ATW-1000 "phat pad" mod

Some years ago, I came across the modification to AT cans known as the "phat pad" mod.

An easily reversible and non-destructive modification to AT headphones, the idea is to place an appropriate length of tubing of suitable diameter, wall thickness and flexibility between the foam cushion and the earcup.

The tubing once cut to length is easily pushed under the foam without dismantling anything.

Once in place, it effectively moves the drivers further from the ear whilst maintaining a good seal on the head and without affecting comfortability.

The original recommendation was surgical or divers rubber tubing and I never had opportunity to obtain any of that.

I recently came upon some plastic tubing that seemed to offer a good balance of rigidity (to avoid crushing) and flexibility (for comfort and ease of insertion), 7mm OD with a wall thickness of 2mm (3mm bore) and thought to give this mod a try with that.

I have previously changed the pads from the original "pleather" for the genuine leather pads of the W5000, but that should not make any difference to this mod.

Initial impressions are that I rather like the effect, there is less of the "closed in" feeling to the soundstage which seems larger, more akin to the open K701, bass, while fully developed and extended, seems to have less of the occasional feeling of being overpowering or swamping other frequencies.

I would expect the effect to vary for different people and differing physical characteristics.

Worth a try if you like AT closed phones but occasionally find them sounding a little claustrophobic, or need to turn them down on bass heavy pieces.

Should anyone try this, feedback or other impressions will be most welcome.