Few months I am looking for an IEM to buy. The problem is everytime I come up with a decision, I end of finding a lot of negative reviews with complains about build quality. So my question is, regardless of sonic specification, which brand makes the most durable IEM?
If I want to spend 300$ dollars on an IEM, I expect them last at least 5 years. is it too much!?
To be fair, a lot of customers on Amazon are completely clueless when it comes to caring for their stuff. I used a SE215 for 3 years and I never encountered any of the "common" complaints (nozzle snapping, cable breaking, MMCX connectors cutting out audio).
As for most durable IEM... It's hard to say. MMCX and 2-pin connectors (and drivers) fail eventually, and a more durable shell may also be heavier. I think it's more important to buy from a brand that has good customer service and has reasonable warranty terms for their products.
To be fair, a lot of customers on Amazon are completely clueless when it comes to caring for their stuff. I used a SE215 for 3 years and I never encountered any of the "common" complaints (nozzle snapping, cable breaking, MMCX connectors cutting out audio).
As for most durable IEM... It's hard to say. MMCX and 2-pin connectors (and drivers) fail eventually, and a more durable shell may also be heavier. I think it's more important to buy from a brand that has good customer service and has reasonable warranty terms for their products.
Jumping in late. I have the SE535. Bought them after the initial release (~2010). Except for swapping out the cable every few years (three so far), they have held up remarkably well. I use them while traveling when I can't bring my full-sized headphones and for running. Cleaning and care are important, but by doing so they will last forever.
My nephew is looking for an inexpensive pair (he's a harder runner than I am). Looking to recommend the SE215.
Yes, I do think it's not quite reasonable. At best you maybe have a 50/50 shot. Ignore reviews, especially Amazon. IEMs need to be treated fairly kindly. For lots of movement/activity id recommend mmcx termination. If you plan to take the cables off and put them back in a lot, 2 pin is better.
Well I have 3 pairs of westones, and the westone UM1, which I purchased for stage monitoring 15 years ago, is still going strong today. It has a non detachable cable and I didn't particularly take very good care of it and just stuffed it into pockets and bags without casing sometimes.
Strangely, my 2 newer westones (westone W30 and westone 3) had cable issues within 2 years of purchase, and generally cables are the first point of failure for my IEMs IMHO. Unfortunately the westone 3 has a non detachable cable and I couldn't salvage it, whereas the westone W30 had a detachable one, so no biggie with just swapping a cable. And these 2 newer westones, I babied them and put them in pelican hard cases whenever I travelled, so I'm not sure how come the cable failed so easily.
I had a bunch of other budget cheap CHIFI IEMs that I have used for 3 years+ without particular great care taken, and they are still working, so from now on, I'm only gonna buy detachable cable headphones and IEMs.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
