Modding a headphone

[shapeshiftinglizard]

As I mostly fine with my old Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs (the 60 ohm version), but the earpads and the pad on the headband are started to disintegrate for the second time, I decided to not to replace them with original parts (if still available) but to try to improve it. I'm also planning on replacing the cord as it became rock hard at one point.

I was thinking on constructing upon the preexisting pads by removing this cheap plastic material and instead using some leather. I know one person who would make this side of work for me, however I don't know anything about what kind of leather I should buy.

Also what kind of cable I should use? It has to have a braided sleeve and be as cheap as possible (as it's not a sound critical element).

[W-L]

10 hours ago, shapeshiftinglizard said:

As I mostly fine with my old Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs (the 60 ohm version), but the earpads and the pad on the headband are started to disintegrate for the second time, I decided to not to replace them with original parts (if still available) but to try to improve it. I'm also planning on replacing the cord as it became rock hard at one point.
I was thinking on constructing upon the preexisting pads by removing this cheap plastic material and instead using some leather. I know one person who would make this side of work for me, however I don't know anything about what kind of leather I should buy.
Also what kind of cable I should use? It has to have a braided sleeve and be as cheap as possible (as it's not a sound critical element).

It might be possible to reupholster the pads if you can get some extremely thin and lightweight leather. As for the cable you could go the easy route and get a 3 pole 3.5mm extension cable and cut off the end so you could solder it up to the headphones as a replacement.

 

[Flavian]

I would highly suggest doing a detachable cable mod. Install a 3 pole 3.5mm panel mount in the cup and use a male-to-male cable. I did this on my K550 and a similar RCA conversion on my HiFi Mans and it's a life saver knowing that if the cable goes bad you can just hotswap another one in.

 

Edit: You're also not stuck with one length of cable which is awesome when you want to go mobile.