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Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

theguardian.com

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Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#91

Post by zaptheimpaler »

v3x3366 wrote: post #52

I certainly appreciate this idea. My WH-1000XM4s developed an issue where the NC has a feedback loop that sends a deafening shriek as soon as you place them on your ears and it lasts until you turn off the NC. I have to go through this (quite embarrassing in public) ordeal every time I turn them on. I'd just upgrade if they weren't so absurdly expensive in the first place.

Those are basically just as repairable as the Fairbuds, and cleaning the insides has helped some people get rid of the feedback problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnFetuJajfI

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#92

Post by roywashere »

Arch-TK wrote: post #50

I have to ask, as I have never bought active headphones, all my headphones are user servicable already. I've even had to repair the soldering joints on my M40x once. The cables are all removable. The pads are easily replacable. Are active headphones really that much harder to service? There's no space constraints to warrant glue, clips and ultrasonic welding instead of screws.

I have Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones where the headphone strap broke after a year and a half of light use. I was only able to order a non-ome replacement part from a third part on a different continent. Would have loved to be able to order Sony parts

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#93

Post by chefandy »

fareesh wrote: post #77

One of the problems with headphones is that the cups tend to deteriorate over time - maybe sweat or the oil from the skin or something reacts with it and it starts to peel. After a few years, the cups are no longer available for that model and so you end up having to buy a new one.

Have you looked at 3rd party replacement pads? I've never seen a pair of headphones with removable pads that I couldn't get an aftermarket replacement for-- usually better quality than the factory ones. Big round ones, smaller ovular ones, memory foam, leather velour or whatever finishes... always managed to get something that fit. Just measured and looked for something close. They mostly seem to attach the same way.

Most recently, for a discontinued Audio Technica set that did not match any of the standard AT pads, I got replacements from Wicked Cushions.

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#94

Post by thfuran »

codeulike wrote: post #66
GiorgioG wrote: post #62

I stopped reading at “Vegan Leather”. Can we call it what it is? Plastic.

Why dont we call leather what it is - chemically treated skin Because we're allowed to put words to new uses Language is open-source

That doesn't mean mean every conceivable use of words is helpful or desirable. "Vegan leather" is an oxymoron that only tells you what it isn't. It's barely more useful than "non-wooden".

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#95

Post by noman-land »

v3x3366 wrote: post #52

I certainly appreciate this idea. My WH-1000XM4s developed an issue where the NC has a feedback loop that sends a deafening shriek as soon as you place them on your ears and it lasts until you turn off the NC. I have to go through this (quite embarrassing in public) ordeal every time I turn them on. I'd just upgrade if they weren't so absurdly expensive in the first place.

This has been happening to me lately. It's absolutely insane behavior that had the potential to permanently damage my hearing.

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#96

Post by moonchrome »

fareesh wrote: post #77

One of the problems with headphones is that the cups tend to deteriorate over time - maybe sweat or the oil from the skin or something reacts with it and it starts to peel. After a few years, the cups are no longer available for that model and so you end up having to buy a new one.

I think there replacement pads for a bunch of them (especially more expensive models)

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#97

Post by detaro »

uxcolumbo wrote: post #89
GiorgioG wrote: post #62

I stopped reading at “Vegan Leather”. Can we call it what it is? Plastic.

Because it wouldn't be very descriptive of the material texture & feel. Vegan leather is basically trying to explain to the customer that it is like leather but not made from animal skin. In the car industry they don't say seats covered in plastic - they say PU leather. Vegan leather is 100% PU leather.

> Vegan leather is 100% PU leather.

Or PVC. Or plant fibers stabilized with PLA and resin (those tend to make big deal about the "plant" part). or ...

Re: Fairbuds XL review: noise-cancelling headphones you can fix

#98

Post by manmal »

Kuinox wrote: post #57
manmal wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I can really recommend the WH-1000XM5 btw. They are quite light and work surprisingly well even with iDevices. I tried to call my dad while I mowed the lawn (electric mower, but pretty loud one) and he understood me well. Audio pass through sounds like the real thing, I’d just like to be able to turn it louder.

That's a change then because the WH-1000XM3 microphone is really crap.

The XM5 have 8 microphones, that’s one of the major improvements over previous versions.
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