I've had a pair of Sony MDR-700 headphones for about 3 years now...the ones that are notorious for breaking easily. I take super good care of them, as with all my gear. I used to argue that they weren't as fragile as everyone else claimed because I thought that no one else was as careful with their headphones as I am. Last week, I found these:

[img]http://www.lopark.net/offsite/sony1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.lopark.net/offsite/sony2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.lopark.net/offsite/sony3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.lopark.net/offsite/sony4.jpg[/img]

I don't how or when all this happened without me noticing. I managed to seal the cracks with superglue. I guess 3 years was a good run, but I think I'll be looking for a another brand of headphones in the future. Any suggestions?

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

3 years is a good IMO...no need to be looking for another brand I think. Never heard ppl saying their HP's lasted longer than 3 or 4 years, longer is an exception.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Yao]3 years is a good IMO...no need to be looking for another brand I think. Never heard ppl saying their HP's lasted longer than 3 or 4 years, longer is an exception.[/quote]

I can understand that if you regularly gig with them. But these spent most of their life on my computer desk and I always took extra care of them. I just don't see how all that damage could happen unless they were dropped or banged around a lot.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

my mdrv700 is doing the same thing :(

stupid sony designers....

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

time to buy the sennheiser hd25 !!!

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

broke mine w/in a year, sure i stepped on'm but damn how bout some quality control? since i spend most of my time in front of native instruments and dp i' picked the mdr-7509's they're ridiculous, my ears are bleeding as i write this, never used'm dj'ing soley production...highly recommended..

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

3 years is a long time for headphones especially if you use them every day :?

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

LoPark, let me know if you want to know how to fix these so that they will never break again...

I had the same problem, but with a few minutes and a couple of materials you can fix that problem ASAP :)

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

^^ share it with the community!!! i want to know too

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

at least your dog didn't chew on them, like my roommate's dog did to my sony headphones

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Weizy]LoPark, let me know if you want to know how to fix these so that they will never break again...

I had the same problem, but with a few minutes and a couple of materials you can fix that problem ASAP :)[/quote]

Sure. Let's hear it.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I'd like to hear how to not get them to break too.

Lopark, My 700s cracked too and I'm very non-abusive towards my headphones. Plus, the 700s, hurt my ears. I switched to the 7506's and no problems yet and my ears don't hurt.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

Sony is shit. Everything they make is cheap. I hate them. Too many horror stories and I've shared them multiple times. Boycott sony.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

get some sennheiser hd-25. i've beat the shit out of mine for years and they still look and sound great. also, all the pieces can be replaced. every one that i know with the mdrv700 have had them crack. they look cool but they just don't last.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=CSquare]get some sennheiser hd-25. i've beat the shit out of mine for years and they still look and sound great. also, all the pieces can be replaced. every one that i know with the mdrv700 have had them crack. they look cool but they just don't last.[/quote]

i completely agree!!

i had the sony's when i started djing and they only lasted about a year. i then used my listening headphones (also sonys) and they fell apart.. in a different way.

ive had the hd25's for about 2 years now. and the only thing that warrants replacing is one of the ear pads. usage wise, they have gotten pretty consistantly about 5-6 hours of djing per week and for the last 7 months or so - and additional 3-4 hours per day. i dont take care of them. i wrap up the cord, throw them in my bag and pull them out when i need them.

sennheiser makes all of their products modular, so you can order replacement pieces realyl easily. its like 10 dollars for a new set of ear pads.

the sound quality on these things is great too! for a work environment they keep everyone elses noise out and your noise in. they are clear and crisp. they even block enough outside noise to use for djing.

i will probably buy them again.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I'm actually contemplating switching to in-ears:

[img]http://www.new-line.nl/webshop/cat/e3.jpg[/img]

[quote=NewLine]Lightweight, sound isolating earphones

Product Overview

* Sound Isolating Design
* High Energy Micro-Speakers with Extended Frequency Response, for Studio-Quality Sound
* Lightweight: Smallest Shure Design, Weighing only 0.9 oz (28g)
* Fit Kit for Personalized, Comfortable In Ear Fit
* Earphones Carrying Case

Enjoy an audiophile listening experience when music matters.

The E3 combines precision components and remarkable sound isolation to provide studio quality sound everywhere you go. High energy micro-speakers deliver great tonal balance across the entire frequency range. Flexible sleeves produce remarkable isolation, revealing the subtle details of original recordings. The small compact earphone design fits securely in your ear, making it ideal for active listening and frequent travel. The E3's ear sleeves can even be custom-fit by a hearing specialist, after your purchase, for the best personalized fit and comfort.

