[chud]

I just bought a new used pair of MS2i's and I was just curious how long these things could last. I know there are plenty of vintage headphones out there that are ten or twenty years old.

Is there anything I need to be doing to them regularly besides not dropping them? Cleaning maybe?

 

[ericj]

It's better than that - there are still many 1969 HD414's out there still working.

Given reasonably good manufacturing practices, there's no evidence that a high quality headphone can't outlive you.

Pads may disintegrate and cables may go stiff, but these can be replaced.

Do not physically abuse them.

Do not keep them in a place that is too hot.

Do not keep them in a place that is too damp.

Do not keep them in a place that is too chemically ractive (like downwind of a paper factory, on the beach, etc).

Do not immerse them in vats of sticky liquids.

I could go on, but, that really covers the basics.

 

[pdupiano]

a headphone stand and wipe them down with a damp cloth every once in a while (thats what grado told me with their alluminum cups). and maybe a mesh cover to keep the dust out of the grado mesh

 

[appophylite]

Take care of your headphones, and they will last for a long time. Treat them like crap, and they'll shut down immediately. My sister wonders how I'm still on only my first pair of KSC-75s and she's burned through 5 in 3 years...

 

[chud]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericj Do not keep them in a place that is too chemically ractive (like downwind of a paper factory, on the beach, etc).

CRAP! NOW you tell me!

Thanks everyone. I always take care of all of my things, I was just wondering if there was some above and beyond precautions to take.

 

[mrarroyo]

Also do not keep them in direct sunlight, make sure they are in a box if you have pets (dogs or cats) or kids.

 

[Benaiir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also do not keep them in direct sunlight, make sure they are in a box if you have pets (dogs or cats) or kids.

What's wrong with kids.

 

[roadtonowhere08]

All of the soft parts (leather, foam, some cable sheaths, etc.) will eventually wear out, but the transducers themselves, if taken care of, should last longer than you. There are no spiders or surrounds like in speakers; the membrane is just high quality pressed plastic as far as I understand it. The voice coil and the wires should last just as long if care is taken.

 

[roadtonowhere08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benaiir /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's wrong with kids.

What isn't?

 

[krmathis]

40-50 years if not more. If taken well cared off that is...
I have had pairs which were 30+ years old (~1974) and still going strong.

 

[Cianyx]

Do not eat the headphones

 

[donunus]

thats a weird avatar Cianyx

 

[Cianyx]

Note that it does not reflect my sexual preference in any way

 

[donunus]

hahahahaha

 

[moogoob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericj /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's better than that - there are still many 1969 HD414's out there still working. Given reasonably good manufacturing practices, there's no evidence that a high quality headphone can't outlive you. Pads may disintegrate and cables may go stiff, but these can be replaced. Do not physically abuse them. Do not keep them in a place that is too hot. Do not keep them in a place that is too damp. Do not keep them in a place that is too chemically ractive (like downwind of a paper factory, on the beach, etc). Do not immerse them in vats of sticky liquids. I could go on, but, that really covers the basics.

Pretty much all there is to it. I don't bother with dust covers or any of that junk. My phones hang on my bed's headboard when I'm not using 'em, and go on my head when I am. That's all. I don't pet them, or feed them, or take them to the groomer's, or to walks in the park... well... my SR80s frequently go on walks with me, but they are the exception.