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Would you buy headphones which could be turned into speakers if they competed in quality with...

post #1 of 23
10/19/11 at 1:17am
Thread Starter 

Hey, I am a Student from Loughborough University studying Industrial Design looking to design a pair of headphones that will transform into speakers for on the go. Would you purchase a product like this? I will record the results in my research, but you can withdraw at any stage. 

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post #2 of 23
10/19/11 at 1:28am

its been done before (excluding the portability).....AKG K1000 earspeakers :)

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post #3 of 23
10/19/11 at 1:42am
Thread Starter 

I know its been done before but do you feel there is a market there, There isn't anything current out there at the moment?

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post #4 of 23
10/19/11 at 1:45am

nope, it definitely has selling potential if you can somehow succeed in making something that can function as both speakers and headphones while remaining portable.

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post #5 of 23
10/19/11 at 6:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Wise View Post

Hey, I am a Student from Loughborough University studying Industrial Design looking to design a pair of headphones that will transform into speakers for on the go. Would you purchase a product like this? I will record the results in my research, but you can withdraw at any stage. 


They would never have a satisfying bass.

 

So the answer is: no.

 

Very best,

 

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post #6 of 23
10/19/11 at 6:30am

Nope...

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post #7 of 23
10/19/11 at 6:33am

Gonna have to say no, but I'm betting you'd have more interest if you looked at a more 'casual' demographic.

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post #8 of 23
10/19/11 at 6:38am

I would say no.  If you convert headphones to speakers on the fly, does this imply the headphones being designed will be open back?  Not many people...in fact nobody I know is willing to use open back headphones on the go.  If they were to sound even half decent they would need to be pretty large, at least 40mm driver types.  

 

I am not sure this is a good idea.  If the set will be closed back, there is little likelihood that it will sound decent with its cups removed and converted to speakers.  I think its a neat idea, but not a practical one, sadly :[

 

 

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post #9 of 23
10/19/11 at 10:04am
Thread Starter 

The design will not be open backed but have two sets of speakers one set for headphones, one for the speakers. I realise the complications of space for components, batteries etc. Im just wondering if the headphone and speaker worked well to a good standard if the product would be a desirable one. For example the use of portable speakers where ever you are with out having to carry a spair pair?

 

Taking all of the issues away you guys have stated would it be something you would consider?

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post #10 of 23
10/19/11 at 10:16am

Didn't you already have a few threads about this? Earlier - long discussion linked below.

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/576327/headphones-vs-audio-system-or-combined

 

 

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post #11 of 23
10/19/11 at 10:20am
Thread Starter 

Yea sorry this was a different question, I just wanted to know whether people would interested in them so I can fill out a poll

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post #12 of 23
10/19/11 at 10:32am

no.  it's pretty much just a gimmick.

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post #13 of 23
10/19/11 at 10:56am
Thread Starter 

No I just want to know if people would buy it if it competed in quality within the market, yes or no so then I can put it into my research

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post #14 of 23
10/19/11 at 11:00am

Headphone drivers are much too small to be effective as speakers. There would be no bass at all.

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post #15 of 23
10/19/11 at 11:04am

I remember a picture of grado labs where they had 8 drivers or so in a small wooden enclosure..that never took off i assume

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