I've had issues with the stock pads on the Elegia, the Stellia, and the Radiance. I don't know what Focal's QC practices are when it comes to pads but the pads for those headphones were not uniform in terms of the foam, whether in volume, density, or both. That unevenness has lead to channel imbalance and a moving center image in my usage. I was about to sell my Radiance when you guys released the suede ones for Focals. Have to say they're excellent, just wasn't having success with Dekoni. The suedes seem to really give the Radiance some deep authority in the sub-bass it lacks while cooling down the mid-bass/mids a little. Appreciate the offering, here's to wishing Focal would partner with you directly to make all their pads going forward 🍻
Question here how much they improved the bass and sound overall? Bc i have the celestees and i would like to know if they will gain some kind of improvement with these pads
@@Berny.A it's very difficult to say whether you'll consider the changes made to be an improvement. What I would recommend is probably starting with EQ if you haven't, or devices that can add a bass shelf to hear for yourself if you enjoy the Celestee with more bass. The ZMF suede pads will make sub-bass more prominent but may also affect the mids and highs in ways you find adverse. With the Radiance I felt like the ZMF suedes gave me the bassy experience I expected from it stock, but it also exacerbated the tunnel or hallway-like soundstage I don't love from closed Focals. So the trade ultimately wasn't worth it and I just moved on from closed Focals. I want them to be one thing and they're another, and no amount of pad shenanigans is gonna change that. So I would say see if you can fiddle with a cheaper way of adding some bass and if you really enjoy it and plan on keeping the Celestee long term, then the ZMF pads may be a good investment 👍
@@dasninjastix To be honest i like the detail and everything of the headphones but its like there's something lacking.. apart of soundstage ofc but i want to add some bass as well maybe that would fix it but idk
@@dasninjastix I want to get the Focal Elegia but on multiple channels it was suggested you needed to get DEKONI Sheepskin pads to increase the bass especially for people who wear glasses and that it would make the Mids less forward any thoughts? ALso what would be ZMFs equivalent of DEONI sheepskin pads?
Been using the perforated suede pads on the Elex for a few weeks now and while I prefer the stock pads these are a valid alternative. Biggest drawback for me are the mids, but overall they sound pretty good. I will keep using these while I couldn't say the same for the dekoni pads.
Thats interesting all the channels on the FOCAL Elegia suggest get the Dekoni Sheepskin pads especially if you wear glasses and thoughts on that. Iam looking to get my first pair of high end entry level headphones and Focal Elegia seems like a good starting point considering the price reduction
This is amazing thank you. I have Focal Elears are not only is it very difficult to even buy replacement pads- they are stupidly expensive and I just won't buy them out of principle. I bought some new replacement pads from a well known brand starting with a D- and the plastic parts had separated from the pad- the glue had come undone, so those were sent back. Those measurements look excellent so now it's just trying to pick the right material.
Don't have anywhere else to post this but first impressions are that these earpads are AWESOME! A big improvement over the dekoni special 'Stellia' earpad. Huge ZMF earpads, huge soundstage, clean tonality, and even the suede fabric seems to work like Focal's own earpads in regards to the diffusion fabric - the impulse response is quick and the sound is clean and clear with the ZMF earpads. I am using the perforated suede on the Clear OG Professional; may be my favourite earpad for them... and only took me 10 minutes to reach that conclusion
I’ll be the first to purchase a Lambskin Solid pad when you make them. I’d like a replacement for my Radiance. Great stuff as always Zach. I’m very much looking forward to Caldera releasing next month.
Hey Zack, I hope you're able to see this but what do you personally think about Elex with with perforated leathers? I have my Elex and love it, but grabbed a pair of perforated sheepskin leather pads off ebay and they sound even more punchy and dynamic. Stock pads are great but these kinda pads make me call my Elex my "dollar store Utopia" haha. Wish I could try the Utopia to compare and see!
