The other day, I replaced the ear pads on my long-used BOSE AE2.

Mysterious black powder had started appearing on the shoulders of my white T-shirt,

“What is this?”

and the culprit turned out to be crumbling ear cushions.

After a successful swap,

I figured that would keep it going again.

That's what I thought.

Then I happened to look at the BOSE Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (NC700) I normally use at my PC.

...Hm?

Looking closely, this one looks suspicious too.

Torn and scuffed

Checking the surface of the ear pads, small tears and scuffs had begun to appear.

They haven't yet evolved into

a black-powder manufacturing device

like the AE2.

But I recognize this feeling.

I saw it on the AE2.

I can very clearly see a future where, left alone, the surface will flake off.

This time I noticed before black powder fell on my shoulders, so I feel I've grown a little.

What kind of growth is it that comes from replacing ear pads?

Two old NC700 ear pads, torn on the surface with the cushioning material showing
Once removed, they were torn here and there with the cushioning showing through. Not as powdery as the AE2, but it was surely only a matter of time.

Come to think of it, the purchase times are close

The AE2 and NC700 serve different purposes, but I started using them at roughly the same time.

I put them on my ears almost every day,

and they get sweat.

They get skin oil.

Summers are hot.

Even so, the ear pads keep wrapping my ears without a word of complaint.

Of course they hit their limit.

While the unit is perfectly usable, the ear pads reach the end of their life first.

That may be a headphone classic.

I want to keep using the NC700

I often use the NC700 at the PC, and not only the noise cancelling but the microphone is handy too.

It's still plenty active, so there's no reason to replace the whole unit just because the ear pads are worn.

So I decided to consider replacing the ear pads on this one too.

After the AE2, the NC700.

Lately I feel I'm replacing ear pads more than listening to music.

Still,

if the unit is healthy, just replace them and keep using it, right?

Next time, before black powder falls on my shoulders.

It's nice that ear-pad replacement fixes things, right?

The NC700 with new ear pads installed. An “R” marking is visible inside one side
Replacement done. The “R” marking looks oddly fresh.
The BOSE NC700 after replacement, seen from the front. The BOSE logo on both ear housings
It looks almost new again. I can fight with it again for a while.
KAZUKIN

でも、そろそろ交換しとこうかな…

KAZUKIN Rating

  • 🕵️ Speed of noticing this time — ★★★★☆ (noticed before powder fell)
  • 🎧 Health of the NC700 unit — ★★★★★ (undamaged except the ear pads)
  • 🔧 Reluctance to replace ear pads — ★★★★★ (third pair, already used to it)
  • 😅 Déjà vu with AE2 and SONY — ★★★★★ (this again)
  • 🎵 Recent music-listening time — ★★☆☆☆ (busier with swapping)

This article is a personal opinion and record of use. KAZUKIN LAB has no relationship with BOSE or SONY. I'm just an audio-loving customer. Ear pad replacement is done at my own risk. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

The illustration is an image based on KAZUKIN's experience. It may differ from real stores and products. It is not an official manufacturer image.