Key Features:

* Sound Isolating Technology
  The E3?s in ear design naturally blocks background noise. This allows lower listening volumes in loud environments. No batteries or extra equipment are needed for sound isolation.
* High Energy Micro-Speakers with Extended Frequency Response
  The E3's speakers are constructed with studio-grade components, with balanced armature technology, producing efficient output and exceptional audio clarity. The E3's speakers have an extended frequency range for even greater clarity in your listening experience.
* Personal Fit Kit
  Because every ear is different, E3's earphones come with a pair of disposable foam sleeves, three pairs (small, medium, large) of flex sleeves, and three pairs of ultra-soft flex sleeves (small, medium, large) to ensure the ideal personalized fit.
* Secure In Ear Design
  The soft, flexible sleeves in the Fit Kit gently contour the inside of the ear for a comfortable, secure fit. The E3's are compatible with custom-molded sleeves, fit by a hearing specialist, for the ultimate in fit and comfort.
* Low-Profile Earphone Cables
  The E3's cables pass behind the ear ? out of sight and out of the way ? to provide a more comfortable, discreet fit.
* Lightweight Construction
  Weighing only 0.9 oz (28g), the E3 is one of the lightest earphones ever made.
* Earphones Carrying Case
  The E3 comes with a stylish, compact carrying case. The cable spool inside allows for an easy, tangle-free way to store your earphones. 

E3 Technical Specifications:

* Speaker Type: Single Low Mass/High Energy Micro-Speaker
* Sensitivity (at 1kHz): 115dB SPL/mW
* Impedance (at 1kHz): 26 ohms
* Cable Length: 1.52m (60 inches)
* Net Weight: 28g (0.9 oz)
* Input Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo plug 

How to use It's important to fit your E3 earphones properly into your ears. Read the earphones fitting tips for help on wearing your earphones.

Custom Ear Molds Although the E3 comes with several comfortable sleeves for a comfortable fit, some E3 users may want an even more personalized fit. In this case, we recommend contacting a hearing professional, such as an audiologist, to make custom-fit ear molds for your E3.[/quote]

These are the mid range models, they're also available for ?99,- and the top-end models is ?575,-...

A mate of mine is going to see if he can get a trial pair through his school and check them out. Especially when playing out these might be some serious candidates to replace my Sony MDR-V500 (which I prefer over the 900's, since it's a better fit on my head).

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

Eva since hossie recommended the Pioneer HDJ1000 to me, am DEFO looking into them seriously, any thoughts ??

-e-

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

Those are DJ headphones I think...don't know how they are for production. Maybe [b]MJ[/b] has something to say on that too?

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I know one way to fix the sony headphones is to buy some of those plastic zip tie things, you know, the ones where there is a little square opening at one end, and you insert the other end into that and it sort of locks in place as you pull it tighter. Some of those will take care of your problem, but I still would suggest getting some sennheiser hd25's, they sound better than the sony's and are more durable, and more comfortable!

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

^^^^that's the ticket right there :Bingo:

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=groffhibbitz]I know one way to fix the sony headphones is to buy some of those plastic zip tie things, you know, the ones where there is a little square opening at one end, and you insert the other end into that and it sort of locks in place as you pull it tighter. Some of those will take care of your problem, but I still would suggest getting some sennheiser hd25's, they sound better than the sony's and are more durable, and more comfortable![/quote]

That's what I did with mine the first day I bought them. No problems yet. 2 yrs of use.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=lopark][quote=Yao]3 years is a good IMO...no need to be looking for another brand I think. Never heard ppl saying their HP's lasted longer than 3 or 4 years, longer is an exception.[/quote]

I can understand that if you regularly gig with them. But these spent most of their life on my computer desk and I always took extra care of them. I just don't see how all that damage could happen unless they were dropped or banged around a lot.[/quote]

I had the same issue. Cracks in the same place, same type of deal. Ifound a really effective way to fix it though. It seems easy to use some type of superglue but its not really a good idea. Superglue makes the material brittle and it cracks even worse after a while. I used nilon tie-wraps around the joints and then just secured them with just enough glue to keep in place. I will try to post some pictures to show you guys. I works just fine and it lasts a long time.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote]Eva since hossie recommended the Pioneer HDJ1000 to me, am DEFO looking into them seriously, any thoughts ?? [/quote]

just got a pair after my sony's broke in that same spot, the pioneer's are definitely an upgrade over the sony's...better sound, and way more comfortable....

