Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/08/2013:  06:35:14

I know it is not just me. I can well remember the days of the 1980's and purchasing an $80 pair of Koss headphones that lasted me nearly ten years with no problems. WHAT HAPPENED??

Over the past 15 years I must have gone trough literally many dozens of headphones (maybe $1000 worth) of all types, purchased at all price ranges. The expensive Sony ones broke faster than some of the $10 phones, and yet never even sounded any better. Ear buds work better before the wires break, but they do not sound as clear as full ear covered phones do.

The local Big Lot stores seems to be banking their business on this. All up and down the lanes one can see many dozens of nice quality looking headphones, most for $10.00 or less. BUT they always break in one way or another, often within days and no exchange can be made usually. I stress, no matter the price, I have been getting nothing but junk for headphones for many years now.

I can no longer afford it. The headphone JACKS on modern devices always has too little solder on them, thus $1000 new computers have intermitting headphone use when brand new. And just try to use the new lead-free solder to fix electronics!! I had to use a lighter and electrical-black tape for my hardwiring, and it's working out great.

My wife got a $10 set of phones yesterday from Big Lots, and I said "See you in a week" to the clerk- and she laughed as she commented on how bad and quickly their headphones broke. I live in a small apartment, I am heard even when playing backing tracks through phones, I have no real option to use speakers for song writing/producing when it's 4:00 AM..

Finally I managed to hardwire a set directly to a mono connection to this tower (stereo-connection was not an option due to the way the computer was built) that I made from two other broken pairs and so far this has been the over-all best headphone set I have had since the 1990's! Radio Shack makes a killing selling jacks and such that also break very easily. The goal seems to be to force music lovers to keep paying $$$ every week for the luxury of inexpensive old technology. Finally I took matter into my own hands, and if these pair last many more weeks I would of already saved about $100 in replacement headphones. Headphones always seem to break in a different place too, they may burn out (rare), have a wire break at a stress point inside the wire, often near the jack (very common), plastic head band often snaps... and on and on.

I will no longer put up with it. From now on I will keep building my own phones because it is too large a $$$-making scam, and I have enough. If things do not change soon I may start building high quality headphones and selling them online. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to make quality headphones.

Opinions?

Terry

randyz714 - Posted - 05/08/2013:  06:49:24

terry....i know just what you mean. i have an old small pair of panasonic phones, that have outlasted my bose (and i think even sound better!), and ive long since trashed my senheisers, and audio techinca phones. someone told me the dr.dre 'beats' phones are supposed to be really good. but, im leery of those too~

Randy

danielburdett - Posted - 05/08/2013:  06:51:56

I've used the same pair of Skullcandy ear buds almost every day for the better part of a year with no problems. The sound quality is better than any cheap over the ear set that I've had. Don't give up yet, but is stop buying the same pair at big lots that break all the time. Good luck. 

BDCA - Posted - 05/08/2013:  06:55:05

When I set up a home studio ten years agpo, I purchased half a dozen MDR-V? Today they cost +- $100. Those are what we used to find in most of the pro studios. Recently I had to replace the pads...$3 a pair.

Rugged and designed for professionals.

I like the Skull Candy in ears but they last me a few months at best, but I do use in ears daily for hours. I have had good luck with MCC in ears. They use a flat cable instead of the typical 3 conductor wire and seem to be more damage resistant. I got the for +- $10 shipped via a Cnet special.

Recently I installed some lights in my banjo and purchased a push button SPST from Radio Crap. It broke the next day. I have been through 5. Some just let go without being touched. One was broken IN THE PACKAGE!!

I tried to return two, with current receipts, and the F**KWIT wouldn't take them back because they were broken??!! Don't get me started on solder. I have my stash from years ago!

GRRRRRR!

Bob

Edited by - BDCA on 05/08/2013 07:00:10

Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/08/2013:  07:05:25

I get the feeling this may be a long thread. I want to add that I have purchased many name brand, so-called, "studio quality" phones that were just as crappy as all the others. I researched this subject before buying many phones, yet still got junk. And yes, I too have bought more than one pair of head phones that were already intermitting (on/off static in wire), err BROKEN before I opened the box. I used to blame China, but these problems cut across the world. We also have a very bad problem with the 9mm small headphone jacks breaking in expensive computers. I fully believe this is all planed by rich people to make us all pay as high of $$$ for cheap old technology. Sony has been on my list for years now too, avoid Sony's new products at all cost. I have my reasons.

