Headphone Help

LikuLiku I, am the Somberlain. Join Date: 2003-01-10 Member: 12128Members
<div class="IPBDescription">The sound's starting to cut.</div>This always happens to every pair of headphones I buy, after a couple months of use the sound will cut at times and it becomes very frequent. Finally, the headphones just fail. I tend to notice that the sound cuts if the wire is in a certain position.

I've taken good care of this pair but it's starting to happen, but I don't know why. I haven't tugged on the wire at all(And I think that was the reason for most of the other destroyed pairs) but I have them on all the time unless no one's home. Could the constant use cause them to wear down?

Anyone experience the same ish and fix it?

Comments

  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Generally takes me a year to do that, but yah, what you have is the wire getting split (or the solder points getting pulled apart). It almost always seems to happen right at where the wire runs into the headphones (thus you can't just cut and splice the wire over the bad part).

    I THINK the problem simply comes from the wire hanging down. The only connection is the spot where the wire feeds into the speakers, instead of having the outer casing of the wire attached to something (so that the internals always have slack). What I would suggest is attaching the wire to the headphones in another way so that there is some slack up at the top.

    If it has already started happening you could try cracking open the headphones and splicing/resoldering the wire.
  • PetcoPetco Join Date: 2003-07-27 Member: 18478Members, Constellation
    It happens more often/quicker with headsets that have volume control tabs. Generally, it happens to all wired headphones/headsets.

    Try saving up for a wireless headset or headphone.


    You can also simply buy the headphone/headset and buy a warranty for it, bestbuy sells 2 year warranty for headphones/headsets for example.
  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    happens to me too <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> and I've tried wireless headphones but I don't have the patience to remember to plug em in every night...
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1617257:date=Mar 27 2007, 09:48 AM:name=Petco)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Petco @ Mar 27 2007, 09:48 AM) [snapback]1617257[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    It happens more often/quicker with headsets that have volume control tabs. Generally, it happens to all wired headphones/headsets.

    Try saving up for a wireless headset or headphone.
    You can also simply buy the headphone/headset and buy a warranty for it, bestbuy sells 2 year warranty for headphones/headsets for example.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    blech on warranties.

    On some one who used to sell them I can tell you they are a scam, make sure you read all the fine print and know exactly how they work (replace? repair? limited number of times? etc)

    I generally don't care, I jsut buy $20 headsets every year or 2 (Plantronics Audio 90s or what ever the new name of them is)
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    Say what <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/confused-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="???" border="0" alt="confused-fix.gif" /> And this is even a common problem among you folks?

    I have a Senheisser HD555 close too 2 years now and this isn't even an issue, I also don't take care of it since it has fallen about 3 times now (tugging on the wire). My previous Headphone was a wireless one, which was fun but it's batteries leaked after about 2 years effectively killing the headphone. Besides this Senheisser its sound quality outclasses that previous one by about a miljon +124

    Anyway my 555 is still going strong. You guys don't go out and use it for a bungee now do ya? <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • RoverRover blargh Join Date: 2003-09-23 Member: 21139Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1617330:date=Mar 28 2007, 12:52 AM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kouji_San @ Mar 28 2007, 12:52 AM) [snapback]1617330[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Say what <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/confused-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="???" border="0" alt="confused-fix.gif" /> And this is even a common problem among you folks?

    I have a Senheisser HD555 close too 2 years now and this isn't even an issue, I also don't take care of it since it has fallen about 3 times now (tugging on the wire). My previous Headphone was a wireless one, which was fun but it's batteries leaked after about 2 years effectively killing the headphone. Besides this Senheisser its sound quality outclasses that previous one by about a miljon +124

    Anyway my 555 is still going strong. You guys don't go out and use it for a bungee now do ya? <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <i>only</i> three times? o_O
  • MantridMantrid Lockpick Join Date: 2003-12-07 Member: 24109Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1617330:date=Mar 27 2007, 03:52 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kouji_San @ Mar 27 2007, 03:52 PM) [snapback]1617330[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Say what <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/confused-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="???" border="0" alt="confused-fix.gif" /> And this is even a common problem among you folks?