Hi Zack! Got a set of suede pads and a pair of 6XX pads, love the sound and comfort. However, I have had an issue with the Focal mounting ring on my Clears. When I tried to remove the ring (had to adjust the pads) 2 of the 5 mounting pins snapped of clean at the base. They were on incredibly tight and had to use the plastic spudger that came with the 6XX pads to get them off. I was simply not able to do so with my hands due to the amount of force I had to use scared of potentially breaking / poking the driver. Sadly, I also lost 1 pin on the right side as well and comparing before snap and after they are not properly sealing and left side is more airy.. Just my luck lol. Is this a common issue? Or have I just been unlucky? Again, love the pads!
Oh man. Love my elex but my ears always get sore from being pressed up against the grill. Definitely going to order a pair! Now I just have to decide which to get!
I found the Dekoni velour pads changed the sound of the Elegia and Elex too much to be a replacement, the respective solid and perforated ZMF suede pads for these models look like they may work well going by frequency response. If anyone knows of a UK stockist please let me know.
I also wanted to include that on other channels it was mentioned that Sheepskin Dekoni Pads made the mids less forward and if true what would ZMF equivalent to Dekoni Sheepskin be of course it would have to be the Lambskin pads LOL right?
so I guess ZMF pads are deeper than original? sometimes after longer use my ear tend to hurt by touching inside grill since OG pads are kind of shallow and too soft
Hey Zach which pads will change the sound on the Elegia’s the most? I’m looking for a bump lower frequencies and in the midrange while perhaps smoothing out the upper frequencies. Any suggestions? Thanks mate
Iam not sure what to take away . Are you saying your pads dont change a thing? If so why should i buy them? LOL on other channels it was mentioned many times that the Elegia would need Dekoni Sheepsking pads but in this video I figured you would be promoting your pads but its almost as if "not much difference not much difference" fill me in on what Iam missing I am trying to choose my first High end headphone and the Elegia is reduced in price
Typically aftermarket pads change the sound for the worse while marketing comfort. I utilize industry standard measurement rigs to make small improvements to the sound and large improvements to comfort with our pads, as well as possible reductions in cost for the user replacing pads. I the case of the focals, the headphones are tuned well, so the goal was to add a little space (our pads are deeper) and reduce cost and keep the sound similar, but with more space and a slight easement of higher frequencies.
I've had issues with the stock pads on the Elegia, the Stellia, and the Radiance. I don't know what Focal's QC practices are when it comes to pads but the pads for those headphones were not uniform in terms of the foam, whether in volume, density, or both. That unevenness has lead to channel imbalance and a moving center image in my usage. I was about to sell my Radiance when you guys released the suede ones for Focals. Have to say they're excellent, just wasn't having success with Dekoni. The suedes seem to really give the Radiance some deep authority in the sub-bass it lacks while cooling down the mid-bass/mids a little. Appreciate the offering, here's to wishing Focal would partner with you directly to make all their pads going forward 🍻
Really appreciate you trying them! It means a lot - I love Focal headphones and glad to help make them work for you!
Question here how much they improved the bass and sound overall? Bc i have the celestees and i would like to know if they will gain some kind of improvement with these pads
@@Berny.A it's very difficult to say whether you'll consider the changes made to be an improvement. What I would recommend is probably starting with EQ if you haven't, or devices that can add a bass shelf to hear for yourself if you enjoy the Celestee with more bass. The ZMF suede pads will make sub-bass more prominent but may also affect the mids and highs in ways you find adverse. With the Radiance I felt like the ZMF suedes gave me the bassy experience I expected from it stock, but it also exacerbated the tunnel or hallway-like soundstage I don't love from closed Focals. So the trade ultimately wasn't worth it and I just moved on from closed Focals. I want them to be one thing and they're another, and no amount of pad shenanigans is gonna change that. So I would say see if you can fiddle with a cheaper way of adding some bass and if you really enjoy it and plan on keeping the Celestee long term, then the ZMF pads may be a good investment 👍
@@dasninjastix To be honest i like the detail and everything of the headphones but its like there's something lacking.. apart of soundstage ofc but i want to add some bass as well maybe that would fix it but idk
@@dasninjastix I want to get the Focal Elegia but on multiple channels it was suggested you needed to get DEKONI Sheepskin pads to increase the bass especially for people who wear glasses and that it would make the Mids less forward any thoughts? ALso what would be ZMFs equivalent of DEONI sheepskin pads?
