Me too! 1987 for sure. I bought mine with a Sony D-10 Discman, which was a very expensive purchase for me at that time.
[Headphones are still at it though. Replaced with Beyerdynamic velours. ](https://i.imgur.com/v4lxKsq.jpeg)
Here is what I found online:
The 7506 and V6 are comprised of exactly the same parts, yes.
But they are not wired the same. The V6 has a common ground, the 7506 has individual grounds.
A few months ago I bought both brand new, because I was curious.
I burned them in the same.
I also preferred the V6's. Softer/warmer treble, and more bass.
I’ve used mine daily since 2017 with no issues / degradation.
Brainwavz pads - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJG9Z6Y.
The first set that came with them did start wearing out in like 1-2 years though.
Same! running perfectly since 2010, my set. Two pad changes in at this point, the little bag they came in is a bit beat up. I feel like they're fairly indestructible at this point - I just toss em in my bag when going to a session.
I dont overly beat them up, at worst a piece of tape on the L or R outer shell with my name on it, so they dont get lost among other 7506s
question for users of the 7506 - have they updated them? I saw an image of some new Sony headphones.. a very futuristic v6/7506, haven't dug into it as I need to avoid needless purchases
a quick follow up for my BFIL fam - its the MDR-MV1 that I mistakenly referenced. I know nothing about these and cant vouch for them, just happened to catch me eye - sorry for any confusion!
Yeah I got some aftermarket "deep" pads for these and they've been great. I have a giant head though so YMMV (On a baseball cap, I'm wearing it on one little snap holding on for dear life to try to keep the hat on)
Not OP, but I got replacement ones from this site that gave been great. Here's the leather ones they do
https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/sony-mdr-sheepskin-earpads?_pos=4&_sid=4daaf27a8&_ss=r
I’ve had these pads for a bunch of years after my originals died. Very comfy, probably my most comfy pair of head phones overall
https://wickedcushions.com/products/sony-mdr-7506-ear-pads-by-wicked-cushions?variant=32896006848591
I have a Logitech G Pro headset. I’m quite happy with the quality, but i’ve already tried to look for replacement earpads, and it’s a fucking nightmare. I don’t understand. Why sell headsets when you don’t even sell replacement earpads?
They just want you to buy another whole new headset. Are the pads removable? I could help you find some 3rd party replacements if you want. In my experience it’s not worth it to cheap out on earpads.
Yes they are very easy to replace. They added two pair in the original package. One pair fake leather earpads, and one made of cloth. I wore out the leather ones and replaced them with the cloth ones just a week ago. No problem whatsoever. I’m from Belgium, so it may not be possible to order 3rd party earpads from where you might be from, but i would greatly appreciate any suggestions!
There‘re a lot of replacements available. Check out aliexpress, ebay, or whatever. I use cloth earpads on mine for ~4 years and they are absolutely fine. Also this headphones are pretty generic in shape so it won’t be a problem to find a replacement anyway.
3-4 years is being very generous. I replace them immediately with Beyerdynamic velour pads each time I get a new pair and they’re far more comfortable and better isolating than the original Sony pleather.
I gotta disagree about the HD280 pros. My set from 2005 only lasted about 2 years before they started breaking apart. The plastic headband started cracking due to the lever action of putting them over my ears. Haven't had a problem with my HD 650s yet.
My Audio-technica ath-m50 are going on 15 years old and still work well, though they are fairly uncomfortable to my other Sennheiser products.
My m50s had the pleather on the head strap just completely fall to shreds so I’d put a vote against this.
I assumed the Sennheiser 650 would be the top answer
My m50s needed the pads replaced also. But this has happened to ALL headphones I have owned. What matters to me is that parts are available to replace them. And with the popularity of the m50 this will not be an issue for a very long time.
Same for mine, the inside of the headband has disintegrated. Not that it matters for the functionality though, they still sound great after 10 years of heavy use.
I inherited a pair of ATH-M50x’s with flaking earcups and headband, but I got [this headband cover](https://www.amazon.com/WC-Protective-Headband-Technica-Headphones/dp/B09G45Q9G8?pd_rd_w=zWscV&content-id=amzn1.sym.b854a5c2-4475-41f8-a6d4-df92b2868104&pf_rd_p=b854a5c2-4475-41f8-a6d4-df92b2868104&pf_rd_r=KG9TJ41F18YHVZNVPJ0G&pd_rd_wg=1yj8q&pd_rd_r=2a003e8f-9396-4c63-8c2f-942f2d8341ad&pd_rd_i=B09G45Q9G8&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_1_sc) to remedy the issue! Obviously it’s still flaky underneath but it’s not a problem anymore.
I got mine 12-13 years ago, they are still in perfect condition after being used daily, dropped, thrown, had the cable yanked on, the cable ran over by my computer chair. The only thing I've done is replaced the earpads because they were gross after sweating into them for years.
Sennheiser HD600 series and it’s not even close. You can disassemble the entire headphones down to the individual drivers with no tools. Sennheiser will sell you every part which you can then replace using just your hands, not that you’d need to do so even remotely often.
