Earlier this month, we published our review coverage of Audeze’s Maxwell 2 ANC headset. During our review period, we got the opportunity from the folks at DEKONI to review a set of ear pads that have been made specifically for those top-tier headphones. Without further ado, let’s get to it!

DEKONI Audio is a manufacturer of third-party accessories for audio devices. Think of things like spare earcups for headphones/headsets, alternative eartips for IEMs/earbuds, spare cords, the whole nine yards. They recently launched a series of replacement ear pads that are compatible with the Audeze Maxwell 2. There are two variants: Sheepskin and Midnight. We were sent the Sheepskin variant this time around.

Check out the DEKONI Sheepskin Earpads for the Audeze Maxwell 2 on DEKONI’s website! (non-affiliated URL)

At first glance, the Sheepskin variants look like a classic pair of leather earpads. They have considerable height/width, their ear opening is gigantic, while the leather itself has a premium sheen that feels divine in-hand. On ear, it’s even more so. Installing these alternative earpads took a matter of seconds thanks to Audeze’s designs. All I had to do was simply give the stock pads a tug to move it off their magnetic locks. The DEKONI earpads magnetically connected just as seamlessly as though they were of Audeze’s original design.

The moment I put the Sheepskin ear pads on my ears, I noticed a considerable difference from the stock earpads of the Maxwell 2. The larger opening meant that the earcups fully encased my ear, relieving the headphones’ unusually strong clamping force. They felt plush and comfortable in all the right ways; with these earpads installed, I was able to listen with my headphones for hours on end. If you were an owner of Sony’s classic MDR-XB500 headphones with the gigantic leather oversized pads, DEKONI has created a luscious alternative that feels just as comfortable.

In terms of audio experience, I was surprised that there was a noticeable improvement. Mind you, the Maxwell 2 ANC’s audio quality is already outstanding, but this was something else. DEKONI’s tests have noted deviations from stock earpads, and I can confirm that there were beneficial differences. The improved seal meant that the ANC performed slightly better in omitting external noises. Additionally, bass had a fuller body and felt deeper. Perhaps this is because there’s a larger gap between the cushion and the driver, or it could be from the materials. Regardless of the case, these ear pads should have been the standard earpads that came with the Maxwell 2 ANC.

There’s one small sticking point I have, though – the price. The Sheepskin variant of earcups that I reviewed have an MSRP of $79.99. Pairing that price point with the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC’s MSRP, you’re needing to spend over $500 for the full package. I personally think that it’s a worthy upgrade, but there is probably a better set of HiFi headphones that cost $500 that have better audio and comfort than this combination.

If you’re an existing Maxwell 2 (or ANC model) owner, DEKONI’s Sheepskin earpads are a must have. I’m hoping that other DEKONI makes these Sheepskin earpads for other premium gaming headsets, as they dramatically improve comfort and music quality in ways I didn’t expect.

March 27, 2021

September 16, 2026