My headphones asplode!

[minecrawler]

Could anyone help me with a problem?

I have a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 2 or something like that and the left earcup was doing something wierd for a few months. If I lightly depress the cup and let go in a fast manner, it would make a 'woobity woobity woobity' sound. Sorta like when you take a large piece of sturdy cardboard and try to make thunder sounds with it- except higher pitched.

Anyway, just today it would periodically go out unless I messed with the earcup a few times, and it would work for a few seconds. Of course, a few times at this and the situation has gotten worse.

As it stands, the left earcup does not work at all.

I was thinking of sending it back because it's still under warranty, but I'm pretty sure it won't stand because I've dropped it a few times (with the marks to prove it), and I'm almost certain they won't take it back because I've opened it up in an attempt at fixing them, lol.

I've searched around the forums and I can see Bose is not loved too much. If anyone could see past their burning hatred and give me some insight onto this problem or direct me in the right direction (other than the Bose manual or website, as they were both NO help), I would appreciate it

EDIT: Oh yeah, I'm pretty certain that it's not a dirty port or something because I tested it with my computer, my MP3 player and 2 CD players with the same result. Although, it could be the wire that goes into the left cup.

Also- the default smiley guy has headphones- awesome!

 

[cetoole]

Well, if you can open it up and take pics, since you dont want to RMA, we might be able to see the problem. Are you any good with a soldering iron? It could be that a wire came loose, which wouldn't be that hard to fix. Also, I don't know how Bose is about service (don't have any

), but I know some companies will fix stuff for a price that isn't under warrantee, so worth a shot. Who knows, maybe they will even fix them for you for free under the warantee. Also, welcome to headfi, sorry about your wallet.

 

[NeoteriX]

I don't have the Bose, but I had a set of Aiwa Noise cancelling headphones that eventually went bad. It sounds similar to what I had. I think it sounds like something in the noise cancelling circuit has gone awry. Maybe you can check to see if the wiring to the microphone is ok or if there is any visible damage to the circutry. Maybe there was a static zap or something.

 

[Cyclone]

Welcome to Head-Fi, sorry about your wallet (headphones in this case)

You should view this as a sign, more than anything, to upgrade your headphones!

 

[catscratch]

It is possible that the sound coming out of the noise-cancelling circuit is no longer directly out of phase with external noise, and you're no longer getting destructive interference. It could be a problem with the mic that picks up external noise. Does the problem persist when you turn noise-cancelling off?

If not, then it could be a bad cable.

Unfortunately, Bose don't have a reputation for reliability. I would chance their customer support. If you ever want to replace them with something better (and less expensive), we'd be happy to give you some pointers

*cough* ER-4P *cough*

 

[minecrawler]

Wow, thanks for the replies. I thought this would shoot to the bottom and never be seen again, heh.

I'll try to get to as many points as I can...
Quote:

Well, if you can open it up and take pics, since you dont want to RMA, we might be able to see the problem. Are you any good with a soldering iron? It could be that a wire came loose, which wouldn't be that hard to fix.

I'll try and see if I can borrow someone's digital camera, but I'm not sure exactly what to look for other than loose wires or other abnormalities. Also, soldering is no problem if I can just find my tools

Quote:

It sounds similar to what I had. I think it sounds like something in the noise cancelling circuit has gone awry.

Quote:

It is possible that the sound coming out of the noise-cancelling circuit is no longer directly out of phase with external noise, and you're no longer getting destructive interference. It could be a problem with the mic that picks up external noise. Does the problem persist when you turn noise-cancelling off?

This makes sense, actually. A LOT of sense. When I turn the noise cancellation on (which, unfortunately, is the only way to turn them on, period), the right side sounds dampened while the other side feels more 'open'.
Quote:

You should view this as a sign, more than anything, to upgrade your headphones!

Quote:

f you ever want to replace them with something better (and less expensive), we'd be happy to give you some pointers *cough* ER-4P *cough*

Heh, from what I hear, people are not that impressed with the sound on these headphones. I find that simply amazing, since I used to use a pair of Aiwa HP-CN6 (which I'm currently using as a temporary pair) before I 'upgraded' to Bose, and I thought these Quiet Comfort 'phones were the best thing ever.

But, seeing as how there seems to be other ones with even better sound, I think I should shop around. I would, at least, like to fix these up and give them to someone instead of letting them go to waste.

Thanks for the help, everyone. I'll try to get some pics and look around more to see if I can find any weird wires or anything else. The only thing strange to me, is a thin plastic mold around the magnet and some other stuff. When I press and depress the earcups, it sounds like this thing is somehow crumpling up.

 

[catscratch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by minecrawler ... I thought these Quiet Comfort 'phones were the best thing ever ...

Oh boy, do you have some pleasant surprises in store! It gets better. A lot better. Of course, it also can cost a whole lot more, but you get what you pay for - except with Bose, that is.

Active noise reduction is a great idea in theory, but it doesn't work for audiophile-quality gear. The noise cancellation circuit interferes with the acoustic purity of the sound. Passive isolation, as demonstrated by canalphones, offers superior noise reduction, and thanks to armature drivers, better sound quality in a tiny, practical earphone. You'd be surprised at what canalphones are capable of. And if you want a full-size pair of open cans, well, wait till you hear a pair of electrostatic headphones. Enough said

Anyway, that's for another day... good luck fixing your headphones.

The one great thing about Bose is how in-demand they are. I'm sure that, once you get them fixed, you'll be able to sell them at only a slight loss if you decide to upgrade.

 

[Svperstar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by minecrawler But, seeing as how there seems to be other ones with even better sound, I think I should shop around.

Let me jump in real fast, I am pretty new to the whole headphone scene also, and I debated for a while which headphones to get, came down to a few things.

1)Sennheiser is the standard most seem to judge by with the HD650 having a large following. However many say they are "dark" and boring

2)Grado is in second place, with Sony very close behind and the others trailing. However some find them painful to listen too and they are too "bright"

I was interested in the high end Sennheiser sound, but I didn't want to pay $300+ for the 650s, the Grados seem to be either love/hate so was a big risk.

Then I read about the Sennheiser 595s, I read some people perfer them to the 650s with certain music, and they had just been reissued in 50 ohm meaning they are very efficent. They are also "brighter" than the other Sennheisers. Seems to be a good medium between bright Grados and dark Senns.

Best of all I found an ebay store selling them for $180 with shipping. So I got them and I am very happy with them, they sound great, so much more to my favorite music that I never realized.

I have been thinking about upgrading, not because I don't like the 595s, but because I am curious how the new Sony SA5000s sound.

So yeah I think the 595s would be a safe choice for you

 

[minecrawler]

Okay, no dice on the digital cameras so no pics, sorry

I opened them up again (both sides) and compared the two. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and no wires were loose.

I did, however, test the cord that attaches to the left earcup and to your audio device. I used it as a line-in cord, recorded some sample music from my computer to my MP3 player and tested it out: It only played back on one side o_O

The cord that comes with it COULD be the problem, and I should at least look at a replacement for it. I don't have a second line-in wire I could test against, though, so it may be futile.

Either way, I am going to start doing some research on a new pair.

catscratch, Svperstar- I'll look into those technologies/headphones, thanks