How come we do not have a Headphone Time-Share Program?

[milkpowder]

I would be willing to partake in this scheme, but really only with people who I trust. Like Duggeh said, geographic location matters a lot because shipping is expensive and the potential risk of import duties is very off-putting. There is also the hassle of having to pack stuff well. You'll be surprised how much packaging costs in the UK!

Realistically, I would only do this with UK-based Head-Fi'ers. I would feel comfortable temporarily trading gear with Duggeh, The-One, jules650, Afrikane and other members whom I've had good relationships with.

 

[Wmcmanus]

Shipping costs are one factor, and being able to trust the people within the group is another, but to me the biggest deterrant is that a lot of people just don't know how to handle expensive headphones! Or maybe they know, but for whatever reasons, don't think very carefully.

In any case, I've now seen it countless times at Head-Fi meets and it really makes me cringe. Perhaps it's the social element at play, but people get all excited about what they are hearing, and then simply plop down whatever pair they're taking off of their head so they can grab another pair to put on. Of course I still bring my headphones to meets, but nearly everytime I do, I end up asking myself if I need to have my head examined.

 

[spraggih]

Quote:

Originally Posted by norseman8485 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would not like to know that I'm sharing a set of headphones with nikongod...

I have now seen two quotes where Head-fiers reference nikongod and headphones in weird places - I have no idea of the history or whether this is in all fun.

 

[spraggih]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wmcmanus /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... In any case, I've now seen it countless times at Head-Fi meets and it really makes me cringe. Perhaps it's the social element at play, but people get all excited about what they are hearing, and then simply plop down whatever pair they're taking off of their head so they can grab another pair to put on. Of course I still bring my headphones to meets, but nearly everytime I do, I end up asking myself if I need to have my head examined.

There's a point to that - in our office building people leave food on the tables, break equipment (w/o even leaving a note) and other offenses. I guess we have to find a way to fix this part of it. May be like Rent-a-Car programs (not sure they are international) where they mark off what is wrong with the car (dents, etc) and it must be returned in the same fashion... or else.

 

[Dimitris]

Its a good idea but unfortunately I don't thing it would work for all the reasons mentioned above.

 

[cosmopragma]

There are a few members I personally know that borrow gear from me from time to time and vice versa.
I don't feel comfortable to share gear with anonymous members.Most reasons are already mentioned - potential fraud, bad treatment, insurability issues, procrastinating personalities .....
In the end for those that have some disposable income it's easier to purchase the gear (preferably used in good condition), keep it as long as you want and sell it without or with small loss in case you don't like it.
The risks are about the same, and you don't have to deal with complicated sharing schemes or kids that get nervous when something goes wrong.
Another option for gaining experience for those that live in a sprawl like me are mini meets (huge meets are way too noisy).
You don't have to be rich like Wayne ( I'm definitely not), this is a relatively affordable hobby.A few thousand $ are enough for experiencing any except some rare uberexpensive rigs.
In my view if you can't afford to purchase expensive gear you can't afford to borrow it either.What if it gets damaged while you are responsible for it? It doesn't have to be your fault, it might be damaged by EMP or a storm or visiting relatives .........

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spraggih /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any such chance of a program like that hitting off? The details might kill a program like this BUT if we team together and focus our energies and creativity on making the program come true then it could work. right?

With the headline, I was thinking you were going to try starting your own business....in the untouched sector of headphone time-shares: You know, like how they market time-shares. Send out mailings saying congratulations...you've won a free prize!!!! Now all you need to do is come hear our schpeel about how you want to give us your money for this lovely time-share

But granted, since headphones aren't nearly as valuable as property, the freebie gifts would be pretty cheap.

But on the serious side, I think having some whole Head-Fi program is way too complicated. You're currently free to contact members and arrange a headphone swap yourself. I've done it once with a Head-Fi member who was in my area. I might swap with people around the area, but I'm not willing to send out my headphones anywhere past the region of the country. Would never dream about sending them out to a different country.

 

[aphex944]

I could definitely lend out some of my headphones to people I trust.. mostly people that have been here awhile, have good feedback, and have a decent post count. But the thing is for me, it could only be 1-2 weeks at most. I've read about some people lending out their 'phones for over a month

For example, I'd definitely lend out my beloved DT 880s to someone like Davesrose. Even though we have highly contrasting tastes in headphones, I know he'd care for them like his HD 650s

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris /img/forum/go_quote.gif Its a good idea but unfortunately I don't thing it would work for all the reasons mentioned above.

I am with you on both points.
It sure is a great idea, especially for those of us living outside the US and have none or limited access to a local head-Fi meeting where we can listen to exotic gear.

But there are some issues that makes this less possible to go trough. Shipping costs, trust between the attendees (fraud, mistreating, ...), and probably more.

That said, I would like to attend the SR-Omega, HE90, HE60, R10 and K1000 programs.

 

[ken36]

This idea could easily grow legs. Put me down for the He90/HEV90.

 

[milkpowder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wmcmanus /img/forum/go_quote.gif ~snip~

Wayne, you have a good point. I have only been to one meet in my entire life and we handled each headphone with the utmost care whether it was a pair of KSC75 or Omega II.

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aphex944 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For example, I'd definitely lend out my beloved DT 880s to someone like Davesrose. Even though we have highly contrasting tastes in headphones, I know he'd care for them like his HD 650s

That's true....I am very good with caring for headphones: whether they are mine or anyone elses. But I wonder how we'd both feel if we did swap beloved headphones with one another: while we might gain a better appreciation of each other's headphones....more then likely, if it's a whole month, we'd also miss our "precious"

When I did my one swap, it was with a headphone that I cared the least amount for.

 

[Rempert]

Swapping headphones with another member for a few weeks/months to try out new headphones can work, but having one pair of headphones with numerous co-owners would be a disaster. Unless it is your only shot at getting an Orpheus or something, not worth the hassle and potential risks.

 

[Thelonious Monk]

i sure as hell wouldn't want to be responsible for blemishing a $1000+ headphone, even if it wasn't my fault. the possibility of accidents is too great, unless we also included Headphone Time-Share insurance i am sure other people would be too scared to do it based on "you break it, you buy it". i've never broken a headphone in my life besides some earbud that came apart by itself, but it could still happen, and i would be stuck with the bill.