Headphones always breaking...

[Ineko]

So about a year and a half ago I bought a pair of Razer Tiamat headphones, surprise surprise 3 months later they broke. There was a cable break here - 

 

 

The retailer I bought them from said that I needed to send them back to Razer for a replacement. At the time I really couldn't be bothered and my friend decided to lend me his old PC320's. About 4 months later they got a cable break here - 

 

 

So I then bought an ASUS Orion pro headset. Fast forward 6 months and now they too have a cable break here - 

 

 

Now here's my question... WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING!? I'm not rough with my headphones, I don't take them anywhere so I'm not wrapping the cables around anything. They literally stay at my desk their entire life, but they keep breaking. I'm really getting sick of it, is this just something that happens with headphones? Because I'd like to own a pair for at least a year without them breaking, that'd be nice.

[Quest]

If you tend to wrap the cable around the headphones to store them, that will cause the break. Happened multiple times with me as well. I now just fold the wire in on itself, and put it between the cups to store them, or I hang my headphones.

[Probenja]

Same thing has happened for me, no more headsets or headphones without a removable cable. I just got my hd668b and they are really good and I hope they last.

[Ganthos]

When you pick them up the cord can twist if not kept straight. That is why i like the flat cables. Easier to tell if they are getting twisted.

[Guest]

Removable cables plus some basic care are all that is needed to avoid this.

[NannerBeans]

Although none of those are built that great so I'm not surprised they broke but it probably has something to do with the  way you pick them up and put them down. Always pick up straight and never twist them. 

[creatip123]

First thing, they are not headphones, but headsets. 'Real' headphones (headphones made by audio companies) tend to be more durable compared to headsets by peripheral companies. Although, I expected a little more from the PC320, because it's from Sennheiser (but you did mention it's an old one)

 

In your case, most probably when you handle them (putting them on, or taking them off), you put a tension on the cable (maybe accidentally yanked them). Also when storing, give a little leeway on those problem points. Make sure that rubber thingy doesn't bend even just by a little bit when storing. 

 

If you're in the market for a new one, give headphones (not headsets) a try. Think of it as a little 'gamble'. Buy one, if you like it, keep it. If you don't like it, then sell it as mint condition (taking a small price hit). As mentioned above, you could try getting a removable cable headphones.

[Ganthos]

First thing, they are not headphones, but headsets. 'Real' headphones (headphones made by audio companies) tend to be more durable compared to headsets by peripheral companies....

I always have to remind myself this. I catch myself before I type it out. I hate headsets. They are usually gaming oriented and the sound is subpar. That is why I like headphones. I just wish I could find a good pair of 5.1 surround sound headphones.

[NannerBeans]

In your case, most probably when you handle them (putting them on, or taking them off), you put a tension on the cable (maybe accidentally yanked them). Also when storing, give a little leeway on those problem points. Make sure that rubber thingy doesn't bend even just by a little bit when storing. 

 

This is why I love my Fostex's right angle connector on the headphone. It's so genius. If you tug on it nothing will happen because the socket is sideways. 

[Ineko]

Although none of those are built that great so I'm not surprised they broke but it probably has something to do with the  way you pick them up and put them down. Always pick up straight and never twist them. 

 

I was never really rough while putting them down/picking them up. Although I have tripped over the cables and sent them flying off the table more times than I'd like admit.

 

If you're in the market for a new one, give headphones (not headsets) a try. Think of it as a little 'gamble'. Buy one, if you like it, keep it. If you don't like it, then sell it as mint condition (taking a small price hit). As mentioned above, you could try getting a removable cable headphones.

 

Are there any well built headphones you'd suggest that are around $120?

[NannerBeans]

I just wish I could find a good pair of 5.1 surround sound headphones.

5.1 surround is overrated. Good open headphones with in game surround is better. 

[NannerBeans]

I was never really rough while putting them down/picking them up. Although I have tripped over the cables and sent them flying off the table more times than I'd like admit.

 

 

Are there any well built headphones you'd suggest that are around $120?

Hmmm Australia is tough. Headphones are so expensive there. My CHC Silverados in the classifieds?

 

Edit: HD 518 is the best choice I found at $130. 

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=26003&cPath=998

[Ganthos]

5.1 surround is overrated. Good open headphones with in game surround is better.

I mainly watch movies. So I prioritize that over gaming audio.

[NannerBeans]

I mainly watch movies. So I prioritize that over gaming audio.

Ah I still don't like headphone surround for movies. Speakers are much better for that. 

[creatip123]

I always have to remind myself this. I catch myself before I type it out. I hate headsets. They are usually gaming oriented and the sound is subpar. That is why I like headphones. I just wish I could find a good pair of 5.1 surround sound headphones.

 

I've recommended the following test numerous times in other threads, but here goes:

 

- Get your stereo (don't use 5.1) headphone

- Set your audio to stereo (again, don't use 5.1)

- Play this video

 

 

* There is 1 other demo video on youtube, but it's a little distracting, NSFW kind of distracting....

 

This proves that you don't need super duper ultra mega fancy 5.1 headphones/headsets to get that surround sounds. Any crappy stereo headphones will do, as long as it's working. For games, just use the in-game virtual surround sound setting, or get the free Razer virtual surround. For movies, use cyberlink powerDVD. It got good virtual surround setting.

[Aphexx]

suguru reinforcement

http://lifehacker.com/5986691/how-can-i-stop-losing-and-breaking-my-headphones

[BoredErica]

I've recommended the following test numerous times in other threads, but here goes:

 

- Get your stereo (don't use 5.1) headphone

- Set your audio to stereo (again, don't use 5.1)

- Play this video

 

 

* There is 1 other demo video on youtube, but it's a little distracting, NSFW kind of distracting....

 

This proves that you don't need super duper ultra mega fancy 5.1 headphones/headsets to get that surround sounds. Any crappy stereo headphones will do, as long as it's working. For games, just use the in-game virtual surround sound setting, or get the free Razer virtual surround. For movies, use cyberlink powerDVD. It got good virtual surround setting.

Leta me petah the bagah over your head.

The bagah ovah the top of your head.

The reason why I do that is because all the fancy barber shops doah that.

[mr moose]

From my experience most of these types of breaks come from mistreatment.  Unless your paying for profession grade gear (stuff that gets moved around a lot and used by lots of different people) then you need to baby them.

[creatip123]

 

The reason why I do that is because all the fancy barber shops doah that.

 

Got you wondering if all the fancy barber shops there got a murderous tendencies (putting a plastic bag over customers' heads).....

[Quantzer]

Get something with removable Cable so you dan replace it when it geta brojem. ( ATH M50x or something like that)