[rsxboy]

Let's say one side of the headphones is not working. Usually the problem is with the jack and it needs to be replaced. but what if the actually cause is with the driver? how would I know that the voice coil is shorted out? Would it look burnt?

 

[GREQ]

Most headphones will never get enough electricity to even warm up slightly. So no, it won't look burnt. 

 

[squallkiercosa]

Well, which headphones are giving you problems? 

 

[rsxboy]

ATH M50s
 

 

[Kodhifi]

Get a $10 multimeter that measures ohms and continuity. Check the connector male plug to see if you can complete a circuit. If not pop out the driver and test again directly on the back. If no circuit, it's blown a voicecoil. If you get a circuit but the driver doesn't produce sound, it is likely damaged or the voicecoil has popped out of the center and may need to be carefully re-seated.
 
 
If you want to do the ghetto non voltmeter tests I used to use as a kid, replace the voltmeter with a 1.5volt battery. If you hold wires to either end of the battery and touch them to the driver, it should move.
 
Great tip btw to see if your speakers are in phase, they should move the same direction (out) when attatching + to +

 

[AkiTAKA]

one side is alot softer than the other and i felt the driver getting really hot before i realized that the sound got affected, any diagnosis?