MP3 players: Wiring problems with headphones- are all headphones subject?
Wiring problems with headphones- are all headphones subject?
by Cocoagirl - 6/10/08 7:44 AMHello,
My V-moda bass headphones ($40 from J&R World) have stopped working again. I bought my first pair June, 07, after about 6 months the left ear gave out so I sent them to VModa, they sent me a new pair. Well the new pair has given out after only 3 months. I have read on the reviews here on Cnet about this issue happening with Sony's, Sennheiser's, etc. Is this a problem with just in ear headphones or does cheap wiring lead to problems in over-ear and other headphone types? I am wondering if I should just scrap the in ear model and get semi-open like the newly reviewed Koss Porta Pro's or another style? I.E. will this happen with any headphone style and any price range?
Some info that MAY help
by theonlybuster - 6/10/08 8:41 AM In reply to: Wiring problems with headphones- are all headphones subject? by CocoagirlI don't know much about the earphones you're talking about, in face I've never heard of the brand before, but I'm a big fan of in-ear headphones and the wiring problem usually happens when you pull on the wiring of the headphones. When I do run into similar problems with earphones and headphones I just open them, and re-solder the wires back to the respected connecting pieces.
But you really shouldn't have that problem with earphones retailing over $30 unless someone is pulling on the wires.
That's the thing, I thought it was my fault last time so..
by Cocoagirl - 6/10/08 9:17 AM In reply to: Some info that MAY help by theonlybusterI was extra careful making sure I didn't pull on the wires, yet it happened again. I have read many complaints on cnet and other forums stating that the wiring used in these headphones as well as others are very cheap and that many of the manufacturers know that the wiring is cheap in their products. I will see if they will send me another pair but I don't want to go down this road every 4 months. Wondering if there is a brand or type of headphone that is just overall made better?
Never had V-Modas
by ktreb - 6/10/08 7:24 PM In reply to: Wiring problems with headphones- are all headphones subject? by CocoagirlBut I've used some cheap earbuds. I used the iPod pack-ins for a couple of years and I never had a problem. I would wrap them around my iPod, but never with them plugged in. I've stopped using them not because they broke but because I wanted more noise isolation. So now I now switch off between Shure e2cs and Skullcandy Smokin' buds, which are both in-ear. The latter pair I use most of the time because they provide just enough isolation for me and they're cheap ($15). If I lose or break them, no big deal. I've had them since last October. I've pulled/yanked on them and wrapped them around my player (also unplugged when not in use). I haven't had any problems.
I like my e2cs, but they were a little pricey at the time ($100, but you could spend a lot more on other models). They have nice, thick cables. But I kept feeling the need to put them back in their included case every time I finished listening. That was a little too high maintenance for me, so I kept going back to the Skullcandys. And I bought 3 more pairs when I saw them for sale on Black Friday and they're still in their packages. Now I'm not suggesting that you buy Skullcandys. They may not provide the sound quality that you need. Some people think they're junk and I'm not the audiophile to argue with that.
I also have the shure e2c's...
by per89son - 6/10/08 8:40 PM In reply to: Never had V-Modas by ktrebi guess I'm mean to my headphones because i wrap my headphones around my mp3 player all the time and it doesn't seem to affect them.
good to know
by ktreb - 6/10/08 8:49 PM In reply to: I also have the shure e2c's... by per89sonMaybe I'll start breaking them out more often.
Different phones, different problems.
by fbbbb - 6/11/08 2:14 AM In reply to: Wiring problems with headphones- are all headphones subject? by CocoagirlThe V-Modas are becoming quite notorious for broken cables. Combination of design and production. Sony's in-ear cable sheath's have a habit of sliding down the cable, exposing contacts and eventually leading to damage. The Senneheiser-style design seems to offer up the least problems for this type of phone, but ultimately it is a fairly flimsy cable.
Shure's E2c's have a nice thick cable but a different problem with their cable and the way you wear them, in that constant direct skin contact causes the nylon cable sheath to absorb moisture from the skin and become brittle over time. With heavy users this will become readily apparent during the warranty period, with light users it may become a problem just after the warranty has expired.
Others like Ultimate Ears acknowledge that discreet cables are flimsy and they provide replaceable cables. But ultimately, even if you go for a non-VModa, you have to appreciate that you can't Tarzan around with lightweight, low-cost earphones. You just have to treat them reasonably carefully.
If you're rough on your phones, I suggest the Sennheiser HD25-1 headphones. Fully rebuildable, *steel* cable, solid 2-year warranty and a very decent sound to boot - The choice of many DJ's at a shade under $200. If you don't mind open phones and have a significantly smaller budget, Koss do a lifetime warranty on their wares... but I wouldn't recommend open phones for traveling.
Thanks everyone for the great feedback! Well..
by Cocoagirl - 6/12/08 8:01 AM In reply to: Different phones, different problems. by fbbbbI am not trying to pay more than $60 for some headphones, and with that in mind I guess I have to just be aware of keeping them protected when not in use..I just need a good pair, with a good bass that are reliable so the search continues! thanks again all.
Good <> cheap.
by fbbbb - 6/12/08 11:52 AM In reply to: Thanks everyone for the great feedback! Well.. by CocoagirlThe Sennheiser in-ears seems to be the most logical choice through the reasonably low cost and the long warranty.
V-Moda just responded to my email
by Cocoagirl - 6/12/08 12:08 PM In reply to: Good <> cheap. by fbbbbAnd said that I can send the defective pair back again and they will send me out a new pair (though I don't see why I must go through the hassle of sending them in). So I guess I will do that and maybe get another pair too for backup. Wonder how many years they will let me keep sending back a defective pair..I'm sure I'll find out, hehe..
I'm happy with the Audio Technica
by vidal_mejias - 6/16/08 9:36 PM In reply to: V-Moda just responded to my email by CocoagirlI have been using the Audio Technica In-ear and headphones for years and they have a decent headphone cable and build quality. I don't have any problem with cable.
Here is my list of AT phones with good experience. I'll recommend them
Audio-Technica ATH-A900Ti
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ5
Audio-Technica ATH-CK7
Audio-Technica ATH-CKM50
Mine's broke, too
by tenhatco - 6/19/08 4:16 PM In reply to: I'm happy with the Audio Technica by vidal_mejiasYep, the sound started cutting out on one side. Thank you for suggesting I turn it in to get another: I'll call them and do that.
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