuts-about the side of donuts) are comfortable enough for you. Any thing lower on the Grado chain uses either L-pads (bowls) or S-pads (flats)

FWIW I haven't had any builds (20+) that have ever been returned but I've had 1 cable fail due to the solder cracking where it entered the SMC jack which I fixed for just the cost of shipping. I only received one set of defective drivers which was quickly replaced. You can build a Nhoord Red V2 for as low as $200 (drivers are about $92 and wood cups around $80-90 IIRC) but you will have to find a donor Grado (used- non working SR60 can be found for cheap or free) for the rod blocks, gimbals and cable or you can also find non working Sony MDR 7506 (new MDR-7506 headband about $18 iirc) and just use that headband which a few of my friends find more comfortable than the stock Grado one. I don't like fixed cables since I have different listening areas that require different length cables so I've settled on using SMC jacks since they take up very little space in the ear cups and provide a more secure connection over 2.5mm TRS jacks from what I've found over the years. Another thing I'd consider is that the generic G-pads are fairly cheap ($4-5/pair on ebay) while most other ear pads are quite a bit more, IIRC HD6XX pads are $50+, Audeze pads $80+ and so on.
I've had to bend the headband of all HD6 (HD600, HD650, HD6XX, HD58X) headphones that I've owned since the clamping force was just a bit too much and gave me head aches after about 30 minutes of use. The HD600 is the only one that I've sold since I've found that the Nhoord Red V2 is a better sounding HD600 to me and also because it sound great on almost any gear including even low powered phones like my Galaxy S9 and low powered DAPs like Sandisk Clip while the HD600 needs an amp:


The adapter that @ProtegeManiac is talking about is pretty good but a bit pricy ($150 iirc) but it will also alter the sound, not in a good way to me but its a personal preference.