[Ebonyks]

Ok, many of us really want to try out plenty of different headphones but live in areas where meets simply don't exist, and have no good hi-fi shops near them, so i offically announce the idea of the head-fi borrowing system.

In this, people will list the headphones that they want to try, and if they have a pair of simliar value, they will both send eachother the headphones for a month, plenty of time to test them out, and decide what they think of them. I also think this will make reviewing alot easier

Personally, i have a pair of beyerdynamic 931's i wouldn't mind loaning around, and i'd be intrested in trying out the HD-600's, or higher-end grado models.

Also, for this, what minimum post/time here rules should there me? I'd like everyone to get to try out as many headphones as they can, but trolls still exist.

Anyone else intrested in making something like this?

 

[Tuberoller]

I hate to be the cog in the wheel here,but I would strongly advise against this except in cases where you know the person you are lending gear to.I have had gear stolen,damaged,sent back incomplete,packed poorly for reshipment, etc.We all trust and like each other(to a point) and I think this is gonna be bad news.If there were a fool-proof method of assuring that my gear was returned intact I would jump right on board.

 

[Ebonyks]

I can see exactly what you mean, and i agree that it is a major concern, however, if worst comes to worst, you know where they live

Really, if we made a standarized shipping system, packing headphones in double-boxes, both padded, i can't see alot of risk of damage.

And if someone damages a pair of headphones while in their care that is not their own, they will be held responsible for paying the approperate fees for repair

 

[dokebi]

No offense but if someone had the nerve to damage, re-ship poorly or any other negative act. What makes you think they will agree to paying for it not to mention admitting what they did. Seems like a huge hassle of trust and who to believe to me. Also I don't think many people that had their stuff abused would want them back. Lending them to people you trust and knowing they take good care of what they have doesn't seem as bad though.

 

[john_jcb]

Ebonyks,

If you can hold out until the Spring thaw we were talking about having another meet in Chicago. A great way to hear a large assortment of headphones and amps.

 

[Ebonyks]

I'll gladly admit it's idealistic, however, i still think it would work. Besides, we always could have some central person require people to put deposits on the phones before they're exchanged

Anyone else got some ideas?

John: sadly, i can't make it to chicago. I got school, and no car

 

[bangraman]

I think it's the same as anything... After a face to face meet, there are some people you trust and some you dont. It's your risk and at the worst case you should be prepared to replace any phones you lose/get damaged without raising a huge fuss.

 

[Tuberoller]

Ebonyks,

We will have this meet in mid April and there are at least two members from your neck of the woods who may be able to give you a ride.My new house will be done by then and I promise the best head-fi meet yet.try to make it.

 

[john_jcb]

Don't rule it out too soon. The trains are pretty cheap and one of us would pick you up. It will be over the weekend so school will not be a problem.

 

[Zanth]

Nice idea but I too would be a bit afraid. Meets are one thing...and even then...it can be a bit nerve racking. I am meticulous with my gear and I surely want it to be handled like I handle it. That said, I have just lent out a set of my headphones and I have no worries at all.

It is all about knowing the person...I mean...high-end Grados: RS-1's retail for what? $700? Not cool at all if they get broken.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Sending one's treasured and beloved cans to someone else is a bit risky, but can be done correctly. This would require you to find someone who you've had various conversations with back and forth via the forum and/or PMs. There would have to be contact made between both parties which would include the person-person agreement about how to ship, insurance, recompensure for damages, etc EXPLICITLY laid out on the table!! Once the two parties are in agreement that thy trust each other and want to do this, it's up to them to do so. Anything less and you're in for some problems!!

It would be easy to just set up a double box system to send stuff OUT to the other person and just have them send it back in the same box(es). However you're willing to send it, the other person just prints or writes out a new address label and sends it back the same way!! It's a free trial period without any problems.

My other suggestion is for people who can to do digital photos of the stuff they send out for proof of condition before sending it. Then, when the other person receives the unit, they verify that tey received it and that it is in the describes condition and send a PM or email back reporting the condition as being in the reported condition, or that it ahd a nick here, or a dent there that wasn't noted. That way if tey don't agree on condition they cease the deal and send the units back immediately!!

I like the idea, so I thought I would throw in my .02

 

[Ramtha604]

in tomprarily/permanantly exchanging/trading cans and/or amps/soures.

I currently own:

JVC XL-34 CDPlayer (redbook/cd-rw only, old, crappy)
Porta Corda + 26 volts wallwart.
Beyerdynamic DT 250/250.

Should receive during the next days to weeks:

Grado SR-325
Joseph Grado HP-2
unmodded Melos SHA-1
unmodded Sony C333-ES (SACD/DVD/DVD-A/redbook CD/CD-RW 5 disc changer)
Monster Silver blah Interconnects

would be looking for: RS-1's, HD600's, Sony F1's and CD3k's, any ATH-A/W100/900/1000/2002, lower end grados, other mid-class amps/sources.

Would be willing to exchange/trade any of the stuff I currently own.

I'm located in Lower Austira (just north of Vienna). Would pay shipping for the stuff NOT owned by me.

I'd be glad to hear from any1!

Thank you,
Roland