Ron C - Posted - 05/08/2013:  07:23:35

I have a pair of AKG K240 headphones that I purchased about 25 years ago that worked perfectly until my son left them on the floor and the dog chewed through the wires. I don't think I have a warranty claim on that.They were more expensive than the Sony and Pioneer and the like, but amortized over 25 years and they were well worth it. Also had a set of Sennheiser HD 550 or some similar number for 15 years, but they were stolen. My current AKG701 headphones are really solidly built, and more important, sound fantastic. So, some are made to last and some mass market phones are made to be expendable.

Ron

Vapor - Posted - 05/08/2013:  08:06:19

Koss Pro 4AA, original from the late 70s.  Koss Porta Pro from the 80s.  Still working fine, had to replace ear pads.

Hoss - Posted - 05/08/2013:  08:47:42

quote:

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Originally posted by Vapor

 

Koss Pro 4AA, original from the late 70s.  Koss Porta Pro from the 80s.  Still working fine, had to replace ear pads.

Koss Porta Pros haven't changed one bit since the 80's probably because Koss knew enough not to mess with a winner. They are inexpensive and kinda funny looking but they sound very good and they last.  I also have a set of the Shure SE215's which can detach from the cord, which I think was a great idea since it is often the cord which is the first to go. With these you'd only have to replace the cord and not the earbuds if this happens. But I agree for the most part these things don't hold up as they should and price is definitely no indicator of quality.

tjolson81 - Posted - 05/08/2013:  08:54:25

I hear you. There is a significant quality gap in headphones in my opinion. You go from headphones bought at the local store to pro quality ones that can only be found in specialty shops, not a lot in between.  In the 150-250 dollar range there are headphones from grado and sennheiser that are superb, but you have to try them all out before you buy because they have different sound qualities, shapes, designs, etc.  They also require a good amount of drive so you'll find them requiring separate amps.  Although you can easily spend around 500 dollars for used gear you will find there isn't a speaker setup anywhere close to that price range that can match the sound.

If you're serious about headphones I'd look at audiogon.com and see what is available used, its' a worthwhile investment (I've had my setup for 12 years and it's as good as day 1).

Fathand - Posted - 05/08/2013:  09:10:28

Buy 6 pairs of $5.00 headphones and save yourself going back to the store.

Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/08/2013:  10:22:43

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quote

:

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Originally posted by tjolson81

 

I hear you. There is a significant quality gap in headphones in my opinion. You go from headphones bought at the local store to pro quality ones that can only be found in specialty shops, not a lot in between.  In the 150-250 dollar range there are headphones from grado and sennheiser that are superb, but you have to try them all out before you buy because they have different sound qualities, shapes, designs, etc.  They also require a good amount of drive so you'll find them requiring separate amps.  Although you can easily spend around 500 dollars for used gear you will find there isn't a speaker setup anywhere close to that price range that can match the sound.

If you're serious about headphones I'd look at audiogon.com and see what is available used, its' a worthwhile investment (I've had my setup for 12 years and it's as good as day 1).

Heck, I no longer am worried over quality sound, as long as they are at least 20 to 20,000 range and most other specs are close no matter the price. I swear these COBY $10 phones sound every bit as good as my previous $250 Sony phones did, and I can be picky about audio quality. The problem is keeping the dang things from breaking. I avoid noise cancelling circuits too ever since I had a bad CB mic of this type. So as far as I care, if I got the range and no distortion all I care about is keeping them working longer than a week. Forget those Dr Dre phones, they colorize the sound with stuff.

The Pope - Posted - 05/08/2013:  10:28:00

I have similar Sony headphones to BCDA, I can't remember how old they are & they still work perfectly. Sony's new stuff OTOH has gotten cheaper & lighter as time goes on. I remember my old Beta recorder; it must have weighed 20 pounds!