Been using the perforated suede pads on the Elex for a few weeks now and while I prefer the stock pads these are a valid alternative. Biggest drawback for me are the mids, but overall they sound pretty good. I will keep using these while I couldn't say the same for the dekoni pads.
Thats interesting all the channels on the FOCAL Elegia suggest get the Dekoni Sheepskin pads especially if you wear glasses and thoughts on that. Iam looking to get my first pair of high end entry level headphones and Focal Elegia seems like a good starting point considering the price reduction
This is amazing thank you. I have Focal Elears are not only is it very difficult to even buy replacement pads- they are stupidly expensive and I just won't buy them out of principle.
I bought some new replacement pads from a well known brand starting with a D- and the plastic parts had separated from the pad- the glue had come undone, so those were sent back. Those measurements look excellent so now it's just trying to pick the right material.
Don't have anywhere else to post this but first impressions are that these earpads are AWESOME! A big improvement over the dekoni special 'Stellia' earpad. Huge ZMF earpads, huge soundstage, clean tonality, and even the suede fabric seems to work like Focal's own earpads in regards to the diffusion fabric - the impulse response is quick and the sound is clean and clear with the ZMF earpads.
I am using the perforated suede on the Clear OG Professional; may be my favourite earpad for them... and only took me 10 minutes to reach that conclusion
About to pull the trigger. How long do you think they will last?
Thanks very much, Zach for all of the detailed information! It really helps!. I will be placing my Focal pad order now! Great job as always!
thanks Zach, your pricing still way cheaper than OEM Utopia pads..... will definitely order some for mine
I guess I know what pads I need to get for my Stellia next ha
I love it! I’m really getting into pad swapping now. So much fun!
Expanding the portfolio. Great news. 💪
I’ll be the first to purchase a Lambskin Solid pad when you make them. I’d like a replacement for my Radiance. Great stuff as always Zach. I’m very much looking forward to Caldera releasing next month.
did not know these were out, good job with the pad ring tho, removing & putting stock pads makes the fibers rip eventually. wouldn’t happen here
I actually already ordered a pair for my focal clear mg pro! You probably saw a weird order from Kazakhstan a few weeks back :D that was me lol
Nice! I hope you get them or already got them!!!
@@ZMFheadphones currently in transit but soon I hope :D
Helpful video, thanks.
Hey Zack, I hope you're able to see this but what do you personally think about Elex with with perforated leathers? I have my Elex and love it, but grabbed a pair of perforated sheepskin leather pads off ebay and they sound even more punchy and dynamic. Stock pads are great but these kinda pads make me call my Elex my "dollar store Utopia" haha. Wish I could try the Utopia to compare and see!
Hi Zack!
Got a set of suede pads and a pair of 6XX pads, love the sound and comfort. However, I have had an issue with the Focal mounting ring on my Clears. When I tried to remove the ring (had to adjust the pads) 2 of the 5 mounting pins snapped of clean at the base. They were on incredibly tight and had to use the plastic spudger that came with the 6XX pads to get them off. I was simply not able to do so with my hands due to the amount of force I had to use scared of potentially breaking / poking the driver.
Sadly, I also lost 1 pin on the right side as well and comparing before snap and after they are not properly sealing and left side is more airy.. Just my luck lol.
Is this a common issue? Or have I just been unlucky?
Again, love the pads!
