Better than decent headphones

Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:44 pm

I use the ubiquitous Senheiser MD-280 and Sony MDR-7506 headphones but the coverings on the ear and head foam seem to disintegrate rather rapidly.
This shows the earpads completely gone on one set and the headfoam part degrading (blurry) on another.

These headphones are great for what I need them for but I really can't stand that they are falling apart. Is there anything I can to to prolong their life or are there some cans I can buy that won't have this problem?

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:55 am

I can't find those liquid filled ear cushions for my numerous pairs of KOSS PRO4AA's either? What gives? I mean WTF? It was bad enough when they leaked down the side of my neck while trying to mix. At least they should have the courtesy of replacements awaiting me? But no.

I can however obtain a new headband. New ear cushions. New ear cushions foam inserts. New cable. All of which I need. For my West German, Sennheiser HD545's (made in Ireland. Right. That's what I said?) More than $100 in parts and certainly more than the cost of what I paid for the headphones originally ($10 at a flea market in Fort Lauderdale in early 2000. So I guess I got my money's worth?).

Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my.......
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 1:13 am

Actually, I think you could take some Silicone caulking (your choice of clear, white, black, blue, red, silver or mixed together to create new colors, at Home Depot. You can do it. They can't help.) carefully spread over your old deteriorating foam cushions, should be both comfortable, pliable & provide a good Seal. Just make sure you don't kiss a Rose unless she says OK.

WARNING! ALLOW TO DRY FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE WEARING. That is, unless you are doing heavy metal in which case, put the headphones on immediately after applying.

I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:57 pm

i have a pair of ATH-M50's that i give vocalists that i'm really happy with. the rest are all Senn's.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:25 am

Are you using these in the studio or live? The 7506's are OK for live but are too bright to record with, IMO. The 280's sound better, but Sennheiser's newer gear isn't very tough. I would suggest Grado SR-80 phones in the $100 range. They sound great and are very comfortable. Plus, Grado sells parts for them and they don't rip you off in the process.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:52 am

Remy,

You can send the Koss back to the factory and they will fix anything for around $7.00. I sent mine back in several years ago they had a bad cord. I can get detials if you like but your a big girl you can figure it out. Love all your great remarks.

Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 1:20 pm

Do you mean the Senneiser HD-280? If so, I think RemyRAD's suggesting you replace the pads is a good one. The pads and the cords can be bought separately and are replaceable on those, albeit with a little more work than on some other models of headphones.

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:26 pm

Quote:

have a pair of ATH-M50's that i give vocalists that i'm really happy with. the rest are all Senn's.

+1

I love these. Very comfy. great sound.

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:19 pm

AKG, Audio Technica and Beyer are my favorite.

It also depends on what your record, how loud you expect the talent level to be and consequently, the level of isolation you need.

Usually, you'd have at least one pair with super-isolation for louder instruments and/or people who really like to listen to their cans LOUD and then, a pair for more subtle work.

For example, when I record my classical guitar(s) I like to hear a bit of the live instrument sound so, I actually use semi-open cans in that situation but, I also listen to the tracks at a volume that doesn't interfere with the mics in the booth.

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:57 pm

Maybe this is an option:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Headphone-Earpads-3-5x4-oval-for-SENNHEISER-TECHNICS-NR_W0QQitemZ310069210322QQihZ021QQcategoryZ111695QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 4:29 pm

barrettexas wrote:

i have a pair of ATH-M50's that i give vocalists that i'm really happy with. the rest are all Senn's.

I have a pair of these as well, and they're amazing. If you look around (eBay) you can find them new for $90. They list for $150.

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