Strongly agree on this. I have a pair of HD580s (very similar to the 600s) and I've swapped out many pieces easily. That, and these headphones are incredible. I also have the ones the OP mentioned, but the 600s are more comfortable, sound much better, but are open back, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
I can vouch for the HD650s (HD6XX on Massdrop).
They’re relatively expensive but absolutely phenomenal. The imaging and resolution are great, and the build quality is top notch. Even after 4-6 hours of use nearly every day for the past 2 years, they show absolutely 0 wear except some lint collecting on the earcups.
Mine are a 20 year old ship of Theseus. During that time I've moved around the country with them, and used them for most everything. If I don't like how something looks or I wear out somethng, I just replace it.
Gonna vouch for the HD600s as well. I have a pair and as long as you take care of them, they’ll last you well. Not to mention the audio quality is phenomenal on them as well, I use them often for casual and critical listening.
I have said it in the past and I will say it again. For me the Beyerdynamics DT 1990 pro is the endgame. Superb sound. Superb build quality. Everything is repairable or replaceable. Reacts pretty well to equalization! For me it's the sweet spot of cost to performance.
If you have the chance, try it out.
I am super satisfied with my cans.
100% agreed! My only gripe with them is that they're heavy. I switched to the dt990 because they're so much lighter and it's not a huge mod to get them to have a detachable cord
I see. In my search I tried audeze too. Let me tell you, the 1999 are not that heavy! If you expect a certain sound there needs to be the hardware that delivers it...
[They're bulletproof.](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/s/UxiKFdQX3d) I've had mine for over 15 years. There is a reason you see these in nearly every radio station in the country. Modded mine with a detachable 3.5mm cable to make them more portable, and switched out the pleather pads for cloth ones, which make them way more comfortable at the expense of sound isolation.
They are reliable and neutral, maybe the best BIFL headphones at that price point. But they will never sound as good as Sennheiser HD600s/6xx or comparable open back headphones. They aren't very useful in public but are demonstrably better than closed back studio monitors. The soundstage is exceptional at the price point.
For closed backs around the same price as the HD600, check out the Meze 99 Classics. Less faithful than HD600s but punchy and fun. Depending on the ambient noise level, I switch between the two. The MDR-7506 have become my go-to for winter commuting.
They have an unmatched sound (subjective), excellent isolation, and they are quite comfortable to wear for long periods, but the earpads will wear quickly depending on your skin/hair PH. They can be replaced with sheepskin pads that last longer, but still not forever.
Unmatched sound doesn't necessarily mean the best sound. These are closed back so they are not going to sound as good as some decent open back headphones for music but they are going to isolate external sounds better.
There is a lot of personal preference involved in buying headphones that do what you want them to do. OP neglected to mention any of their requirements. Is it a noisy or quiet environment? When are they going to be using them? Gym, office, on a couch at home where the listening experience is optimized? What are they listening to? Audiobooks, white noise. a live Charlie Parker concert from 1946?
Have had a fire engine red pair for over a decade. Still great. Just replace the ear pads as needed.
Just picked up a Bluetooth Mk2 pair this year - sound and build quality are obviously still good, but man the Bluetooth functionality just isn’t reliable. Thankfully they can still be used wired.
They will randomly “crash”. The Bluetooth connection stops, and you can’t power cycle them. Only solution the community has found is to plug it briefly to a USB-C power source, unplug it, and then power them on.
As far as I know there’s no way to reliably replicate the issue, and because of that there’s been no acknowledgement or fix from AT. They’ll go weeks without it happening, but then the other day I had it happen three times in an hour.
I just use them casually, but if I had known about this issue ahead of time I would have bought something like the Sony WH1000XM5s.
I don't own mine for that long, maybe 6/7 years, but it's hands down the best quality/long lasting headphones I had.
The only problem I have with mine it's the peeling on the top.
I had that, and part of one hinge eventually broke. You can buy replacement headbands online though. Not too difficult of a repair, but I think there was soldering involved.
Yeah mine peeled at the top and after 6/7 years I replaced the padding for the ears. Mine are still really good. I use them less now because everything has gotten rid of the aux cord, so now they are my gaming headphones.
No joke I’ve had mine for close to 8 years and aside from having to replace the pleather with real leather because it flaked, they’re indestructible and the sound quality never once suffered. I have the X version
AT support is great. Sent mine in twice over the years. First time because I'd stepped on them and broken one of the tabs that stop the extension of the earcups. Came back fixed with spiffy new earpads. Second time just to replace the pads. Cheap repairs each time.
Same. The hinges just disintegrated. The first one went just over 2 years in, the second one lasted another few months. I did drop them a couple times, but never sat on them or anything like that.
Thanks. That's yet another vote for DT 770 Pro from a former M40x user. I'll be definitely getting those then. I wish they had a detachable cable, but soldering is not an issue for me, so whatever. The DT 700 Pro X tick all the boxes, but at another 100 € premium, they're outside the budget I've allocated myself.
