Dekoni Audio Choice Leather Replacement Ear Pads for Philips Fidelio X2 Headphones

I have bought many pads for my two Fidelio X2s over the years, and these are among the most comfortable. They also fit perfectly on the headphones (unlike some that have to be slipped over the headphone casing and cut out around the jack plug). Sound-wise I am not the best judge, but they seem to accentuate the bass a bit vs the stock pads, but that suits me fine.

Have a look at the website of Dekoni as the sound signature will change and the graph for Velour definitely seems accurate. Bass becomes a tad more punchy. Whether that is desired on already bass heavy headphones is up to personal choice. The V shape is definitely holding up. More comfortable? Yep. More isolating? Ever so slightly.I have Brainwavz earpads for the HD280 Pro and the Dekoni definitely feel off higher quality, the memory foam stays more springy. Would recommend the Dekoni over the Brainwavz if you have the extra cash to spend.These are all first impressions after only about an hour or so listening through various genres (Jazz, Drum and Bass, Classical, Metal).

After using the X2HRs with the stock pads for only a little while I was already looking for a softer, preferably leather pad to swap to. There were some options, but all involved either custom printed rings or awkwardly stretching the pad over the earcup...until these Dekoni pads came out. They easily snap onto the existing mounting pins, no adhesive necessary. And the choice leather looks right at home on these headphones.The biggest improvement for me was comfort. The choice leather pads are incredibly soft, a massive improvement over the stock pads which would tend to get itchy on my face after a while. I don't really notice them getting overly warm or anything like that. As far as sound, I haven't closely compared these to the stock pads yet. However, I didn't ... MoreAfter using the X2HRs with the stock pads for only a little while I was already looking for a softer, preferably leather pad to swap to. There were some options, but all involved either custom printed rings or awkwardly stretching the pad over the earcup...until these Dekoni pads came out. They easily snap onto the existing mounting pins, no adhesive necessary. And the choice leather looks right at home on these headphones.The biggest improvement for me was comfort. The choice leather pads are incredibly soft, a massive improvement over the stock pads which would tend to get itchy on my face after a while. I don't really notice them getting overly warm or anything like that. As far as sound, I haven't closely compared these to the stock pads yet. However, I didn't notice any major negative effects while primarily using them for open world type gaming with some music listening.

I have bought the suede pads for my X3s and they fit perfectly no glue needed. Comfort is very much a big step up over the stock pads. There is a couple of differences that are notable tho. These pads make the headphones way more closed. I legit have a hard time hearing anything even with no music playing. These pads also changed how the headphones respond to volume. Before you could just turn it up and have the music play louder but with these pads the music just gets more intense not louder if that makes sense. I had to apply correctional EQ for them to stop sounding weird, I just could not get used to them without it. (check out the AutoEQ project with the correction profiles - [LINK] I personally had to bump the low end a bit more in Foobar afterwards) After the ... MoreI have bought the suede pads for my X3s and they fit perfectly no glue needed. Comfort is very much a big step up over the stock pads. There is a couple of differences that are notable tho. These pads make the headphones way more closed. I legit have a hard time hearing anything even with no music playing. These pads also changed how the headphones respond to volume. Before you could just turn it up and have the music play louder but with these pads the music just gets more intense not louder if that makes sense. I had to apply correctional EQ for them to stop sounding weird, I just could not get used to them without it. (check out the AutoEQ project with the correction profiles - [LINK] I personally had to bump the low end a bit more in Foobar afterwards) After the correction I would say the sound has improved due to the pads. TLDR: If you dont want your X3s to sound more closed, look elsewhere. If you want more intense sound these are for you.

The leather earpads are much more comfortable than the stock pads. They do get quite a bit warmer than the stock pads but for the improved comfort it's worth it. In terms of the sound, for me the enhanced bass made these cans seem muddy and the muted treble led to a hollow, distant sound (not talking soundstage). I had to do an EQ to adjust these back to something similar to stock. I have to say that after the EQ these headphones have never sounded better (which is probably just the EQ). I still prefer the stock Hifiman HE-X4 for the soundstage, bass and overall energy but the gap has definitely narrowed.

Disappointing lifespan, great design and improvement to stock headphones.

I don't recommend these ear pads, except maybe if you rarely use your headphones. The deeper cups and flatter contact is an awesome improvement to the stock pads.However, the Choice Leather fails after a year of use, highly disappointing for an $80 product. Based on the lifetime the Choice Leather is hard to recommend. Peeling after one year is not covered under the warranty. I wouldn't justify the $80 a year improvement.I might try the suede since the material is less likely to fail in such a short period although I will try to find an alternative to Dekoni.

Expensive but I'd have to say worth it...

The Dekoni Leather Replacement Ear Pads have taken a really good set of headphones and improved them. First of all, the sound is slightly improved. But more significantly, they are SUPER comfortable. Way better than the factory pads for the Fidelio X2. Really enjoying them. The only other thing I would say is that, in order for them to fully justify the price, they will need to last a good long time and, since I've only had them for a few weeks, it's too early to tell on that front. I would say however that they feel and appear to be very well made with high end materials and I have no reason to think that I will get a lot of use out of them. I am very happy I decided to get them. If you're on the fence because of the price, I would suggest you go ahead and pick up ... MoreThe Dekoni Leather Replacement Ear Pads have taken a really good set of headphones and improved them. First of all, the sound is slightly improved. But more significantly, they are SUPER comfortable. Way better than the factory pads for the Fidelio X2. Really enjoying them. The only other thing I would say is that, in order for them to fully justify the price, they will need to last a good long time and, since I've only had them for a few weeks, it's too early to tell on that front. I would say however that they feel and appear to be very well made with high end materials and I have no reason to think that I will get a lot of use out of them. I am very happy I decided to get them. If you're on the fence because of the price, I would suggest you go ahead and pick up a pair. I don;t think you'll be sorry.

Headphones Are Unbearable Without Them

Fidelio X2HRs were actually unbearable to wear with the default ear pad. These are so comfortable that I forget I'm wearing them, and I think they sound a little better too. They're crazy expensive, don't get me wrong, but I can't deny that they're worth it. I'd recommend these to anyone. I can't imagine using the headphones without them.

I Regret This Purchase

These Choice Suede pads turned my X2HR headphones into a terrible muddy, bassy mess, and that’s after eq.The reduced soundstage was an extra disappointment.The cost was over $100 USD delivered to Canada.I’ll give them one star combined for being more comfortable than the stock pads.

They severely reduce the sound quality

I have tried them couple of times but I couldn't put up with how much they change the audio quality. It feels like I'm listening through a speaker.I would refund them but it's not worth the trouble as I'm an international buyer.Material wise, they are comfortable.