[blkmegaman]

Whats up guys. i was wondering do BA"s start do deteriorate or start to lose function after prolonged non-usage? i have a pair of shure e500's and se 315's that i haven't used in several years. probably since 2010. the cables on both of the earphones have gone bad. i was planning to get the e500's reshelled until i heard that it might not be a good idea because they haven't been used in such a long time. is this true? i haven't gotten around to reshelling them simply because i have other iem's that i enjoy listening to. should i bite the bullet and go for the reshell or should i pay for the repair fee and upgrade to the se535? i would appreciate any input. thanks.

 

[Mad Max]

I don't think that they should, especially when they aren't using a diaphragm like a dynamic, but I wouldn't know for sure.  The crapulent stock cables generally go bad long before drivers of any kind do, so I would go for the repair/upgrade.  As a bonus, SE535 at least has a detachable cable, so when the cable gives out, a cable replacement is a simple job that you can do yourself without any tools.

 

[blkmegaman]

thanks max. i appreciate that. anyone else???

 

[jekostas]

  I don't think that they should, especially when they aren't using a diaphragm like a dynamic, but I wouldn't know for sure.  The crapulent stock cables generally go bad long before drivers of any kind do, so I would go for the repair/upgrade.  As a bonus, SE535 at least has a detachable cable, so when the cable gives out, a cable replacement is a simple job that you can do yourself without any tools.

 
What are you talking about?  There's still a diaphragm in a balanced armature driver.

 

[lin0003]

I suppose after a long time, all drivers will eventually fail, but cables will likely go first. 

 

[Mad Max]

   
What are you talking about?  There's still a diaphragm in a balanced armature driver.

 
wut

 

[higbvuyb]

http://www.crystalradio.net/soundpowered/introduction/badrawing7c.jpg
 
A BA must have a diaphragm because the diaphragm is what moves air.
 
http://www.sonion.com/~/media/Files/Academy/What%20is%20Balanced%20Armature%20Receiver%20Technology_rev002.ashx

 

[jekostas]

   
wut

 
 

Seriously, 5 seconds of Google searching would've given you the answer.

 

[Mooses9]

everything man made is subject to fail IMO

 

[higbvuyb]

Don't drop your earphones and they should be fine for a long time.

 

[Austin Morrow]

I think they're less prone to damage than dynamics, as they move less. But everything eventually gets old and deteriorates.

 

[zachgraz]

Here is an animated GIF of a BA driver
 
http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af51/KlipschBlogs/headphones/100209_01BalancedArmature.gif
 
sorry it's a link, I did'nt know how to insert this directly

 

[wrathzombie]

Yes, they go bad. My XBA 3, have gone bad and distort horribly. My assumption is that one of the 3 driver has stopped functioning. Its kind of sad. I spent around $150 on them and then another $100 in re-shelling them and they barely lasted for about an year.

 

[Mad Max]

   
 

Seriously, 5 seconds of Google searching would've given you the answer.

 

  http://www.crystalradio.net/soundpowered/introduction/badrawing7c.jpg
 
A BA must have a diaphragm because the diaphragm is what moves air.
 
http://www.sonion.com/~/media/Files/Academy/What%20is%20Balanced%20Armature%20Receiver%20Technology_rev002.ashx

 
I saw a youtube vid a long time ago about Westone drivers and supposedly it is a copper plate that creates the sound, not some kind of plastic diaphragm like in a dynamic driver of any sort. Oh well, whatever.

 

[MIke M]

Most problems with the receivers are caused by earwax, always keep the tips clean