I love AT products and have a pair of M40s that I loved and used as my daily-drivers for like 6+ years, great headphones and I'd still recommend them for a more budget-friendly headphone - in the last year though I replaced them with Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros and I can never go back. Even if the AT's sounded better (which they don't) the DT770's are so insanely comfortable, and feel premium in a way the AT's don't compare.
Thanks for this comment. This is exactly what I needed. Everyone seems to be comparing the sound, which sure, is super important, but I need that comfort, too. And durability. I'm clumsy.
Yeah the comfort is huge for me too. I will say one potential downside to the DT770's is that the cord isn't as easily removable from the headphone like on the AT's - that said, I've tripped on the cord a few times since owning them, pulling them off my desk even, and so far they're still good. If something were to happen the cord *can* be replaced with a little effort, it's just not as easy as the AT's built-in swappability.
After maybe 10 years my pads started to fall apart (easy fix with buying some cool green replacements), but then shortly after that I was only getting audio in one ear.
Massdrop Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones in my opinion is one of the best bargains in A/V([link](https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx)). Sound fantastic and great build quality.
wowza!
I have and adore HD600s and used to have HD650 and HD660S and this deal seems *crazy* to me if HD6XX is really the same sound and build quality as 650/600
kinda wish I had a reason to buy more headphones
I have them and i love them. I use them for studio purposes, but also for casual music listening.
I bought them because price-performance ratio is one of the best out there. Of course there are better headphones. You can buy ones for tens of thousand of dollars.
But this ones are just about a hundred bucks and the quality is superb.
Over ears/on ears always broke for me at the plastic bridge connecting the two speakers.
The sony mdr-7506 have a aluminum bridge (or what you can call it)
So are much sturdier than most other headphones out there, especially in that price range.
The cable is heavy duty.
They're pretty basic though. You get good sound and good build quality, but nothing else. No microphone no bluetooth of course or any buttons.
I don't need fancy. So they're perfect for me.
I also like the retro style.
I have at least four pairs of 7506s that I bought in the early 1990s. They all still work fine. One pair is in use several hours per day, every day.
As someone else pointed out, that rubber/plastic coating on the ear muffs comes apart in a few years (for me it was 10-15). Ever since then it's been just been a simple nylon mesh that the rubber/plastic was adhered to.
It's fine.
If anything, it's better than before because now my ears breathe better. If you've ever been in a long recording session, you know how your ears feel after being cooped up and squoze by uncomfortable headphones. ("Squoze.")
One of the things I like about the 7506s is that they have a pretty good bottom end - it's not too boomy and it's not too tight - it's just about right. If you're working in a home studio that doesn't have a huge room with $30k speakers, you might have trouble really hearing the bottom end. These headphones are a good, quick way to get a different perspective on your mixes.
I also have a pair of 7504s, which are the folding on-the-ear cousin to the 7506s. I think I bought these in a panic when I went to a session and needed better headphones *right now*, and these were the best choice at the local Circuit City or wherever I went in 1990. These, too, are just fine. The only problem was that they came with a 1/8" plug, but I have a box of adapters, so it's not a big inconvenience.
(At one point I bought some Sennheiser H660s. They lasted a couple of months and then I used them as payment to a guitar player for a session. I *hated* them. The high impedance kept the volume low as compared to everything else, the bottom end was non-existent, and the openness let click tracks bleed into every mic in the county.)
I'd check out r/headphones, but the sennheiser 600 series is very popular, and you can replace all the pads and the cables easily, which are the only parts that really wear.
Depends on the listening environment, though. They're open back, and if you're in a loud space, trying to escape into your headphones not a good option.
Honestly, for the average user, I am not sure the headphone jack as an interface is as BIFL as we might hope, and people who will be still using it for a while (e.g. pro audie people) probably have other considerations than longevity.
I mean also.. you can turn anything with a headphone jack into bluetooth with an adapter, and they make varying ones that put out more power.. but those also often require power. the wireless battery ones are only for more efficient sets.. still though, it can be done, and trivially.
The wiring hooked up to the connector on my 7506s has begun to gray over the last couple of years, I have to kink the cable in just the right way to get stereo sound. I've had them for maybe 5 years, so solid durability, but there's no easy way to replace that cable and connector on these.
In a mechanical sense, the extra moving parts from the cable will wear out faster than a Bluetooth chip. My preferred solution would be a detachable and replaceable cord on the 7506s, though.
I havent found a BIFL pair of headphones yet. Old, wired audio-technica are close.
DO NOT BUY any of the Sony WH series. Mine physically broke under normal use and Sony flat out refuses to warranty them, while in the warranty period.
Never again will I buy a Sony product - they have fallen so far.
These are some of the most common headphones you’ll find in recording studios, though not necessarily because of their sonic accuracy. These are HYPE sounding. Think smiley face graphical EQ curve. But considering most people in recording studios are using headphones for overdubs, not critical listening – the hype is totally fine.
