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what would you say is the average lifespan of a headphone? - Page 2

post #16 of 36
4/22/08 at 9:35am
Not very long if it has 'Sony' written on the side.


OK, maybe thats a little harsh, but at the very least the cable should become intermittent after a year or two.
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post #17 of 36
4/22/08 at 10:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Corbet View Post
I would be severely disappointed if any headphones I bought for > $100 didn't last 10+ years.
x2
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post #18 of 36
4/22/08 at 10:30am
My Koss Pro4AAAs were bought in 1980 at the latest, making them at least 28 years old. They still work fine, and the only problems I've had with them were a loose solder connection (easily fixed) and earpads than need to be replaced.
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post #19 of 36
4/22/08 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jtwn View Post
Not very long if it has 'Sony' written on the side.
I do see the danger as well, however, I pray you will be wrong in respect of mine. Otherwise, expoxy and severe DIY is to be applied, a broken CD3K is simply un-acc-ept-able.
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post #20 of 36
4/22/08 at 1:52pm
Good thread, I've been asking myself the same thing since finding out how old some R10s were.
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post #21 of 36
4/22/08 at 4:00pm
They'll generally last for as long as you take care of them. I've never heard of headphone speakers dry-rotting or anything like that. I've never personally had a headphone that quit working, except for some very inexpensive (read cheap quality) ones that got beat the-hell-up.
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post #22 of 36
4/22/08 at 4:01pm
theres no reason headphones cant last as long as full size speakers if care is taken, and speakers last tens of years
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post #23 of 36
4/22/08 at 4:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jinx20001 View Post
theres no reason headphones cant last as long as full size speakers if care is taken, and speakers last tens of years
yup. Speakers may even malfunction first because the capacitors in the crossovers will give, eventually.
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post #24 of 36
4/24/08 at 7:41am
I have four pair which all are 20+ years old (1975-1987) and still running strong.
So take well care of them and you should expect a lot more than 2-3 years
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post #25 of 36
4/24/08 at 7:46am
I've not owned any headphone for more than 5 years. Did have my hd600's for a few years, before recently selling them. At most they needed new earpads. The headband, as well as the rest of the headphone, is in pretty good condition.
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post #26 of 36
4/24/08 at 8:22am
Ah, but are we talking about headphones, or IEM's/Canalphones/earbuds?

I think the "life" of both are somewhat different.

Nylan
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post #27 of 36
4/24/08 at 11:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nylan8301 View Post
Ah, but are we talking about headphones, or IEM's/Canalphones/earbuds?

I think the "life" of both are somewhat different.

Nylan
True!
But the thread topic say "a headphone", so guess thats what we talk about.
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post #28 of 36
4/24/08 at 7:26pm
^Then there were some people who got a little off topic with the IEM talk.

Let's stay on topic, neighbors...

And, to actually contribute, I've listened to some fairly old 'phones in the past and they sounded great. As long as the manufacturer creates a genuinely premium product, then longevity is determined by the user's care.

Let's treat them 'phones nice, people. Buy a stand/hook or storage case, check the drivers for hair, and be gentle. You don't always have to listen at 80+ decibels.

Headphones need love too...

Nylan
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post #29 of 36
4/24/08 at 8:22pm
I'd imagine the surrounds on the drivers would wear out, but wouldn't that a century or something? I'm asking more than making a statement.
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post #30 of 36
4/24/08 at 8:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by robm321 View Post
I'd imagine the surrounds on the drivers would wear out, but wouldn't that a century or something? I'm asking more than making a statement.
Headphone drivers don't have surrounds like speakers though, the diaphragm itself is what flexes. (excluding some very old crappy phones with traditional paper cones)
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