Woody Care (Specifically ATH-W5000)

[xenithon]

Hi all. As the topic says - looking for any tips or tricks for caring for cans with wood cups, in particular the Audio Technica ATH-W5000. I believe they are treated at the factory...is there any need or benefit from "aftermarket" treatment, or any suggestions or guidelines for caring for them to keep them in prime condition?

Cheers,
X

 

[mikeymad]

I have the same interest. My w5k's are not that old so I have not had to perform any real upkeep to them. I don't think that I want to spray them down with 'old english' furnature polish or anything.

 

[Scotty757]

Larry (headphile.com) has a guide to caring for his woodies up on his site. Dont know if that also applies to the ATHs

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I've had them since March, and outside of not dropping them, and storing them in their box when not in use, I've done nothing special to keep them in good condition, and they still look great.

 

[purk]

Yep...caring for them is a pain. If you own one of the ATs woodies...scratch will likely to happen. It parts of owning them. I still remember woking up one morning and see my W2002 with several scuffs and nicks in the lacquer finished after I fell to sleep listening to them...it was a nightmare. My mistake costed me several hundreds buck to get them new cups.

 

[warubozu]

In regards to the W5000 and other AT woodies with similar wood finish, no extra care is really needed except may be a complete wipe down of the ear cups and earpads with a damp cloth every so often.

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warubozu In regards to the W5000 and other AT woodies with similar wood finish, no extra care is really needed except may be a complete wipe down of the ear cups and earpads with a damp cloth every so often.

Aaaahhhhh that can't be right, it is too easy. There should be some sort of 7 step process with various liquids and shammies. And if you get a step wrong it will ruin the phone for good.

 

[warubozu]

LOL, you're right. Owning something that beautiful can't be that easy.

 

[ironbut]

You should contact AT about care of the finish. Only they will know what type of lacquer they used on them. With some lacquers, you have to be real careful with water on it. I can cause checking that will lead to the finish failing. Also, do not expose them to extremes in temp.. If you transport them and they get very cold let them get back to room temp. slowly before playing them loudly. Most clear finishes are fluid and allow for some flexing, but cold can make them very brittle and they may shatter with loud low freq.. I work with fine wood finishes all the time and I try to adjust the product with the type of object I'm finishing so the customer doesn't have to worry about it. Hopefully, so does AT.