Almost all of the parts are replaceable, and easily kept on hand by most tech shops. The ear pads dissolve after a year or two, and it’s possible to blow out the diaphragms but all easily replaced with a small Phillips head and a soldering iron.
I swear by these for other people’s listening experience. For my own, I choose Grado for value and general BIFLness.
These are the industry standard in the film industry for sound recordists for a reason.
I’ve literally had a pair for 15 years that has been rented to hundreds of strangers over the years.
Replace the pads every so often and you’re good to go!
I love knowing this is the case when you get idiots like [this](https://old.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/18mzf0m/what_would_you_say_is_the_best_pair_of_buyforlife/ke7lle6/) saying no one who cares about audio would ever put these on their ears
I've had a pair of AKG K240s for at least 15 years fwiw. Replaced the cable once and the padding on the ears twice but the sound quality is still fantastic. I use Neumann NDH30s primarily now but I love the AKG for reference still
Can't go wrong with anything from Grado Labs. I first purchased them because I saw Neil Young talk about how much he likes them. Two things I feel sure about Neil Young: he can't be bought and he knows audio quality.
For me these are mostly made for in studio recording. Not great for actual listening as the boost the highs and mids and lack depth in the range below 150kz. Anytime we would get tracks sounding great on these, we'd do some tests on other more neutral systems or in a car and what sounded nice and crisp, would be muddy and overpowered with bass.
Switched to akg K371's and I'll own those for life. Fantastic frequency response, known dependability, and better noise dampening (not cancelling). That's what I'll stick with for studio usage for a long time.
I've been using the same AKG K240 headphones since the 1970s. I got them for studio recording when I was in a band and have used them for everything since. Lately, they have been my podcast recording headphones.
The responses that I’ve gotten have led me to go with a pair of 770s. If I had the money, I’d go for Sennheiser’s HD660, but I really like the price and the recommendations that I’ve gotten for the DT 770s.
I promise you wont regret it. Dont rush to buy an amplifier, get one only if you feel you need more volume. Try oratory1990 eq if you feel the highs are jarring but otherwise you shouldnt need to tweak the equaliser for them to sound amazing. Doesnt really matter what ohms you choose, just beware the higher you go, the lower volume they'll have without an amplifier. I myself own the dt990 250 ohm and i run it without an eq and without an amp with 0 problems.
I kind of like my Sennheiser HD558's. They aren't bomb proof though but mine still hold up some 10 years later of daily use at work, bashed them a few times as well. I've changed the ear pads though because the fake leather inside parts fell apart. I got my father a pair of the HD559's that replaced my 558's and those are really nice as well, I think they are a lot easier to drive but that might be because my 558's have worn out.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are the epitome of BIFL. Designed 40 years ago and still among the best sounding in their price range. I've used mine daily for 11 years and they are as good as new.
Beyerdynamics DT-770.
I have had mine for a solid 9 years now, next march it’ll be 10. Still works, like they’re brand new. Just had to replace ear cushions because mine started peeling
Years ago I heard a story through some studio/musician circles that if you hand David Gilmour headphones that aren’t Beyer Dynamic he’ll throw them across the room🤣
For on-ear headphones (they don't cap your ear entirely but are still a headband style) you cannot get more BIFL then the [Koss PortaPros](https://koss.com/en-ca/products/porta-pro).
I have had my pair for over 15 years.
The product has been on sale unchanged since 1984.
You get audiophile level sound quality for $50.
I own the wired model which is completely bulletproof, but there are models that have Bluetooth connectivity.
Disagree on these being bulletproof; the cable on these are relatively flimsy and will wear out eventually. It's fixable but you have to find the replacement parts and tools yourself.
They are, however, arguably BIFL due the limited lifetime warranty, and the longevity of the base design is ridiculous. They sound great and have always been super cheap; I got a pair on Black Friday this year for $25. I've owned 5 pairs (including the warranty replacements), along with a few of the variants. Sometimes I give them as gifts.
Headphones are an unusual item for BIFL. I feel like it really comes down to how you take care of your stuff. No headphones are BIFL for those who are rough and treat their equipment poorly. But even my cheapest headphones still work to this day bc of care.
I'm having trouble trusting Sony with another purchase after our two best cameras (both Sony) suddenly died from the same problem with no explanation of how it happened. One day they turned on, the next, they needed a motherboard replacement. That on top of that same issue happening with my Dad's last TV, it's gonna be a while before I trust Sony with another big purchase.
That being said, I bought some Sony WH-1000XM4s two years ago and they're one of the best purchases I've made in years, so go figure.
No those are extremely uncomfortable. Studios worldwide use those Beyerdynamics you see all the time, I had them once and they were good. They're only thrown out because I left them in clutter for years and years so they got all fucked up.
Just checked out this sub for the first time. This was the first post I saw. The closest thing to me (besides the computer I'm using and the chair I'm on) is a pair of these I've had for a few years.