    I have a Senheisser HD555 close too 2 years now and this isn't even an issue, I also don't take care of it since it has fallen about 3 times now (tugging on the wire). My previous Headphone was a wireless one, which was fun but it's batteries leaked after about 2 years effectively killing the headphone. Besides this Senheisser its sound quality outclasses that previous one by about a miljon +124

    Anyway my 555 is still going strong. You guys don't go out and use it for a bungee now do ya? <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    Yeah, see, if you know the name and model of your headphones, you probably aren't buying them in the same price range as everyone else.

    Same thing happens to my headphones. Sometimes, this pair gets a certain way where I have to turn my head slightly to make it work, and then it goes back to normal for a while.
  • CabooseCaboose title = name(self, handle) Join Date: 2003-02-15 Member: 13597Members, Constellation
    Yea, It happens to every pair of headphones I get. Happened to my Sony MDR-NC6's, and my KOSS PortaPro's.

    When I have a pair of headphones, I use it with my PC and portable with my mp3 player, and I shove that in my pocket. It usually happens at the base where the plug thing is. Yea, I just accept it and get new headphones. Knowing this, I never pay more than $50 for a pair.

    Just got a pair of Sennheiser PX 100's I just hope they last 6 months or so.
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    <!--quoteo(post=1617331:date=Mar 28 2007, 01:08 AM:name=Rover)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rover @ Mar 28 2007, 01:08 AM) [snapback]1617331[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    <i>only</i> three times? o_O
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    what ain't that enuf, tis a pretty heavy headphone <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

    <!--quoteo(post=1617332:date=Mar 28 2007, 01:17 AM:name=Mantrid)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mantrid @ Mar 28 2007, 01:17 AM) [snapback]1617332[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Yeah, see, if you know the name and model of your headphones, you probably aren't buying them in the same price range as everyone else.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Kind of makes you wonder why not go for a brand headphone, much better sound and longer life. We Dutch have a saying for that:

    "Goedkoop is duurkoop" roughly translates into "buying cheap is not the best buy"

    And I also used to use the low-end models, but once I was introduced with a Senheisser on a LAN-party a whole new world opened up. t'Was even an older model way back. A buddy of mine has the 555 its successor, the 595 and that one can pick up sounds I can't even hear ingame (same soundcard)
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Yup, GOOD headphones will have strain protectors built into the wire (those rings around the plug and where the wire connects to the headphones), and that SHOULD stop this from happening

    As I said, I buy a pair f $20 plantronics every few years and am happy with em <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" /> The sound qual is rather good, and I don't feel bad if I drop them and then step on em.
  • RoverRover blargh Join Date: 2003-09-23 Member: 21139Members
    I've burned through several sony's, logitechs and trusts.

    I love warranty, at my 6th pair atm, looks like the wire's going to bust again soon though. Isn't my fault it can't withstand nearly tripping over the cable ~20 times and dropping it ~10 times. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • WarriorWarrior Join Date: 2003-02-16 Member: 13624Members
    edited March 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1617334:date=Mar 27 2007, 04:28 PM:name=Caboose)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Caboose @ Mar 27 2007, 04:28 PM) [snapback]1617334[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Yea, It happens to every pair of headphones I get. Happened to my Sony MDR-NC6's, and my KOSS PortaPro's.

    When I have a pair of headphones, I use it with my PC and portable with my mp3 player, and I shove that in my pocket. It usually happens at the base where the plug thing is. Yea, I just accept it and get new headphones. Knowing this, I never pay more than $50 for a pair.

    Just got a pair of Sennheiser PX 100's I just hope they last 6 months or so.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    How is the PX100, looking at the egg they cost about 50 bucks. However they don't have a warranty like BB does, or do they? Id like to find something better then my logitechs.

