Ear pads worn out from VMK20 use?
If your VMK20 ear pads look like someone's been using them to mop an industrial warehouse floor, don't panic. That's completely normal. Ear pads are wear parts – they take a beating, but they don't last forever. Especially with the fabric-covered model, active daily use will leave its mark after a year or two.
Why do ear pads wear out?
Ear pads sit against your skin for hours every day. They soak up sweat, skin oils, makeup, and whatever else splashes off the bar counter. The fabric cover feels great against your skin, but it's not indestructible. Over time the material thins out, goes flat, or starts to fray.
This isn't a manufacturing defect – it's physics. Same reason your trainers wear out – nobody files a complaint with Nike after a year of running.
Worn ear pads also affect ANC performance, by the way. Active noise cancellation needs a tight seal to work properly. If there are gaps between the pads and your ears, the ANC starts buzzing or just works worse. So it's not just about comfort – it's about sound quality too.
How to get new ear pads
Unfortunately, the VMK20 ear pads don't twist off like they do on newer models. But you've still got options:
- Order ear pads from the online store: Head to valco.fi and search for VMK20 replacement ear pads. They're affordable – we're talking a few tenners, not a kidney.
- Send your headphones to our service centre in Kajaani: If you don't trust your own hands or the swap feels tricky, our service team will replace the pads for you. Drop us a message at info@valco.fi first and we'll sort out the details.
- Thinking about an upgrade? If your headphones have lived a full life anyway, you might want to consider moving to the VMK25.2. On that model the ear pads twist off easily, so you can do the swap yourself going forward.
Is this covered by warranty?
Honestly: usually no. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. If you've been using your headphones daily for a year or more, ear pad wear is expected.
However, if the pads fell apart in a couple of months or the material is clearly defective – send us a photo and your order number at info@valco.fi. We'll look at it case by case. We're not a soulless corporation hiding behind the fine print.
If nothing helps
If you can't find the ear pads in the online store or the situation is otherwise unclear, drop us a line at info@valco.fi. Let us know which model you have and attach a photo of the ear pads – that speeds things up.
Swapping ear pads is a small operation, but it makes your headphones feel brand new again. Around here we fix and service headphones – we don't chuck them in the bin. That's how we fund that 0.000001% of the Death Star too – through recycling.