BDCA - Posted - 05/08/2013:  10:51:20

Big difference between Sony Pro products and consumer. The consumer looks pro, but isn't.

I often notice these on TV when the sound man is captured, or in studios, etc.

Cya!

Bob

PeterJ - Posted - 05/08/2013:  11:18:54

My Sony MDR-7506 phones sound great and seem really rugged. They've been doing fine for the past 7 years.These are the closed-back models for studio use. My old Sennheisers finally gave up after 18 years. The pro stuff seems to be made for a lot of handling.

Dingoman25 - Posted - 05/08/2013:  12:23:48

My Sennheiser HD-25 II have been used 4-5 hrs a day, of every working day, for the past 5 years,

Still as good as new.

rudy - Posted - 05/09/2013:  05:19:58

quote snippit:

"gone trough literally many dozens of headphones (maybe $1000 worth)"

If you've purchased many dozens for $1000 you haven't bought any good phones yet.

Beyerdynamic DT 770s are an example of good phones; there are many more.  If you're looking for quality components don't bother going to Radio Shack.  There are a lot of on-line retailers of quality components such as Switchcraft jacks.

There's a lot of engineering that goes into headphone drivers, I can't stand to listen to most of the phones that are sold in blister packs at the usual suspect retailers.  Listen before buying if possible, but user reviews are also a solid way to check them out in advance.

Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/09/2013:  08:42:38

quote:

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Originally posted by rudy

 

quote snippit:

"gone trough literally many dozens of headphones (maybe $1000 worth)"

If you've purchased many dozens for $1000 you haven't bought any good phones yet.

Beyerdynamic DT 770s are an example of good phones; there are many more.  If you're looking for quality components don't bother going to Radio Shack.  There are a lot of on-line retailers of quality components such as Switchcraft jacks.

There's a lot of engineering that goes into headphone drivers, I can't stand to listen to most of the phones that are sold in blister packs at the usual suspect retailers.  Listen before buying if possible, but user reviews are also a solid way to check them out in advance.

---

I should of said THOUSANDS $$$. I have purchased Sony, Yamaha, Cordless... Shesh if I pay almost $300 for headphones why do they not have a warranty for more than 30 days? Another example: Sony makes a hand held digital recorder, sells for $500, and another $100 for a flash drive.. THEN they want another $55 for what appears to be a small mitten for use as a wind guard. So stupid me was out almost $700 for Sony's PCM studio digital recorder, and of course it broke within 9 months. The warranty was almost none, no help.Google it and see what I mean. You people are coming from a different world than me.

The Pope - Posted - 05/09/2013:  11:21:03

Not sure if they're "Pro" but they are MDR V-6 & sound great. 

Thor - Posted - 05/09/2013:  14:17:36

I have the Sony MDR-X400:

amazon.com/Sony-MDR-XD400-Ster...r_pr_pb_t

All 4 or 5 star reviews.

I think I bought them in 2005 or 06. I think they were 60 or 70 bucks back when I got them. One great feature is the cord... it's nylon covered (pretty much tangle proof) and long (9 or 10 feet)- plus they came with an extension (another 9 or 10 feet)... and no flimsy weak connection points.

They are excellent, and still going strong after 7 or 8 years. Fantastic sound quality. (5hz-30000hz)

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they make them anymore so I don't know what I'll do if they ever crap out.

rudy - Posted - 05/09/2013:  17:34:43

quote:

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Originally posted by Toothless in Kentucky

quote:

---

Originally posted by rudy

 

quote snippit:

"gone trough literally many dozens of headphones (maybe $1000 worth)"

If you've purchased many dozens for $1000 you haven't bought any good phones yet.

Beyerdynamic DT 770s are an example of good phones; there are many more.  If you're looking for quality components don't bother going to Radio Shack.  There are a lot of on-line retailers of quality components such as Switchcraft jacks.

There's a lot of engineering that goes into headphone drivers, I can't stand to listen to most of the phones that are sold in blister packs at the usual suspect retailers.  Listen before buying if possible, but user reviews are also a solid way to check them out in advance.

