u/projz

I repaired a set of first gen AirPod Max's that didn't come with ear cushions, so I have no baseline of what they should sound like. I have never tried on or listened to APM's before receiving this pair. I ordered a cheap set of cushions on Aliexpress in case the repair was successful.

After completing the repair and trying them for the first time with the aftermarket ear cushions, I wasn't really impressed with the sound quality. After doing some research, it may be that the aftermarket ear cushions could be part of the problem.

For anyone who has had original vs. aftermarket ear cushions, is this truly a noticeable difference? I can't believe official replacements are $69 USD.