HD555 Stress Cracks

[knapkin]

I've looked all over the internet and have not been able to find a second report of this but:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14171314@N05/

This is after 2 years of daily at desk use. These phones never travel and have been treated well.

While I am disappointed, I'm now getting ready to buy a new set. I was considering the 595's, but the similarity in design has me worried.

I have 3 questions:
1) Has anyone else with 555's and daily use for 2 years seen this?
2) Has anyone with 595's seen anything like this?
3) Can anyone with both 555's and 595's comment on any differences in the pivot action where the headband meets the earpiece or differences in plastic quality?

[audiomagnate]

You might have a 2 year warranty. You should call instead of email.

[knapkin]

I have, not having a proof of purchase after 2 years killed that idea.

[Lee721]

I have a similar problem, but not near as bad.

[TheAnomaly]

yep, my HD555s eventually completely broke apart. had to buy new cans. it worked out well...i like my new ones a lot better. sort of disappointing nonetheless.

[Errorist]

Originally Posted by Lee721

I have a similar problem, but not near as bad.

Indeed, the stress crack on my HD595's are this size exactly on the right side.

[pp312]

I had 595s where both arms cracked and began to come apart. It seems 2 years is about the limit for these phones when used daily, as mine were. Not really good enough. However, I did manage to repair mine by binding the top with tape and coating each arm over the whole surface with a clear 2-part resin glue, which sets like varnish and not only looked good but of course made the arms far stronger. You may not want to go to that sort of trouble and indeed you shouldn't have to. I would send those photos to Sennheiser, with the news that others are complaining as well. Even if they won't honour the warranty without a receipt, they ought to know that their product is disintegrating after a relatively short time.

[knapkin]

These pics are exactly how the cracks on mine started out. If I were you, I'd throw some superglue in there to try and stop the leading edge from spreading.

Also, the move from your small crack to my omg they are falling apart was one day. I suspect stress cracks coming from the inside out.

Currently I'm running with a compression wrap of electrical tape. It works perfectly and the black bands are not all that unsightly.

Thanks for the info about the 595's. I'll definitely be passing on those for my next set.

Edit: If you do a compression wrap with electrical tape, make sure the last wrap has no tension, this will keep the end from coming up.