Broken Zen Xtra. Broken E2's. Now what? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

pinsomniac · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 10:42 AM

Hi all... was wondering if someone could help me out with this.

A few months ago the left channel of my Zen Xtra went out... since then it's served as nothing more than an expensive paperweight in my room. Unfortunately, I didn't get an extended warranty on the player.

I've read that a repair would be around $50. At the moment, I'm much more interested in a Rio Carbon than keeping this. It seems that the resell value of the Zen Xtra is down lately... anyone have ideas as to what I could do with it?

Also, a couple months after that my E2's started having problems. The cable seems to be having problems... static or no sound would come out as the cable is moved. I believe these should still be under warranty - is there a way to fix this myself or do I have to send it in?

Thanks in advance.

adhoc · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 12:14 PM

actually, since your xtra's warranty is shot, you might as well open it up and attempt to replace (solder) the headphone jack - it's a very simple surface mount component. you should be able to find replacements out there very cheaply.

enzoferrari650 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 01:30 PM

I second that idea. I remember someone providing a link to a guide on how to replace the headphones jack on a zen xtra. You might look around and give that a shot.

erikzen · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 02:52 PM

As far as your Shures are concerned, if they're still under warranty I would send them back to Shure. If you try to fix them yourself the warranty will undoubtedly be voided. No problem if you can fix them but big problem if you can't. From what I've read Shure has pretty good customer service. One of their reps, Sugarfried, is also a member here. You might want to try messaging him and ask his advice. I'm sure he'll be very helpful.

enzoferrari650 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 02:54 PM

They'll probly send you a brand new one. Thats what they do with most.

callanish · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 04:04 PM

I'm probably stating the obvious, but with regards to the Xtra I'd go to www.nomadness.net to their forum section and do a search for the Xtra jack fix. I remember detailed instructions posted on one of the forum messages or a link to a website showing a step by step fix.

If its too much hassle, then the options would be to sell it on ebay ( let someone else fix the jack ), look for someone on nomadness that would do the repair cheaply, or use it as a door stop. You could always remove the harddrive and find a 2.5 inch external enclosure case on ebay and use it as a backup device. Either way, it's a waste just sitting there gathering dust.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...120831416&rd=1

GSTom1 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 04:43 PM

Try the Bishop's Zen Xtra headphone jack repair tutorial. You can find it here:

The Bishop's Zen Xtra Heahphone Jack Repair Tutorial

If you're afraid to do it yourself, I hear the Bishop only charges like $35 to do it for you. Go to Nomadness.net to try and contact him.

If that doesn't work, then at least try and salvage the hard drive for another use.

Good luck!

Oddball · #8 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinsomniac

Also, a couple months after that my E2's started having problems. The cable seems to be having problems... static or no sound would come out as the cable is moved. I believe these should still be under warranty - is there a way to fix this myself or do I have to send it in?

I believe I had your problem with my first pair of Shure e2s. It's not as uncommon as you'd think. Just send them in...the warranty lasts two years (iirc) and Shure service ime is excellent.