Premium headphones are only as good as the components that touch your ears, and earpads play a bigger role in sound and comfort than many listeners realize. The Strauss & Wagner Lambskin Pads for Focal headphones are designed for enthusiasts who want to refine their listening experience without altering the core identity of their headphones. Built with soft, breathable lambskin leather and a precision snap-on design, these replacement pads promise improved comfort, stronger isolation, and subtle sonic refinements. In this review, we take a closer look at how Strauss & Wagner’s lambskin earpads perform on high-end Focal models, examining whether they truly elevate bass presence, maintain treble integrity, and preserve the resolving character Focal headphones are known for.
What Are The Strauss & Wagner Lambskin Pads For Focal?
The Strauss & Wagner Earpads for Focal Headphones – Lambskin are premium replacement earpads designed to upgrade compatible Focal headphone models. They feature plush blue lambskin leather on the exterior for a luxurious, soft-to-the-touch feel and breathable comfort during extended listening sessions. Internally, the pads use a supple cushion structure that maintains the original acoustic characteristics expected from high-end Focal headphones, while the snap-on press mechanism allows for quick, secure installation. The combination of rich lambskin and precision design aims to enhance long-term comfort without compromising sound quality.
Strauss & Wagner Lambskin Pads Sound Impressions
There are a few key components I expect when using any set of headphones with lambskin ear pads. One of them is bass resposne, which is something that the Utopia could possibly use more of. With the Utopia’s standard perforated pads, the bass is very balanced and detailed. It’s a smooth tone that articulates subtleties, but nothing ever jumps out at you in any significant way. It would never be considered a bassy headphone, but rather a great reference for accurate low-end performance.
Adding the Strauss and Wagner lambskin pads to the Utopia allows for the bass to take on more of the spotlight while still holding the same critical character. There’s a light warmth to the Utopia’s bass with its stock pads that the lambskin pads help bring out more of. Everything is still highly clean and transparent, but with more of a thump to it. Sub-bass frequencies have more lift to them, giving the lows more depth and movement. Overall, the lows have a bit more fun with the lambskin pads, but what about everything else?
Lambskin pads are also known for suppressing treble extension, but the Utopia’s highs stay mostly intact. They appear natural and full, but with just a little less height than before. This might have something to do with the slightly narrower soundstage that the lambskin pads have compared to the perforated stock pads. The stock pads have better airflow, which will have more of an effect on the soundstage, but since the lambskin pads prioritize isolation and bass performance, the Utopia loses some airiness in the soundstage.
Summary
The Strauss & Wagner lambskin pads prove to be a thoughtful upgrade for Focal headphone owners seeking a touch more warmth and physicality without sacrificing resolution. Bass gains added depth and impact, giving low frequencies a more engaging presence while retaining clarity and control. Treble remains largely intact, trading only a small degree of airiness for improved isolation and focus. While the soundstage narrows slightly compared to Focal’s perforated stock pads, the overall presentation feels more immersive and enjoyable for long listening sessions. Combined with their plush feel, elegant finish, and easy installation, Strauss & Wagner’s lambskin earpads strike a compelling balance between comfort and sound enhancement, making them a worthwhile accessory for listeners who want to subtly tune their Focal headphones without compromising their reference-grade character.
The Strauss & Wagner Lambskin Earpads for Focal Headphones are available from Audio46.
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