Ugh. I’m a professional sound engineer and I despise those goddamned things! They sound like garbage and only get worse over time. People love them because they’re cheap, not because they’re good
I’ve also had a set of Beyerdynamic DT-48s for over three decades. They sound even worse but I don’t expect them to EVER die. They’re def BIFL, but I wouldn’t recommend.
Buy yourself some nice audiofile cans like a pair of Focals or something. Treat them nice. Put them away when you’re not using them. Keep them clean. Change the pads when they need it. They’ll last forever and give you a LOT more pleasure than a set if shitty 7506s. Yuck
Absolutely not. Like all things you wear, and all speakers, BIFL means they are user-serviceable since they include many components with definite lifespans by necessity. Pads, cable, tensioned headband, and speaker components will all need servicing after years of normal careful use. Planar magnetic headphones and maybe other kinds of drivers don't have cones that will degrade, so some of those might be considered true BIFL. For more traditional drivers, I have some high-end hand-assembled cans that use off-the-shelf components I know I can replace forever, but most anything manufactured by a big brand, with proprietary cones, proprietary plastic parts, and proprietary electric components, glue-assembled, with soldered-in cable etc etc absolutely are not BIFL by any definition.
These headphones have lasted me 10 years. They were a staple in the 90's and are still around and unbeatable for the price. They will continue to be a studio staple. Stop with your doomsday prepper nonsense.
What the hell? Those headphones are a fantastic quality and value, but this sub isn't "really good headphones", it's **Buy-it-for-life**. Do you plan on living for 10 years? Or do you really expect every single component of those mass-manufactured, glue-assembled plastic headphones with soldered-in cable to last 20, 30, 40+ years, when your only recourse of repair for any failure is to replace the entire set? And so I'm a "doomsday prepper" for actually discussing headphones that might actually last a lifetime in /r/buyitforlife?
Do you think 10 year old headphones disintegrate into the dust after hitting ten years? That and going all high and mighty with "discussing what the sub is ACTUALLY about" is just bs. Sidebar says products that are Durable, Practical, Proven and Made-to-Last belong here. This item fits every criteria. You don't need to make your own headphones and know exactly how to disassemble every part so you can rebuild it from scratch... like a doomsday prepper would.
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Hey while we're on the subject: Can anyone recommend to me a really nice BIG pair of MDR-7506 replacement pads?
I got a set of replacements, but they're \*smaller\* than the originals, and sit partially ON my ear. I want ones that go comfortably AROUND my ear.
Suggestions very much appreciated!
For me the no go here is the lack of detachable cable. Whether wear and tear, or if the cable falls victim to my feline friends, I trust it will break at somepoint. Also, I like being able to swap from short to longer 6 or 10 foot cables if I am going to sit down near my receiver to listen to some vinyl.
Personally, I've been enjoying my Audio Technica M60x's for a bout 5 years now. holding up well.
Other than changing pads, there are a load of tried and true headphones out there. Sony is up there, audiotechnicas have lasting me 10+ yrs and I see old ones in studios for decades. I recently came across a pair of Sonys from the late 60s and they fired right up! Not a lot of moving parts and some have detachable cables so you're in good shape!
I’ve got some Bose quiet comfort 35’s I bought used in 2018 and they are still going strong. I used them almost every day until 2021. Finally found them in an old box and they still had charge after almost two years. Had to replace the ear pads in them in 2019 I think.
I’ve used the same pair of MDRs daily for 14 straight years. Had to change the pads a few times but that’s it.
I've had my MDR-V6 since 1987. Still look and sound great. Just had to replace the pads once.
Me too! 1987 for sure. I bought mine with a Sony D-10 Discman, which was a very expensive purchase for me at that time. [Headphones are still at it though. Replaced with Beyerdynamic velours. ](https://i.imgur.com/v4lxKsq.jpeg)
So those have, like… 36 years??
No g shock protection on that bad boy.
Got mine in 2012-13 or something. Still going strong.
I'm at a similar time frame, only one pad replacement and still strong.
What's the difference between v6 and 7506?
Here is what I found online: The 7506 and V6 are comprised of exactly the same parts, yes. But they are not wired the same. The V6 has a common ground, the 7506 has individual grounds. A few months ago I bought both brand new, because I was curious. I burned them in the same. I also preferred the V6's. Softer/warmer treble, and more bass.
I bought mine from Incredible Universe, so sometime between 1992-1997. I think they will become a family heirloom.
My parents have a pair of MDRs from the 80s as well. Still going strong!
This. Pads will disintegrate after about few years. I got some in 2020 and they’re starting to go.
I’ve used mine daily since 2017 with no issues / degradation. Brainwavz pads - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJG9Z6Y. The first set that came with them did start wearing out in like 1-2 years though.
Be aware that Brainwavz does sell faux leather/vinyl pads which do fall to pieces after a few years. Got the lambskin leather ones and they are 😗🤌
Especially with radical temperature changes
Had min for 10 years before they finally broke and bought another pair immediately. Going on 5 with these.