---

I should of said THOUSANDS $$$. I have purchased Sony, Yamaha, Cordless... Shesh if I pay almost $300 for headphones why do they not have a warranty for more than 30 days? Another example: Sony makes a hand held digital recorder, sells for $500, and another $100 for a flash drive.. THEN they want another $55 for what appears to be a small mitten for use as a wind guard. So stupid me was out almost $700 for Sony's PCM studio digital recorder, and of course it broke within 9 months. The warranty was almost none, no help.Google it and see what I mean. You people are coming from a different world than me.

---

Terry,

My Beyerdynamic DT 770's were slightly over $200 and had a two year warranty, long since expired, though. If you purchase through Sweet water (all one word...) they automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty on most products for an additional year.  I also have a set of Sennheiser HD 280 Pros I've been relatively happy with.

I do understand your consternation, but in this day and age we all have to be more informed consumers and even then it's a bit of a crap shoot.  I sympathize with your Sony purchase, I've never been much of a fan of their audio stuff.

Please don't pay any attention to what I say, though.  I just parrot what I've read on the internet.

Edited by - rudy on 05/09/2013 17:37:54

Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/12/2013:  10:19:13

Thanks for all the feedback gang. I fear I have often made a classic mistake... I purchased a lot of gear online, and the watchdogs now claim there is a much higher chance of being ripped off online. All I know is I finally had to reverse-engineer some gear because I simply can not afford to keep paying $$ every single month for 'phones, and speakers are no real option in this thin walled apartment.

bournio - Posted - 05/14/2013:  06:34:43

I have Audio Techica ATH M35 and an M40.

I bouht them in 2008, and they are still going strong.

I think that was about £100 worth of headphones

Toothless in Kentucky - Posted - 05/22/2013:  06:56:24

quote:

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Originally posted by bournio

 

I have Audio Techica ATH M35 and an M40.



I bouht them in 2008, and they are still going strong.



I think that was about £100 worth of headphones

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I must say, I do like the audio technica microphones. I was unaware they even made phones. Thanks.

RTR - Posted - 05/28/2013:  13:14:19

I liked the comment about AudioTechnicas

I got into music when I was in middle school, long time ago...and believe it or not I was huge into electronic music. I never wanted to touch a stringed instrument. I have had some pro sony's in the beginning and while nice, they were uncomfortable (both headsets, and in ear). I started investing in ATHM50s and never went back. I have 2 pairs and that's all I will ever need. They are of superior build quality, and comfort. They use softer materials for pads, and shape the products more human friendly (I dont know about you but my ear doesnt fit in a 1-1/2 in diameter circle well). My M50s were 150$ which may seem like a bunch of doll hairs, but if you're wanting quality sound you wont be let down. I even run a 20$ headphone amp through my laptop if I want that deeper bass sound for casual listening, it's not needed for recording or producing though.

m4ximusprim3 - Posted - 05/28/2013:  14:20:53

I have a set of Grado SR325i's for the house (where it's quiet) and Shure SE215's for exercising and motorcycle riding (where it's loud, so in ear's are better).

Not cheap, but both have lasted a year plus and are still going strong. The SHURE's are nice because the cords are replaceable, so if it goes bad (mine haven't yet) you just buy a new cord from Shure and off you go.

Oh, and the grados sound fanFREAKINGtastic. I love them so much.

5-String Dan - Posted - 06/07/2013:  17:32:56

quote:

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Originally posted by randyz714

 

terry....i know just what you mean. i have an old small pair of panasonic phones, that have outlasted my bose (and i think even sound better!), and ive long since trashed my senheisers, and audio techinca phones. someone told me the dr.dre 'beats' phones are supposed to be really good. but, im leery of those too~



Randy

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Beats by Dre?  Not good.  Yes, they have better sound than cheap $10 headphones.  On the other hand, they have worse sound than other $200 headphones.  Not worth the money at all.  Don't waste your time and money on them.  They're for kids who don't know any better.



EDIT: As for solder, I inherited a bunch from the 60s from my grandpa.  It works great!

Edited by - 5-String Dan on 06/07/2013 17:37:21