Anyone else having bad quality control issues with Empire Ears? Is it a bad idea to fix an open circuit in the middle of a cable with solder?
My original purchase started couple years back in the Earwerkz days and has resulted in 4 deliveries of the wrong product, cracked shells or open circuit; an issue on every delivery after original price + 2 re-shells.
1st delivery: was the wrong product with uncomfortable shells, EE was cool and let me keep the error headphones while they made me the low-profile hardwired (non-removable cable) Heros/Supras I ordered.
2nd delivery: looked great, but days later I noticed cracks in one of the shells. I had waited so long for comfy IEMs and wasn't sure if it was my fault so I decided to patch with nail polish and not let it bother until it got worse. Eventually, the cracks turned into a hole and I paid for a reshell. While in the shop it was reported the bass drivers were dead, I was surprised as I had used them the day before shipping. I didn't say anything, just made a mental note.
3rd delivery: my comfy IEM babies were back, unfortunately, after being stupid gentle and storing them in a pelican case I noticed cracks within days of delivery. This time I dealt with the cracks without nail polish, I had several international flights coming and wanted my comfy IEMs. Eventually, the Right shell cracked into 2 pieces, I sent them in again. I tested them because I was suspicious they would try to charge me for a blown bass driver
again. Sure enough, Ethan said the driver was blown, I told him I tested it and to please piece the two pieces of the shell together and test again before charging me for a new driver, turns out the driver was just fine.
4th delivery: no cracks, but now there is an open circuit where the 4cable braid splits to 2x 2cable wraps. New shell no sound
I noticed the cable on the phones looked brand new and was even stiffer, must have gone through some cleaning or re-wrapping, I assume this is when one of the copper threads were cut. I reached out to Ethan days ago, I am still waiting for a response on what happens next and if I'll be on my own or forced to continue down the money trap that is these headphones.
Darn these things are comfortable with great clarity. I prefer them for tracking and I'd really like to get them fixed before my next studio gig and next wave of holiday flights. I guess if EE won't help with out charging $100s I can solder them myself
Would that be a bad idea?