• HeyJoe@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Doesn’t that mean they are cheap? Faux leather bonding, which is the same thing cheap couches use that flakes as well?

    • you_are_dust@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Probably. Those headphones look very similar to a cheap set of headphones I had that did the exact same thing. I bought a higher quality set and haven’t had an issue. So these are likely a cheap Chinese brand like mine was.

      • egrets@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        I thought they were the ATH M50X, but on comparison, they’re just similar. Perhaps a cheap knock-off.

    • Rusty@lemmy.ca
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      3 days ago

      I had this happen to Sennheiser 448, that I bought 15 years ago for $100. Does that count as cheap? They still sound great, I just had to buy a replacement ear pads.

      • Psythik@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        To be fair, if you’re willing to spend money on high-quality headphones, you usually upgrade the earpads as well. The ones that come in the box tend to be basic, and as such, only meant to hold you off temporarily.

        • Captain Aggravated@sh.itjust.works
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          3 days ago

          Is anyone else sick out of their dicks at products that come with shit tier required accessories that have to be replaced as part of the original purchase? Radios that come packaged wtih fuckpuke antennas, table saws that come packaged with fuckpuke miter gauges, headphones that come packaged with fuckpuke ear pads…mouthfuls and eyefuls and nostrilfuls and pillowcasefuls of fuckpuke everywhere you look in every direction.

      • egrets@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        Every Sennheiser product I’ve had has been like this. Excellent sound relative to the price point, but not a lot of longevity.

  • ContriteErudite@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    IIRC I read several years ago that the selenium in some anti-dandruff shampoos will degrade the plastic found in faux leather and other similar products. If someone’s headphones are falling apart like this after light use, it might be worth looking at what kind of shampoo or other hair products are being used… also don’t buy super cheap equipment, you only end up spending more in the long run.

  • roscoe@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    3 days ago

    I don’t know what these are made of, but rarely using them might make this more likely. A lot of PU will degrade like this if it just sits around but will last a long time if used regularly.

    If you’ve ever had a pair of shoes with a PU sole that sat in the closet for a year or two and when you went to get them the sole was all gummy and/or crumbly, but you had a pair from the same company that you wore regularly that lasted years, you’ve experienced this.

    • evasive_chimpanzee@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Hydrolysis. Allegedly using shoes with PU soles often squeezes moisture out of them, preserving life, but idk if that’s actually true. I can definitely say heat combined with humidity will definitely degrade it pretty quick. Density of the PU really matters, though, cause some PU soles that are relatively rigid (like regular Chaco sandals) are basically bulletproof, while the more cushiony forms with air injected (like the Chaco “cloud” sandals i mistakenly bought, or blundstones) will break apart.

  • RedGreenBlue@lemmy.zip
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    3 days ago

    I ordered a bag of replacement foam pads for my headphones from china. That was years ago. Still have many. Was a good buy. Cheap too.

  • Blue_Morpho@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    I need to get new headphones for my daughter because her last pair did this.

    Suggestions for something under $100?

    • aword@feddit.online
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      3 days ago

      Just replace the ear pads if you can. I’ve used both velour and micro suede pads on my SONY MDR v6 and 600 and it’s been a solid replacement. It’s been eight years now and no issues.

      • mushroommunk@lemmy.today
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        3 days ago

        I need to do this for my AKG 553s. None of the pads fit great though that I’ve found and I don’t want to just buy replacements from AKG and have to replace them again in another 5 years

        • aword@feddit.online
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          3 days ago

          Like with all tasks of this nature, you tend to go through some duds. I search up on Reddit and Lemmy for ideas and take those to Amazon and eBay. That said, while not perfect, soulwit and geekria are who I got my pads from and would buy again. Both are on Amazon.

          FYI, in my experience it takes a few days for new pads to “cure” into place (assuming it’s on completely). Once they have gone tight around the cup, it’s fine (for me).

            • aword@feddit.online
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              2 days ago

              Well Amazon has free returns, so no harm in trying. Gotta admit, I’m a little anxious for you now. Hope it works out!!

    • ChicoSuave@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      If the headphones still work and the only reason to replace them are the ear cups deteriorating, try replacing the ear cups.

    • ilinamorato@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      How old is your daughter? I have a recommendation for a teenager (Soundcore Life Q20), and one for younger kids (Belkin SoundForm or JLab Jbuddies). The Soundcore I use personally; the JLab is what I got the kids for school this year (with the expectation that they will only last a year or so).

      • SpookyBogMonster@lemmy.ml
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        2 days ago

        I can’t speak to the Jlabs kids headphones. But my Jlabs earbuds are fucking troopers! They’ve accidentally been washed more than once, and still work, and sound great, and have held up really well to daily use

    • Noite_Etion@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Depends on what you are looking for, wireless/wired, closed back or open.

      But I recommend AKG K92s. They are normally around or below that price and sound great, plus they have been around for a little while and have a lot of 3rd party replacement parts in case they break.