Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Mike Cox photo
Morocco
1 Level
727 Review
44 Karma

Review on 🎧 Silver Replacement Ear Pads Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35) and QuietComfort 35 II (QC35 II) Over-Ear Headphones – Professional Earpads by Mike Cox

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Performance doesn't quite match the original

In every way this replacement is *pretty* good for the original. but I don't think that's exactly the performance standard of the originals that come with the headphones. Can't comment on durability, which is a real downside to the original ear pads that came with the headphones. It's just rubbish in terms of durability (mine started tearing at the seam after just a year. Seriously?!?!). I wouldn't be at all surprised if they survived the originals, which would be a huge plus for them. So what's the problem with their "performance"? Well, comparing them side-by-side, you can see that these pads are almost as tall (thickness from cup to head) as the original, which means the headphones are pushed a little closer to the head, so after a few hours you can start enjoying one hard edge felt a little more than with the original rubbers. Another issue with this difference in thickness is that it can change the tone of the sound, as tone is affected by the distance the speaker is from the ear, and all electronics and headphone design are tuned/tuned for the specific distance that the ear cups comply with the drivers from the ear. Finally, the shape of the foam isn't as well rounded as the original, and I feel like the passive isolation is a very *small* reduction (perhaps the foam has a different density or cell properties). Also, the stitching seems to be more pronounced on them than the originals (maybe they'll last longer), but that means they can be felt in the ears after a while, which can cause slight discomfort upon prolonged listening. So in summary this is normal and certainly better than pads falling apart. I was hesitant to buy Bose's more expensive OEMs because why should I expect their replacement to last more than a year before bursting at the seams again? Seriously it should only be a recall or free replacement with decent Bose pads as I would argue that their original pads are fundamentally defective as they don't last much more than a year. It is advisable to replace the pads after many years of intensive use, but not after a year of gentle use. The design of the originals is perfect in my opinion in terms of performance, but the issue of durability is a fundamental flaw on their part.

Pros
  • Audio and Video Accessories
Cons
  • Anything I can add