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Zerotonine][quote=lopark][quote=Yao]3 years is a good IMO...no need to be looking for another brand I think. Never heard ppl saying their HP's lasted longer than 3 or 4 years, longer is an exception.[/quote]

I can understand that if you regularly gig with them. But these spent most of their life on my computer desk and I always took extra care of them. I just don't see how all that damage could happen unless they were dropped or banged around a lot.[/quote]

I had the same issue. Cracks in the same place, same type of deal. Ifound a really effective way to fix it though. It seems easy to use some type of superglue but its not really a good idea. Superglue makes the material brittle and it cracks even worse after a while. I used nilon tie-wraps around the joints and then just secured them with just enough glue to keep in place. I will try to post some pictures to show you guys. I works just fine and it lasts a long time.[/quote]

it cracks me up that you guys will go all macguyver on your cans just so they won't fall apart. get the senns. they sound better and are built better.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

ive heard that the pioneer have a problem with left side sound fading...

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

get akg's man! they're rock solid!

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

Unbelievable timing. Read this post yesterday and half an hour later I cracked mine. Getting the Pioneers, no more Sony till the engineers work this out. My gf is trying to fix them, but I see littel hope. It's a pitty, I truly loved them while they lasted.

:DumbAss:

wf

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=CSquare][quote=Zerotonine][quote=lopark][quote=Yao]3 years is a good IMO...no need to be looking for another brand I think. Never heard ppl saying their HP's lasted longer than 3 or 4 years, longer is an exception.[/quote]

I can understand that if you regularly gig with them. But these spent most of their life on my computer desk and I always took extra care of them. I just don't see how all that damage could happen unless they were dropped or banged around a lot.[/quote]

I had the same issue. Cracks in the same place, same type of deal. Ifound a really effective way to fix it though. It seems easy to use some type of superglue but its not really a good idea. Superglue makes the material brittle and it cracks even worse after a while. I used nilon tie-wraps around the joints and then just secured them with just enough glue to keep in place. I will try to post some pictures to show you guys. I works just fine and it lasts a long time.[/quote]

it cracks me up that you guys will go all macguyver on your cans just so they won't fall apart. get the senns. they sound better and are built better.[/quote]

It will be either the in-ears or the Senn's after my v500's give up on me...

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Encryption]Eva since hossie recommended the Pioneer HDJ1000 to me, am DEFO looking into them seriously, any thoughts ??

-e-[/quote]

My pair of these have started the process of falling apart after less than a year (and I have 2 pair, 1 for home, 1 for gigs, and both are like this)... the headband cloth came undone from the ear pieces... doesn't affect the sound but makes them very uncomfortable to use.

My next pair will be the new Technics pictured below... Peter Anthony here in NYC has a pair and says they're the best he's ever used...

[img]http://www.dmcrecords.com.au/images/product/3_273.jpg[/img]

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

at this time, i still have no complaints whatsoever with my 700's, but my friends that have the same ones (3 friends) 2 of them have had minor complaints nothing major. i have an exchange warranty, will probably get something different next time just to try something new

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

bump

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

sony makes great looking stuff. no doubt. but it's mostly garbage from my experience. fragile beyond description.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Encryption]Eva since hossie recommended the Pioneer HDJ1000 to me, am DEFO looking into them seriously, any thoughts ??

-e-[/quote]

These are what I use. Better isolation than the Sonys, better sound, and more durable. What more can you ask for?

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I saw somewhere that sony upgraded or improved the design on the joints just because of that issue. Dont remember where though , but im pretty sure they've changed the design. Im actually looking into technics or pioneers at the moment. Pioneers seem pretty good.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Zerotonine]I saw somewhere that sony upgraded or improved the design on the joints just because of that issue. Dont remember where though , but im pretty sure they've changed the design. [/quote]

Yeah, for the MDR-V900s

[url]http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/BB_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=smb-pa_Headphones_CDSeriesStudioMonitor&ProductSKU=MDRV900[/url]

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I would stick with sony 3 years for headphones a little over $100 is pretty good.

Try technics or pioneer instead.

But none will give you sound quality like SONY("like no other")

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

Man thouse sony 900 look hot!!!

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote]Sony is shit. Everything they make is cheap. I hate them. Too many horror stories and I've shared them multiple times. Boycott sony.[/quote]

:CrackUp:

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

[quote=Troklo]Man thouse sony 900 look hot!!![/quote]

They sound great but if you're a lean-on-the-shoulder style DJ then they're not all that comfortable as the ear cups don't swivel.

Re: I take back everything good I said about Sony Headphones

I had my Steinheiser headphones about 7 years know and although they look knackered they still be working fine