Update & Warning
One driver got damaged, NOT BY ANYTHING I DID!
Warning first
the diaphragm of HIFIMAN headphones can get seriously damaged, deformed even stuck to the magnets if the headphone is pushed with earcups against a flat surface, such as a table (my case) or for example, a speaker stand.
There is no air escape outlet for safety.
The earcups can trap air, a sudden press, the air has no where to go, it
pushes the diaphragm to the magnets by a sizable force.
This alone can deform and distort the membrane, even cause tears and open circuit.
To my horror the metal foil is stuck-on the thin membrane using adhesive, some of that adhesive was still on the membrane, it caused my membrane to stick to the magnet assembly permanently. That driver was as good as dead.
The update and HIFIMAN response
I made the mistake of dismantling the driver to investigate, thereby voiding my warranty - I knew that anyway.
- I contacted HIFIMAN to see if I could buy a diaphragm. I explained how the problem had occured and included pictures. Saying there is no point in shipping the whole thing back to China.
- They said NO no diaphragm, but perhaps they could repair..
- I emailed again, asking if I could buy a whole driver.
- They said NO, no spare parts, but asked me if I re-consider sending the whole thing for repair, but offered $19 discount if I purchased a whole new pair.
- I emailed again, to get a price on repair if I shipped the whole thing back to China.
- They said Not really, reason being the cost of shipping to and from China + repair cost would be not worth it!
- I emailed back, asking them if they were serious! no after sales service, as it wouldn't be ecconomical?
- They came back saying the driver must be replaced and it will cost $129 (suddenly they found spare parts) but doubled down that adding cost of shipping to and from (& this time) import duties, I should re consider and accept the $19 discount.
What message is there?
Obviously parts are available, but HIFIMAN won't sell them, do their best to pursuade you to buy whole new headphone.
They not only won't help or facilitate service, they sabotage it. (By not sending parts out)
Additionally
HIFIMAN have no service centre in the whole of Europe!
If You buy from HIFIMAN and you don't have warranty, should something go wrong, you have a fancy door-stop! Forgive me, if
HIFIMAN had a stellar reputation for quality control then I could have overlooked this, but we all have heard stories about their quality control , they
do have a reputation.
Is it just me? don't think so,
see this.
Knowing the above, should I buy from them again? and use my $19 discount ....
.