When it comes to Grado headphones, one of the most talked-about topics in forums and communities is the ear pads. Grado’s stock ear pads are iconic, but let’s face it—they’re not for everyone. Whether it’s comfort, sound tweaks, or durability, upgrading your ear pads can make a huge difference. Let’s explore the stock options, some popular aftermarket alternatives, and why Nyczaj earpads might just be the upgrade your Grados have been waiting for.
Stock Grado Pads: The Good and the Bad
Grado headphones typically come with one of two stock ear pad designs:
S-Cush (Flat Pads):
Found on models like the SR60x and SR80x, these pads sit directly on your ears. They’re thin and simple, which keeps costs down and provides an intimate sound. However, many find them uncomfortable for long sessions, and they can feel stiff over time.
Grado SR80e with S-Cush pads - photo by Jack Baty L-Cush (Bowl Pads):
Standard on models like the SR325e and RS2x, these bowl-shaped pads sit around your ears rather than directly on them. This design provides a slightly larger soundstage and more balanced sound. While more comfortable than S-Cush, they can still feel firm, and the foam tends to degrade faster than you’d like.
Grado RS2e headphones with stock L-cush earpads - photo by Umair Abbasi G-Cush (Large Pads):
Used on flagship models like the GS1000x, these oversized pads are circumaural, sitting around the ears completely. They’re the most comfortable stock option but can feel loose for some users.
Grado GS2000e with a single G-cush ear pad - photo by Jonathan Grado
The Common Complaints:
While the stock pads have their fans, they’re not perfect. Comfort is often the biggest issue, especially with the S-Cush and L-Cush. The foam can feel rough, and prolonged use can lead to pressure or heat buildup. Durability is another common gripe, as Grado’s foam pads tend to wear down relatively quickly.
Popular Aftermarket Pads
If you’ve spent time in the Grado mod community, you’ll know that there are plenty of aftermarket options to choose from. Here are a few popular alternatives:
Yaxi Pads for Grado:
Known for their soft foam and colorful options, Yaxi pads are a favorite for slightly improving comfort without altering the sound too much. They’re thinner than some other options, which keeps the Grado sound signature intact, but the headphones still press against your head which can lead to discomfort.
Geekria Comfort Pads:
These pads are an affordable alternative to the stock Grado foams. Despite being of lesser quality they are a popular choice for people replacing their worn out stock cushions. Even though they're only slightly different to the stock earpads, each model has its own, slightly different sound signature. Unfortunately they also don't provide much comfort.
Dekoni Audio Pads:
Available in various materials like hybrid leather and velour, Dekoni pads are made from thicker materials and are bigger than most other Grado earpads making them more comfortable than the previous options. They also alter the sound signature quite a bit. Thicker materials they're made of significantly increase the bass response which works fairly well with the brightest, sharpest sounding Grado models. In other cases it can make the sound boomy, with bass overwhelming other frequencies.
Beautiful Audio Pads:
Handcrafted from premium materials, these pads prioritize comfort and elegant looks. They also tend to alter the sound more significantly, often increasing bass and reducing treble sharpness. They're the most expensive option on the list, but their build quality is also top notch.
Vever Replacement Pads:
A budget-friendly option, these pads are a cheaper alternative to the Dekoni earpads as they seem very similar to them.
While these options can address specific issues, many users find they compromise too much on sound quality or don’t fit perfectly. This is where Nyczaj earpads come in.
What Makes Nyczaj Earpads Special?
Nyczaj earpads are designed specifically for Grado headphones, with a focus on balancing comfort, durability, and sound quality. Here’s what sets them apart:
Premium Materials:
Our pads are made with memory foam for superior cushioning and acoustic fabric for optimal sound transparency. This combination ensures they’re soft on your ears and built to last.
Universal Compatibility:
Whether you’re using the SR60x, RS1x, or even flagship models like the GS3000x, Nyczaj earpads fit seamlessly on all Grado models. No adapters, no hassle—just a perfect fit.
Comfort for Long Sessions:
The ergonomic design reduces pressure and heat buildup, making them ideal for extended listening. If you’ve ever had to take a break because of uncomfortable stock pads, you’ll appreciate the difference.
Subtle Sound Tweaks:
One of the biggest concerns with aftermarket pads is how they affect the sound. Nyczaj earpads are designed to maintain Grado’s signature clarity and energy while adding a touch more bass and depth. It’s a subtle improvement that enhances the overall listening experience without sacrificing what makes Grado headphones special.
Nyczaj ear pads for Grado headphones
How Nyczaj Earpads Affect Sound
Swapping out stock Grado pads for Nyczaj earpads can make a noticeable difference in sound. The memory foam provides better driver positioning and damping, which tightens the bass and smooths out treble peaks. This results in a more balanced, refined sound without losing the lively character that makes Grado headphones so fun.
Why Upgrade?
If you’re still using stock Grado ear pads, an upgrade might be the easiest and most effective way to enhance your headphones. Whether you’re after more comfort, better durability, or a slight tweak to the sound, Nyczaj earpads offer a no-compromise solution. Plus, they’re an easy mod to install—you’ll be up and running in minutes.
Check out our full range of Grado accessories, including headbands and gimbals, at Nyczaj. Every part is crafted with care to elevate your listening experience, one small upgrade at a time.
What’s your experience with upgrading Grado ear pads? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
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