[xatlx]

This morning when i was bringing my cloth back from the laundry and i found out that one of my buds was in the washer and the dryer Model number: MDR-AS40EX, its a sony bud. i was testing to see if its still works and it surprise me, let me explain.
 
Model number: MDR-AS40EX
Bass was very un-control (booming )
Treble was very low
 
the SQ from these headphone were bad... very bad....
 
HOWEVER after all that happen i listen to them again and they are a world of difference.
 
Model number: MDR-AS40EX (after wash/dry machine)
Bass was up to par with my Mile Davis - Tribute
Treble was forward like my TF10
 
Overall the these buds SQ changed so dramatically, i was surprised
 
Anyone have an explaination to this ?

 

[vanillasnake21]

That definitely is weird, but I would explain it by the fact that in most headphones the vibrating membrane is made out of a particular density of cellophane. Since cellophane is basically very thin plastic, it is subjective to heat and to a lesser extent to moisture/pressure. I believe if the heat was applied to it, then the membrane would "melt" or soften a bit, and become less taught. That would most likely reduce the treble and increase bass (because the membrane is less taut it can vibrate slower, resonating more of the base frequencies, and less of the treble). When you let it dry it might shrink back to normal due to the material's intrinsic memory (therefore giving back almost same sound except geared slightly towards the bassy side, which most people prefer thus making them sound "better" (within the same tone range only shifted). Or maybe not, who knows

 

[xatlx]

Quote:

That definitely is weird, but I would explain it by the fact that in most headphones the vibrating membrane is made out of a particular density of cellophane. Since cellophane is basically very thin plastic, it is subjective to heat and to a lesser extent to moisture/pressure. I believe if the heat was applied to it, then the membrane would "melt" or soften a bit, and become less taught. That would most likely reduce the treble and increase bass (because the membrane is less taut it can vibrate slower, resonating more of the base frequencies, and less of the treble). When you let it dry it might shrink back to normal due to the material's intrinsic memory (therefore giving back almost same sound except geared slightly towards the bassy side, which most people prefer thus making them sound "better" (within the same tone range only shifted). Or maybe not, who knows

 
You sir expanded my knowledge

 

[eke2k6]

Wow. I'm about to throw all my crappy phones into the washer

 

[xatlx]

Quote:

Wow. I'm about to throw all my crappy phones into the washer

Haha lets get more people to do it so my theory can become a "law"

 

[Angelopsaro]

It happened to me as well. it was a long time ago but i remember that sound at least didnt sound worst and the treble was crispier.

 

[psygeist]

File a patent first.

 

[nikp]

Quote:

File a patent first.

Then sell them to Dr Dre.
 

 

[eke2k6]

To be clear, what kind of detergent did you use? Was any fabric softener involved? Was it hot or cold wash? Delicates?

 

[xatlx]

Quote:

To be clear, what kind of detergent did you use? Was any fabric softener involved? Was it hot or cold wash? Delicates?

Normal "Tide detergent" hot wash, High heat for drying

 

[xatlx]

Quote:

It happened to me as well. it was a long time ago but i remember that sound at least didnt sound worst and the treble was crispier.

^^^^^^ PROOF i wasnt lieing

 

[Watagump]

I would think washing the headphones would produce a much CLEANER sound.

 

[eke2k6]

Quote:

I would think washing the headphones would produce a much CLEANER sound.

pa dum chhh

 

[Redcarmoose]

 

[Angelopsaro]

HAHAHAHAHA xD