Dan Clark Audio AEON Ear Pads Perforated

Die Ear Pads werden mit dem vormontierten Klebestreifen auf den Kopfhörer geklebt. Passen genau. Aber was mich frustriert: für einen Kopfhörer in dieser Preisklasse wären Ohrpolster aus echtem Leder eigentlich zu erwarten, dass die Ersatzpolster für den Premium-Preis wieder nur Kunstleder sind (und wahrscheinlich wieder nach 3 Jahren abblättern und zerfleddern) ist eine Frechheit von Dan Clark Audio.

It was time to replace the pads on my DCA Aeon Flow Open (v1) and I decided to opt for the perforated version. I am glad I did. Replacing the pads was an easy job. The sound has opened up ... it is more articulate, particularly in the mid-frequency and the bass is tighter. The high-frequency is sweet sounding with no harshness. My opinion with my ageing ears ! I use the headphones on a Schiit Mjolnir 2 hybrid amp and they are particularly good with the Gilmore Mk2 Class A SS amp from Headamp. It's like getting a new headphone for the price of pads.

My old aeon flow open version 1 needed a pad replacement and i decided to try something different with perforated pads and see if there is any sonic difference. As a reference, i listened with one notch filters as i found aeon treble very sharp and unnatural.
To my surprise the perforated pads make a significant sonic difference and i will describe them.
1. No need for one notch filter anymore. the treble hits the right spot now with ''bite'' but not in a fatiguing way, so you got all the detail retrieval from this driver.
2. Midrange is boosted and is not as dark as it was. It still has the silky smooth inviting sound to it but imagine it as just a bit darker than a HD650.
3. Soundstage definitely increased and now the open version sounds more ''open''. Closed version owners you get the point :)
4. Subbass is more apparent now because the boosted midbass is just at the right amount a bit reduced from the stock version

So for 70 euros you simply get a better headphone and a meaningful upgrade after all in my opinion. Its quite impressive what a sonic difference a different pad is making.

Hope that helps.