Oh man. Love my elex but my ears always get sore from being pressed up against the grill. Definitely going to order a pair!
Now I just have to decide which to get!
What did you get?
Hey Zach, do you have measurements for the ZMF Suede pad on the Focal Clear OG?
I found the Dekoni velour pads changed the sound of the Elegia and Elex too much to be a replacement, the respective solid and perforated ZMF suede pads for these models look like they may work well going by frequency response. If anyone knows of a UK stockist please let me know.
I also wanted to include that on other channels it was mentioned that Sheepskin Dekoni Pads made the mids less forward and if true what would ZMF equivalent to Dekoni Sheepskin be of course it would have to be the Lambskin pads LOL right?
so I guess ZMF pads are deeper than original? sometimes after longer use my ear tend to hurt by touching inside grill since OG pads are kind of shallow and too soft
Zach, a video on how to maintain ZMF Atrium such as the wood and the parts?
Check out our "new owner" playlist on our channel!
@@ZMFheadphones ahhh thank you Zach! How did I even miss that?! 😂
Hey Zach which pads will change the sound on the Elegia’s the most? I’m looking for a bump lower frequencies and in the midrange while perhaps smoothing out the upper frequencies. Any suggestions? Thanks mate
Rings are included?
Will either of these help tame the metallic timbre in the Focal Clear?
Do you have replacement pads for HiFiMan Hek1000 (no stealth magnets?
Yep we make pads for the He1000 and other hifimans! Check out the pads section of shop.zmfheadphones.com
What pair will wear faster between the Lamb Skin and Suede?
I plan to buy replacement pads for the Focal Clear OG. Which version do you recommend me to buy? My idea is to keep the stock sound.
They are both pretty close, but the suede versions are more alike the OG focal pads.
ATH Pads next? 🥺🤲
Yep!
@@ZMFheadphones SWEET thank you!!
Of course I just ordered Dekoni pads a day ago… 🤦♂️
Any plans for HD800s pads?
🙃🤔😉
Oh man, I'd be so here for that!! Some good sounding pads with a little extra depth would make those headphones perfect.
Perfect timing my Celeste pads are just about worn out. Are there Celeste measurements on the website?
I don't have the Celeste unfortunately, but I don't think there is a major difference between models for airflow on focal, but don't quote me on that!
@@ZMFheadphones I'll roll the dice
@@bpappaspam Any result?
@@bpappaspam Did you try em? Was also going to use the non-perforated suede on Celestee potentially
Do these Elegia pads help boost the bass?
Do those pads fit on zmf headphones
Which pad do you recommend for my Utopia to get a similar effect to getting a Newtopia? :D
The perf pads of either type will work great!
Iam not sure what to take away . Are you saying your pads dont change a thing? If so why should i buy them? LOL on other channels it was mentioned many times that the Elegia would need Dekoni Sheepsking pads but in this video I figured you would be promoting your pads but its almost as if "not much difference not much difference" fill me in on what Iam missing I am trying to choose my first High end headphone and the Elegia is reduced in price
Typically aftermarket pads change the sound for the worse while marketing comfort. I utilize industry standard measurement rigs to make small improvements to the sound and large improvements to comfort with our pads, as well as possible reductions in cost for the user replacing pads. I the case of the focals, the headphones are tuned well, so the goal was to add a little space (our pads are deeper) and reduce cost and keep the sound similar, but with more space and a slight easement of higher frequencies.
Another question does the Closed pads work for Focal bathys?
You could try them and slip them over the outside of the cup, but we don't have a specific attachment like the Bathys.
@@ZMFheadphones ty for your reply! I'll try it out :)
Possible Utopia measurements with those pads?
I'll do my best to grab some at some point.
@@ZMFheadphones thanks a lot Zach! I can't wait, I really want more Uto alt pads.
Do the suede pads leak on the closed back?
Not too much! The suede is like a solid leather really.
@@ZMFheadphones Sweet! Exactly what I needed!
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