Headphones - are they consumables?

[Dave2002]

A brand with an appalling reputation regarding parts is Bose. It is reported that not only will they ____ supply replacement parts, such as the tiny hex-keyed crews which hold the 'speakers' to the headband, they will not even reveal the specification of such parts so that third-party alternatives might be used. See, for instance, https://community.bose.com/t5/Headph...ent/td-p/60571 and https://community.bose.com/t5/Around.../208257/page/4

I think there's a "not" missing somewhere in there, or you are more approving of the products discussed than I divined.

[Richard Barrett]

It's heartening to see how so many people hang on to their headphones for many years; to me they become familiar old friends. I have done a bit of replacing now and then but only in the direction of upgrading, and these days I have two on the go, the aforementioned Beyers and (my last purchase before that) my Sony noise-reducing pair, which are more or less only used for travelling, so they've been sitting untouched in their case for quite a while. I won't be discarding the AKGs though, also I have a few earbuds stored away and indeed a pair of 414s which would probably be serviceable if they had new pads.

[LHC]

I have a pair of Sennheiser 520s, which are still going strong, having had the leather pads replaced. I also have some B&W P3s which I used when I was still commuting. I think I may also have some 414s somewhere, but I think the foam pads have completely perished.

[Bert]

It's heartening to see how so many people hang on to their headphones for many years; to me they become familiar old friends. I have done a bit of replacing now and then but only in the direction of upgrading, and these days I have two on the go, the aforementioned Beyers and (my last purchase before that) my Sony noise-reducing pair, which are more or less only used for travelling, so they've been sitting untouched in their case for quite a while. I won't be discarding the AKGs though, also I have a few earbuds stored away and indeed a pair of 414s which would probably be serviceable if they had new pads.

Richard, which Beyerdynamic headphones did you buy? I recently acquired DT-1990. Couldn't work out how to change the pads that came fitted. Wanted to punch walls. Went on YouTube and found a 'How to' video and changed them both in a total of 25 seconds!

Dave 2002, I'm sure this will work in your case too.

[Richard Barrett]

I recently acquired DT-1990. Couldn't work out how to change the pads that came fitted. Wanted to punch walls. Went on YouTube and found a 'How to' video and changed them both in a total of 25 seconds!

Snap!

The sound is absolutely spectacular though, don't you think? Certainly the best I've ever had.

[Bryn]

I think there's a "not" missing somewhere in there, or you are more approving of the products discussed than I divined.

Oops!

[Bert]

Snap!

The sound is absolutely spectacular though, don't you think? Certainly the best I've ever had.

I've had them since October. They are superb. Even better (just) than my beloved AKG 702! I would recommend them without reservation to anyone looking for a moderately priced set of over-ear open-back headphones.

[Lordgeous]

I have a pair of Sennheiser 520s, which are still going strong, having had the leather pads replaced. I also have some B&W P3s which I used when I was still commuting. I think I may also have some 414s somewhere, but I think the foam pads have completely perished.

Pads still available according to the Sennheiser website. (Do let me know if you ever consider getting rid of your 414s.....)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

A brand with an appalling reputation regarding parts is Bose. It is reported that not only will they not supply replacement parts, such as the tiny hex-keyed crews which hold the 'speakers' to the headband, they will not even reveal the specification of such parts so that third-party alternatives might be used. See, for instance, https://community.bose.com/t5/Headph...ent/td-p/60571 and https://community.bose.com/t5/Around.../208257/page/4

I wonder whether Bose might be brought to book by forthcoming legislation re replacement parts for consumer products?

They (Bose) really are a despicable bunch. The rechargeable batteries in their nose-cancelling headphones are not replaceable. They just suggest you buy another set when the batteries are worn out.

[johnb]

I've had them since October. They are superb. Even better (just) than my beloved AKG 702! I would recommend them without reservation to anyone looking for a moderately priced set of over-ear open-back headphones.

Interesting.

I've just been reading some user comments, comparing them to the Sennheiser HD600s that I have. Common sentiment seems to be that the DT-1990 are very bright, i.e. they have a treble peak. Do you find that to be the case?

[Bert]

Interesting.

I've just been reading some user comments, comparing them to the Sennheiser HD600s that I have. Common sentiment seems to be that the DT-1990 are very bright, i.e. they have a treble peak. Do you find that to be the case?

No

[Bryn]

They (Bose) really are a despicable bunch. The rechargeable batteries in their nose-cancelling headphones are not replaceable. They just suggest you buy another set when the batteries are worn out.

There are, however, third-party DIY tuition videos on Youtube, IIRC. The earlier QC25 model used a single AAA cell which was easily changed.

[Richard Barrett]

I've just been reading some user comments, comparing them to the Sennheiser HD600s that I have. Common sentiment seems to be that the DT-1990 are very bright, i.e. they have a treble peak. Do you find that to be the case?

Not at all, although I didn't make a direct comparison between the two. The sound seems very "natural" to me, specifically when listening to things I mastered myself.

[gurnemanz]

Many years ago I had a decent pair of mid-range Sennheiser phones. I've forgotten which model. One day I discovered they were consumable in a particular way when our daughter's pet rabbit, which was sometimes allowed to roam free in the living room, gnawed through the cable, rendering them useless.

[Dave2002]

Many years ago I had a decent pair of mid-range Sennheiser phones. I've forgotten which model. One day I discovered they were consumable in a particular way when our daughter's pet rabbit, which was sometimes allowed to roam free in the living room, gnawed through the cable, rendering them useless.

We had similar experience with the corners of some loudspeakers which were nibbled by a pet rabbit. The speakers still worked, but they didn't look quite the same afterwards. Cables can usually be fixed - if you have the time and patience, but many of us don't have one or both.