    Edit: Just noticed they dont have a mic nvm.
  • enf0rcerenf0rcer intrigued... Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14584Members
    edited March 2007
    man I've got HD 555 sennheisers
    <img src="http://www.headphone.com/images/senn555.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />

    Such freaking sweet sound; I get an insane amount of bass but not muffled muddy sounding bass - deep throbbing bass. Crisp highs, clear mids and overall perfect listening quality. They've got a price tag to match but i'll have them for a long time I'd imagine - they also come with a very long cord so I can listen to audiobooks while lying on my bed.

    e/ nice call Kouji_San - they're sweet cans eh?
  • LikuLiku I, am the Somberlain. Join Date: 2003-01-10 Member: 12128Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1617370:date=Mar 27 2007, 07:06 PM:name=enf0rcer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(enf0rcer @ Mar 27 2007, 07:06 PM) [snapback]1617370[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    - deep throbbing bass
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Tell me more big boy, rawr.

    Any recommended headsets that would last me a while? I forked over $30 for these Logitechs and that's kinda were I'm keeping the price range unless I can only get crap. Do they have headphones where the wire plugs into the headphones and the PC? So the wire and headphone are seperate and headphones have a jack in them.
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    edited March 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1617370:date=Mar 28 2007, 03:06 AM:name=enf0rcer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(enf0rcer @ Mar 28 2007, 03:06 AM) [snapback]1617370[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    e/ nice call Kouji_San - they're sweet cans eh?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Indeed!

    Not having a similar headphone would be like using these <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
    <img src="http://www.tailoredtime.com/images/pictures/tin_can_phone.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />


    [edit]
    I haven't seen headphones with a plug as you describe Liku, not sure if the DO exist at all... But going wireless can be nice, they usually recharge if you take them off and put them into their holding thingy...
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    I think that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Premium-Headset-Noise-Canceling-Microphone/dp/B0007N33IQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4346015-1811956?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1175045563&sr=8-1" target="_blank">These</a> are the current version of the headphones I use (used to be called Audio 90s, my current pair are called Gamecom|1. Basically Logitech always has a $20 pair of headphones. The sound quality tends to be good (not mazing, but they are $20). and atm they are $16 <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • enf0rcerenf0rcer intrigued... Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14584Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1617375:date=Mar 27 2007, 09:23 PM:name=Liku)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Liku @ Mar 27 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]1617375[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Tell me more big boy, rawr.

    Any recommended headsets that would last me a while? I forked over $30 for these Logitechs and that's kinda were I'm keeping the price range unless I can only get crap. Do they have headphones where the wire plugs into the headphones and the PC? So the wire and headphone are seperate and headphones have a jack in them.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    The only way I can see this working is if you're willing to splice the wires yourself and put female/male jacks from into either end. This wouldn't not be a good idea on more expensive headphones, but it might be a fun project on $16 ones.


    I find <a href="http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-budget/under-40/" target="_blank">this</a> site to be very helpful - they give you an honest review and a frequency response on most products so you know what to expect from the headphones. No headsets unfortunately but I just stick my mic down my shirt - works well enough <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • UnderwhelmedUnderwhelmed DemoDetective #?&#33; Join Date: 2006-09-19 Member: 58026Members, Constellation
    I have Sennheiser 202s. Fairly cheap (I got them for under $25, I think), decent quality, good sound isolation. If you're primarily using your headset for gaming, you'll want good sound isolation and soundstage. I have a generic boom-type microphone that I have to shout into to be audible to most people. Sennheiser is pretty much your best bet for anything under $60.

    From what I hear, a lot of the high-end headphones have detachable cables that can be removed.
  • Mr_JeburtOMr_JeburtO Join Date: 2003-08-29 Member: 20340Members
    This used to happen to me quite alot but now i purchased a pair where the wire, how should i say, looks and feels like a shoelace (weird no?) but ive had these for nearly 6months and they havnt quit on my yet (even tho i keep rolling over them <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> )
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