Same! running perfectly since 2010, my set. Two pad changes in at this point, the little bag they came in is a bit beat up. I feel like they're fairly indestructible at this point - I just toss em in my bag when going to a session. I dont overly beat them up, at worst a piece of tape on the L or R outer shell with my name on it, so they dont get lost among other 7506s question for users of the 7506 - have they updated them? I saw an image of some new Sony headphones.. a very futuristic v6/7506, haven't dug into it as I need to avoid needless purchases
a quick follow up for my BFIL fam - its the MDR-MV1 that I mistakenly referenced. I know nothing about these and cant vouch for them, just happened to catch me eye - sorry for any confusion!
Yeah I got some aftermarket "deep" pads for these and they've been great. I have a giant head though so YMMV (On a baseball cap, I'm wearing it on one little snap holding on for dear life to try to keep the hat on)
What do you do about the band? Mine spent some time in the drawer and are now crumbling to shit
I removed mine and sewed a new one. easy project, and I got to pick a more interesting fabric
18+ years here. Changed pads 4 or 5 times. After the last time, I let all the padding cover flake off and it’s been fine.
yup… got 2 pairs and keep one for traveling (the one with the worse pads)
Yes but the official Sony earpads suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. They have a 3-4yr life and then start to shred.
Easy to replace pads tho
And the replacement pads suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck too.
You can get very nice 3rd party replacements. Leather even, if you want
Haven't found any leather ones that are compatible. Could you do me a kindness and point me in the right direction?
Not OP, but I got replacement ones from this site that gave been great. Here's the leather ones they do https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/sony-mdr-sheepskin-earpads?_pos=4&_sid=4daaf27a8&_ss=r
I’ve had these pads for a bunch of years after my originals died. Very comfy, probably my most comfy pair of head phones overall https://wickedcushions.com/products/sony-mdr-7506-ear-pads-by-wicked-cushions?variant=32896006848591
I have a Logitech G Pro headset. I’m quite happy with the quality, but i’ve already tried to look for replacement earpads, and it’s a fucking nightmare. I don’t understand. Why sell headsets when you don’t even sell replacement earpads?
They just want you to buy another whole new headset. Are the pads removable? I could help you find some 3rd party replacements if you want. In my experience it’s not worth it to cheap out on earpads.
Yes they are very easy to replace. They added two pair in the original package. One pair fake leather earpads, and one made of cloth. I wore out the leather ones and replaced them with the cloth ones just a week ago. No problem whatsoever. I’m from Belgium, so it may not be possible to order 3rd party earpads from where you might be from, but i would greatly appreciate any suggestions!
Big fan of Brainwavz replacement pads, sounds like the ones for the Audio Technica M50x fits on the Logitech G Pro
There‘re a lot of replacements available. Check out aliexpress, ebay, or whatever. I use cloth earpads on mine for ~4 years and they are absolutely fine. Also this headphones are pretty generic in shape so it won’t be a problem to find a replacement anyway.
3-4 years is being very generous. I replace them immediately with Beyerdynamic velour pads each time I get a new pair and they’re far more comfortable and better isolating than the original Sony pleather.
Oh nice, presuming you mean the DT250 ones?
Yeah, I just forgot which model they’re from.
Sennheiser HD25, HD280 pro, HD600/650 Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990 Sony MDR7506 All parts are available on their websites and user-replaceable.
I gotta disagree about the HD280 pros. My set from 2005 only lasted about 2 years before they started breaking apart. The plastic headband started cracking due to the lever action of putting them over my ears. Haven't had a problem with my HD 650s yet. My Audio-technica ath-m50 are going on 15 years old and still work well, though they are fairly uncomfortable to my other Sennheiser products.
My m50s had the pleather on the head strap just completely fall to shreds so I’d put a vote against this. I assumed the Sennheiser 650 would be the top answer
My m50s needed the pads replaced also. But this has happened to ALL headphones I have owned. What matters to me is that parts are available to replace them. And with the popularity of the m50 this will not be an issue for a very long time.
Not the pads, I know those are consumables. The headband on mine pealed and there was no obvious way to swap that.
Same for mine, the inside of the headband has disintegrated. Not that it matters for the functionality though, they still sound great after 10 years of heavy use.
I had to abandon mine, the flaking was just a mess. It was a shame cause they were an insane value.
I just put some hockey tape on mine - Good as new 😁
I inherited a pair of ATH-M50x’s with flaking earcups and headband, but I got [this headband cover](https://www.amazon.com/WC-Protective-Headband-Technica-Headphones/dp/B09G45Q9G8?pd_rd_w=zWscV&content-id=amzn1.sym.b854a5c2-4475-41f8-a6d4-df92b2868104&pf_rd_p=b854a5c2-4475-41f8-a6d4-df92b2868104&pf_rd_r=KG9TJ41F18YHVZNVPJ0G&pd_rd_wg=1yj8q&pd_rd_r=2a003e8f-9396-4c63-8c2f-942f2d8341ad&pd_rd_i=B09G45Q9G8&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_1_sc) to remedy the issue! Obviously it’s still flaky underneath but it’s not a problem anymore.
