UM3Xs: do they get better when dipped in scotch?
Jan 4, 2013 at 1:46 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 14
RampantAndroid

RampantAndroid

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So, let's just say that on the last day of my vacation my UM3Xs went for a swim in a glass of scotch. While cursing I dried them off plenty and figured I'd try the "put it in rice" trick - but I haven;t done anything else with them. Only one side went for the swim, and was in for at most an hour before I'd really noticed and was partially submerged.
 
The question on my mind is: is it going to be toast? They were not in use and were unplugged, so I'm somewhat hopeful that they're not totally done for, but I cannot imagine that soaking the drivers in anything let alone scotch is going to improve their sound.

Any thoughts? Also, if there is damage, will Westone do a repair for some amount of cost less than the price of a new pair?
 
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Jan 4, 2013 at 1:53 AM Post #2 of 14
Quote:
rampantandroid said:
So, let's just say that on the last day of my vacation my UM3Xs went for a swim in a glass of scotch. While cursing I dried them off plenty and figured I'd try the "put it in rice" trick - but I haven;t done anything else with them. Only one side went for the swim, and was in for at most an hour before I'd really noticed and was partially submerged.
 
The question on my mind is: is it going to be toast? They were not in use and were unplugged, so I'm somewhat hopeful that they're not totally done for, but I cannot imagine that soaking the drivers in anything let alone scotch is going to improve their sound.

Any thoughts? Also, if there is damage, will Westone do a repair for some amount of cost less than the price of a new pair?
 
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Click to expand...

 
Sorry to hear what happened.  If you dry up all the liquid inside (rice trick helps; but really time is key), the IEMs will be fine.  So it's not going to be toast.  As for it affecting sound, it depends on how much alcohol got inside the BA (and how far will impact it too).  Once dried up, it'll leave the non-liquid residue on the armatures.  They'll still move, but the added weight may change the sound (depending on how much got in).  The rest should go away with time.  
 
As for Westone replacing it, you'll have to ask them.  They may be able to give you an out of warranty replacement which is normally cheaper than a new pair.  Good luck.  
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 1:58 AM Post #3 of 14
My condolences, but if it's scotch then then as the previous person said there will be non liquid residue left and if it has been in there for an hour then I'd wager a fir amount went into the BAs. Just to double check, when you say partially submerged, did that include the nozzle end?
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 2:15 AM Post #4 of 14
Quote:
kookoo said:
My condolences, but if it's scotch then then as the previous person said there will be non liquid residue left and if it has been in there for an hour then I'd wager a fir amount went into the BAs. Just to double check, when you say partially submerged, did that include the nozzle end?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, yes to some degree. The cord was pointing upwards, and the assembly was maybe halfway in. For whatever it's worth, the white filter inside the IEM still looks white at a quick glance - I'd expect it to be colored caramel if there was residue on it. I was more focused on the "oh *(&@ they're in a liquid!" than "how far in?" - so maybe the nozzle was angled up far enough such that they didn't get any in them. I tossed the comply and I did notice the plastic reeks of scotch, beyond that I was too angry to really look at them...
 
It's been a day and half since this happened. Think it's safe by now to try them out?
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 2:20 AM Post #5 of 14
Quote:
rampantandroid said:
Unfortunately, yes to some degree. The cord was pointing upwards, and the assembly was maybe halfway in. For whatever it's worth, the white filter inside the IEM still looks white at a quick glance - I'd expect it to be colored caramel if there was residue on it. I was more focused on the "oh *(&@ they're in a liquid!" than "how far in?" - so maybe the nozzle was angled up far enough such that they didn't get any in them. I tossed the comply and I did notice the plastic reeks of scotch, beyond that I was too angry to really look at them...
 
It's been a day and half since this happened. Think it's safe by now to try them out?
Click to expand...

 
It might be dry by now, it might not be.  For the majority of electronics, I normally suggest a minimum 48 hours in rice, then use them.  Obviously, longer is safer.  
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 2:21 AM Post #6 of 14
probably mostly dry by now, but i believe in a week they would definitely be dry(just to be 100% sure)
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 2:36 AM Post #7 of 14
Leave it to dry for abit longer, it is frustrating to wait but better be sure than sorry. I think most people have experienced this kind of bad luck with some of their electronics in the past especially mobile phones.
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 4:59 PM Post #8 of 14
I'll just leave it then.
 
I mailed Westone last night and they replied today immediately - it's $100 to replace the drivers per channel, $10 for replacing cables. If the headphones show problems I'll fork over the $100 easily - I'd sooner pay 1/3rd the cost of the IEMs than lose them :) - I'd just have one channel that's broken in, and one that's not...
 
Question: would the filter turn color if it had gotten soaked in scotch?
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 5:09 PM Post #9 of 14
Quote:
rampantandroid said:
I'll just leave it then.
 
I mailed Westone last night and they replied today immediately - it's $100 to replace the drivers per channel, $10 for replacing cables. If the headphones show problems I'll fork over the $100 easily - I'd sooner pay 1/3rd the cost of the IEMs than lose them :) - I'd just have one channel that's broken in, and one that's not...
 
Question: would the filter turn color if it had gotten soaked in scotch?
Click to expand...

 
It may or may not.  There is no guarantee.  I doubt Westone uses litmus paper to see water damage, that would change color though :p  
 
Jan 4, 2013 at 5:10 PM Post #10 of 14
Quote:
rampantandroid said:
 
 
 
Question: would the filter turn color if it had gotten soaked in scotch?
Click to expand...

 
Was it single malt?
 
I'm so sorry...
 
Seriously, as one who has soiled a few white dress shirts with both single malt and blended Scotch whiskeys, I would imagine that the filter should be stained.
 
Jan 5, 2013 at 6:35 AM Post #11 of 14
I read this yesterday, but the lightbulb only came on now.

If the whiskey leaves residue that affects the drivers, you will find that soaking them in warm distilled water for a bit should help. I know it seems counter-intuitive to soak them again, but as long as there's no power running through them, there should be no reason for them to get damaged. The distilled water is important because it won't leave a residue. Tap water, mineral water, etc is out because of the mineral deposit that might be left.

I also find the rice thing a bit low-grade, to be honest. I know it works, but If you can get hold of some dessicants from pills or even that moisture-absorbing crystal cat litter, I think the drying will be more reliable and efficient.
 
Jan 5, 2013 at 8:34 AM Post #12 of 14
Well, I think the scotch will make the bass presence a more sloppy and loose, midrange and highs may not be as sharp.  Frequency response curve will go from being fairly flat and straight to fluctuating all over the place.
 
Jan 5, 2013 at 8:40 AM Post #13 of 14
Quote:
spyro said:
Well, I think the scotch will make the bass presence a more sloppy and loose, midrange and highs may not be as sharp.  Frequency response curve will go from being fairly flat and straight to fluctuating all over the place.
Click to expand...


That being said, I'd still wait a while longer before even thinking of plugging them back in to see if it still works
 
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