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How much does build quality matter to you? - Page 2

post #16 of 27
2/24/10 at 5:06pm
Its important since they are used portably.
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post #17 of 27
2/24/10 at 5:14pm
I don't worry about build quality much because you never know how good the build quality of your particular headphone used in your specific environment is until it actually breaks. For example, some have issues with RE0 falling apart after only a month or two of use, or even defective out of the box, but others have already used it for a year or more with no problems. Or take SE530 - the cable on mine hardened after two months of use, while I know some people who have owned the IEM for over a year or two with no problems at all. In other words, build quality varies not only from model to model, but from unit to unit, depending not only on quality control at the factory, but also on how extensively it is used, how it is treated, the user's environment, etc, so you just never know how durable a headphone will be until you actually use it and see for yourself.

I care far more about sound quality, fit and ergonomics.
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post #18 of 27
2/24/10 at 6:14pm
Sorry you broke your IE8. I can imagine how you feel, those cost$300-$400. Within warranty or not, it must be a heart attcak moment.
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post #19 of 27
2/24/10 at 6:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by david1978jp View Post
Sorry you broke your IE8. I can imagine how you feel, those cost$300-$400. Within warranty or not, it must be a heart attcak moment.
Ironically, the only thought in my head was "Not again."
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post #20 of 27
2/24/10 at 6:28pm
Ever since I got the Pioneer Monitor 10 (1978) I used its build quality as a comparative benchmark. I sometimes wonder why some good headphones are so plasticky and cheaply constructed, my Sennheiser HD428 being a typical example. I would happily pay more for a headphone if its construction and used materials would be better suited to stand the test of (ab)use and time. Thankfully the sound of the HD428 really makes up for it.
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post #21 of 27
2/24/10 at 6:28pm
Build quality means very little to me. It comes last on my list. Sound Quality is number 1 and everything else is secondary. Build quality is even below that lol. I take really good care of my stuff and nothing I own ever seems to break due to poor build quality.
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post #22 of 27
2/24/10 at 6:48pm
Whenever I buy any equipment (computer, photo, audio) build is in the top considerations. If it costs more, it can be worth it. I buy things with full intent on using them. I take precautions, like screen protectors, cases, etc... If I can buy it right the first time, it's well worth additional cost within reason.
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post #23 of 27
2/24/10 at 7:22pm
Build quality is very important to me when making a purchase. The cable quality is a major deciding factor for me. I bought the CK10s because they seem indestructable. Metal casing, beautiful cable. Although I bought the PortaPro's for their fun sound, what sold me was their lifetime warranty!!
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post #24 of 27
2/24/10 at 7:28pm
build quality can be important to me. if it falls apart like the first sa6 and pfe or how the old shure cables started spliting then chances are that i will not buy it unless i get a good discount on it. sound quality is of course my top concern. after that depends on the cable/connector. of course i take very good care of my iems (i've only had one break on me and that was a manufacturer defect) so usually it doesnt matter too much,
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post #25 of 27
2/25/10 at 9:21am
It's all about the sound for me. Build quality would only become an issue if the IEM started falling to bits in an indecently short period of time. Fortunately that hasn't happened... touch wood.
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post #26 of 27
2/25/10 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfkt View Post
Build quality matters a lot to me - that's why I don't like stuff like the RE0, RE252, PFE, etc, as much as I should/could.

I'm still somewhat regretting selling my DT770/80 and keeping my HFI-780. Even if the HFI sounds slightly better, it's just a cheap tacky plastic thing, while the DT770 is SOLID, in all-caps.
Again, I find myself on the same page as DFKT - build quality is wisdom while sound is soul. The head and the heart need to be joined, but so few have that connection. The PFE would have garnered a 5/5 from me had they been made better and the same with the RE2/Turbine and a few others.
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post #27 of 27
2/25/10 at 10:05am
^ You're such an IEM romantic shigzeo.
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