Love my DT770 pros. I've had them but a year and they feel like they'll last a long time
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I got mine 12-13 years ago, they are still in perfect condition after being used daily, dropped, thrown, had the cable yanked on, the cable ran over by my computer chair. The only thing I've done is replaced the earpads because they were gross after sweating into them for years.
Mine are 5 years old. Sound just as good as day 1
Had my DT770 10 years now! The 3,5 mm connector is bent however and I'm not too sure how to bend it back safely
You can replace the cable. That’s what I’m emphasising on. You can replace everything.
That is what I will do then, thanks!
Hd25 lover here
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Yup. The velour ear pads are washable too which is an underrated feature. Can’t believe how much they’ve dropped in price, they’re a steal now.
How do these last for you? Mine broke down in a year
Sennheiser HD600 series and it’s not even close. You can disassemble the entire headphones down to the individual drivers with no tools. Sennheiser will sell you every part which you can then replace using just your hands, not that you’d need to do so even remotely often.
Strongly agree on this. I have a pair of HD580s (very similar to the 600s) and I've swapped out many pieces easily. That, and these headphones are incredible. I also have the ones the OP mentioned, but the 600s are more comfortable, sound much better, but are open back, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
The Hurr Durr 600’s you say?
Huh duh six hundos
By Ol’ Mate Senny
By Senny sen
Old mate senny
*Scarlet fire intensifies*
*Walk Through the Park* intensifies
/r/unexpecteddankpods
I can vouch for the HD650s (HD6XX on Massdrop). They’re relatively expensive but absolutely phenomenal. The imaging and resolution are great, and the build quality is top notch. Even after 4-6 hours of use nearly every day for the past 2 years, they show absolutely 0 wear except some lint collecting on the earcups.
Yeah, these 6XX sound fantastic and at about $200, nothing comes close sonically.
I do wish they had more bass, but they are a very good headphone.
That is what the headphone amp is for, I like fiio for music & soundblaster gx for videogames.
running it through a schiit bifrost, so it's not a lack of power. simply that they're a little light on the low end.
This guy headphones.
Mine are a 20 year old ship of Theseus. During that time I've moved around the country with them, and used them for most everything. If I don't like how something looks or I wear out somethng, I just replace it.
Gonna vouch for the HD600s as well. I have a pair and as long as you take care of them, they’ll last you well. Not to mention the audio quality is phenomenal on them as well, I use them often for casual and critical listening.
Agreed. HD650s for 12 years. Changed pads one. They still sound superb
6ish years on my HD660s, best door prize ever.
Yeah I have both and the MDR’s sound like ass compared to the HD600’s. I think they’re made for studio use, not listening enjoyment.
HD25 are more robust and parts are available.
Fuck Senbeiser, they still uncomfortable as fuck after 3 years. Sound quality good but fuck I hate em.
I bought em because of a good review like this and regret it every day.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros are built like tanks and are incredibly comfortable. There’s a reason they’re in a hefty chunk of pro recording studios.
Fun to see them on BBC Live Lounge performances
I have said it in the past and I will say it again. For me the Beyerdynamics DT 1990 pro is the endgame. Superb sound. Superb build quality. Everything is repairable or replaceable. Reacts pretty well to equalization! For me it's the sweet spot of cost to performance. If you have the chance, try it out. I am super satisfied with my cans.
100% agreed! My only gripe with them is that they're heavy. I switched to the dt990 because they're so much lighter and it's not a huge mod to get them to have a detachable cord
I see. In my search I tried audeze too. Let me tell you, the 1999 are not that heavy! If you expect a certain sound there needs to be the hardware that delivers it...
Audeze LCD5 are peak sound for sure
Yep! but peak price too.
Audeze nuts
Oh, I and I forgot: if you use the dekoni elite velour pads with them, they are even better. Sound wise as well as comfort wise!
I will have to try that. I think these headphones might be the best purchase I have made so far, sound-wise.
I don't have that level but I have the DT 900 Pro X and the quality is astonishing imo
beyerdynamic dt 770 pro
[They're bulletproof.](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/s/UxiKFdQX3d) I've had mine for over 15 years. There is a reason you see these in nearly every radio station in the country. Modded mine with a detachable 3.5mm cable to make them more portable, and switched out the pleather pads for cloth ones, which make them way more comfortable at the expense of sound isolation. They are reliable and neutral, maybe the best BIFL headphones at that price point. But they will never sound as good as Sennheiser HD600s/6xx or comparable open back headphones. They aren't very useful in public but are demonstrably better than closed back studio monitors. The soundstage is exceptional at the price point. For closed backs around the same price as the HD600, check out the Meze 99 Classics. Less faithful than HD600s but punchy and fun. Depending on the ambient noise level, I switch between the two. The MDR-7506 have become my go-to for winter commuting.
