[ProjectDenz]

I have a 11+ year old Sennheiser HD580 in my possession. I have recently had to replace bits and pieces like pads and bought an extra cable in hope that it will last many more years, but I have no idea how long a headphone driver will last.
 
Assuming that the headphone has been reasonably taken care of, how long would you expect a headphone driver to last for? I've never heard of anybody with a HD580 from all the way back 1993 when it first came out, now that would be something.

 

[bbophead]

I have Senn HD-414 Signature, honoring the 70's version.  I got it in the 80's sometime.  Only replaced the pads a couple of times.

 

[MalVeauX]

Quote:

I have a 11+ year old Sennheiser HD580 in my possession. I have recently had to replace bits and pieces like pads and bought an extra cable in hope that it will last many more years, but I have no idea how long a headphone driver will last.
 
Assuming that the headphone has been reasonably taken care of, how long would you expect a headphone driver to last for? I've never heard of anybody with a HD580 from all the way back 1993 when it first came out, now that would be something.

 
Heya,
 
My HD580 is that old. The drivers are perfectly fine. I replaced my pads/cord. If you take care of it and keep hair out of it periodically, it will last a life time basically unless it was already defective. But defective units show right away. A 10+ year unit has no defects obviously.
 
There are plenty of 30+ year old vintage headphones around still working. Just keep them indoors, and take care of them. They will last.
 
Very best,

 

[ProjectDenz]

Awesome stuff, here's hoping that they last many more decades!

 

[fotoralf]

My AKG K240 (the original 600 ohm version) must be almost 40 years old now. They've accompanied me through good and bad days and at an age where I used to listen to rather hefty stuff at levels far beyond what I'd tolerate nowadays. I've had to replace the cable once because I had rolled over it with my desk chair a few hundred times too often and the plastic headband as well as the ear cushions.
 
But the drivers are still original and they still sound fine.
 
Ralf