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Headphones with Best Overall Build Quality?

Mar 13, 2010 at 2:27 PM Post #31 of 47
modern headphones = beyer closed cans

vintage headphones = beyer or pioneer closed cans
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 3:18 PM Post #33 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by iponderous /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I'm not sure how durable it is but the quality of the materials used for the ATH-W5000 is superb and the fit and finish is flawless.


This is what I´m talking about... I don´t have the fear that my Audio-Technica´s would break apart in normal use, the design seems good. And, high-end headphones aren´t something you can sit on. They don´t need to be, because if you manage to break them with normal use, you probably deserve it because you´re some sort of an idiot. Or just careless an unlucky... =P

Well my point might have been that extreme durability doesn´t equal to high quality in the intended use.
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 3:28 PM Post #34 of 47
My top 5 from the headphones I have experience with...

1) Beyer DT-48 - Funky and vintage-looking, but almost indestructable. Parts all replacable.

2) Sony R-10 - Well built, nice materials, good strong feel. Looks grow on you...

3) From their looks, Beyer T-1 - (never actually seen one in person yet, provisional). Good quality in a form-follows-function way.

4) Sennheiser HD-800 - Strong and stable with a quality feel, they fit my head like a quality glove fits the hand. No thin bendable metal. A bit sci-fi looking, but OK.

5) Sony Qualia - Interesting looks, quality materials. Not quite as dead stable feeling as the above units, but impressive none the less.

Phone I wish was just a bit better built - Sony SA-5000

Phones I wish were more than a bit better built - Grados (except HP-1)

Uggleee to me - Ultrasone ED8, B & W P-5, Skull candy

Kevin
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 4:32 PM Post #35 of 47
Got to agree about the Grado quality everyone is bring up. I love my Alessandro MS1's dearly but I can't help but think if I drop them once or twice there might be some serious damage. My Beyer DT770 on the other hand I think I could use as a backup football for a game or two and come out just fine.
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 4:40 PM Post #36 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by fjrabon /img/forum/go_quote.gif
As long as well all agree that Grado and Sennheiser are the worst in this regard.


No, Bose is is #1 when it comes to building headbands that don't last.

The TRS plug on my audio-technica broke off inside my Headamp through normal usage. Thank you [AK]Zip for repairing.
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 4:48 PM Post #37 of 47
a question for the denon owners:
what's up with that tiny pin that attaches the cup to the headband? is it more durable than it looks? has anyone had problems with this?

AHD2000_Large_Short.jpg


i ask this because the denons are gorgeous cans, and are on my short list of headphones i'd simply love to own...
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 4:51 PM Post #38 of 47
It used to get loose and separate quite often before but I haven't heard of many people having this problem for a while. But still they look quite frail so dropping them on the floor 1 or 2x or sitting on them by mistake would probably break it
wink.gif
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 5:09 PM Post #39 of 47
My Beyer DT880/600ohm Manufaktur with carbon housing, leather headband, and aluminum ring take the cake for durability.

Next would be the D5000. They are more durable than they look. The pin that holds the cup to the headband seems plenty strong. And the finish is absolutely flawless.

I must be the only one who prefers the RS1i rough wood finish. I don't have to worry if I accidentally tap the cup with a fingernail like I do the Denons. There's something to be said about a coat of lacquer over lightly sanded wood. Durability isn't bad if your one to handle your gear with care.
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 5:36 PM Post #40 of 47
Sennheiser HD 800.

Best thorough design for durability and function. Definitely best fit of all cans with 1st class alcantara coushions . I have big ears - but there is no contact with the ears anywhere. All other cans make me nervous after an hour (pressure - ears, head).
Very good stock cabling, too.
 
Mar 13, 2010 at 5:41 PM Post #41 of 47
I think you are a bit late on the alcantara thing
smily_headphones1.gif
it seems that the models using this material were pre-production phones, the ones in production use microfiber now. But I agree that alcantara or not they are still the most comfortable cans I have.
 
Mar 20, 2010 at 5:44 PM Post #42 of 47
Quote:

Originally Posted by hawat /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I think you are a bit late on the alcantara thing
smily_headphones1.gif
it seems that the models using this material were pre-production phones, the ones in production use microfiber now. But I agree that alcantara or not they are still the most comfortable cans I have.


It looks and feels alcantara, says so in the documentation, Sennheiser says it is alcantara. Maybe they have microfibra model for US ??

I am not willing to cut a narrow stripe of it - only this would show if you are right - microfibra would desintegrate upon a small tension force (pulling the ends) .
But after all, also a quality microfibra would do the trick as well . Big deal !
Cheers
 
Oct 23, 2010 at 5:31 AM Post #43 of 47
-- Quality of materials
-- Fit and finish
-- Solidarity and good operation of moving parts, such as the headband size adjusters
-- Durability
 
! Beyerdynamic T1 Tesla !  
 
All beyer headphones get the highest rating by these criteria, but T1 are the kings of overall quality/durability .. 
 
Oct 23, 2010 at 5:58 AM Post #44 of 47
SA5000, T1, Ed8 all looks and feels awesome to me. Very solid too.
 
Oct 23, 2010 at 7:29 AM Post #45 of 47
German Maestro 8.35D Monitor. Good luck destroying this one
smily_headphones1.gif

 
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