As for the ear pads[ ear cushions] they give 3db more bass response and are the same memory foam [called 'gel' by euros] that are on the k712 pros. Reviewed by most to be superior to what is on the 701/702/702 65th anniv ed./q701 the part number is found in this doc file:///C:/Users/Aivilo/Downloads/K612_K712.pdf as the second 'cushion' listing and online can be bought alone at either of these German sites http://www.thomann.de/gb/akg_k_702_gel_ear_pad.htm or http://www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/-/art-REC0011272-000?campaign=PSM/geizhalsat for 42-48 euros plus shipping.
However, by the time you spend $100 on the pads to make the earlier versions sound better you could just buy this pair with better headband [without bumps] and better earpads.
Although the black out design is cool, the made is china vs austria is a downer, but the reviews seem not to mention any performance loss or build quality decrease.
thus this seems like a buy even if you got earlier drops on the q701 Quincy Jones edition or have other akg's. The next step up would be the k712pros and they cost double.