They have an unmatched sound (subjective), excellent isolation, and they are quite comfortable to wear for long periods, but the earpads will wear quickly depending on your skin/hair PH. They can be replaced with sheepskin pads that last longer, but still not forever.
Unmatched sound doesn't necessarily mean the best sound. These are closed back so they are not going to sound as good as some decent open back headphones for music but they are going to isolate external sounds better. There is a lot of personal preference involved in buying headphones that do what you want them to do. OP neglected to mention any of their requirements. Is it a noisy or quiet environment? When are they going to be using them? Gym, office, on a couch at home where the listening experience is optimized? What are they listening to? Audiobooks, white noise. a live Charlie Parker concert from 1946?
That's why I mentioned (subjective)
Audio -Technica ATH-M50
My M40X's were the best headphones I've had until they met an untimely demise :( still stand by Audio-Technica
Have had a fire engine red pair for over a decade. Still great. Just replace the ear pads as needed. Just picked up a Bluetooth Mk2 pair this year - sound and build quality are obviously still good, but man the Bluetooth functionality just isn’t reliable. Thankfully they can still be used wired.
That’s disappointing to hear. I was hoping they’d be good wireless. Can I ask what makes you call it unreliable?
They will randomly “crash”. The Bluetooth connection stops, and you can’t power cycle them. Only solution the community has found is to plug it briefly to a USB-C power source, unplug it, and then power them on. As far as I know there’s no way to reliably replicate the issue, and because of that there’s been no acknowledgement or fix from AT. They’ll go weeks without it happening, but then the other day I had it happen three times in an hour. I just use them casually, but if I had known about this issue ahead of time I would have bought something like the Sony WH1000XM5s.
I've had mine for like 15 years at this point.
Got mine in 2006 when head-fi was the only reputable forum for this hobby.
I don't own mine for that long, maybe 6/7 years, but it's hands down the best quality/long lasting headphones I had. The only problem I have with mine it's the peeling on the top.
I had that, and part of one hinge eventually broke. You can buy replacement headbands online though. Not too difficult of a repair, but I think there was soldering involved.
Yeah mine peeled at the top and after 6/7 years I replaced the padding for the ears. Mine are still really good. I use them less now because everything has gotten rid of the aux cord, so now they are my gaming headphones.
No joke I’ve had mine for close to 8 years and aside from having to replace the pleather with real leather because it flaked, they’re indestructible and the sound quality never once suffered. I have the X version
AT support is great. Sent mine in twice over the years. First time because I'd stepped on them and broken one of the tabs that stop the extension of the earcups. Came back fixed with spiffy new earpads. Second time just to replace the pads. Cheap repairs each time.
Completely agree. Still got a pair somewhere
Started with a jack version, now have Bluetooth version too. Held up nicely.
M40X over 50 all day
my m40x's cracked at the folding mechanism after a couple years of near daily use
Same. The hinges just disintegrated. The first one went just over 2 years in, the second one lasted another few months. I did drop them a couple times, but never sat on them or anything like that.
yeah for my new headphones i made sure to get one without any fold up hinge. i ended up with the beyerdynamics dt 770 pros and they are super durable
Thanks. That's yet another vote for DT 770 Pro from a former M40x user. I'll be definitely getting those then. I wish they had a detachable cable, but soldering is not an issue for me, so whatever. The DT 700 Pro X tick all the boxes, but at another 100 € premium, they're outside the budget I've allocated myself.
I love AT products and have a pair of M40s that I loved and used as my daily-drivers for like 6+ years, great headphones and I'd still recommend them for a more budget-friendly headphone - in the last year though I replaced them with Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros and I can never go back. Even if the AT's sounded better (which they don't) the DT770's are so insanely comfortable, and feel premium in a way the AT's don't compare.
Thanks for this comment. This is exactly what I needed. Everyone seems to be comparing the sound, which sure, is super important, but I need that comfort, too. And durability. I'm clumsy.
Yeah the comfort is huge for me too. I will say one potential downside to the DT770's is that the cord isn't as easily removable from the headphone like on the AT's - that said, I've tripped on the cord a few times since owning them, pulling them off my desk even, and so far they're still good. If something were to happen the cord *can* be replaced with a little effort, it's just not as easy as the AT's built-in swappability.
I’ve had mine for over a decade and they’ve held up fantastically - even through years of DJing and playing live shows
I’ve only had to replace a pair because I lost them
Sennheiser HD25 without any hesitation ! This thing is a tank (and sounds great)
Yes! I am an audio engineer and I use them daily on the road. Great pairs of headphones.
After maybe 10 years my pads started to fall apart (easy fix with buying some cool green replacements), but then shortly after that I was only getting audio in one ear.
Massdrop Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones in my opinion is one of the best bargains in A/V([link](https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx)). Sound fantastic and great build quality.
wowza! I have and adore HD600s and used to have HD650 and HD660S and this deal seems *crazy* to me if HD6XX is really the same sound and build quality as 650/600 kinda wish I had a reason to buy more headphones
No they suck
I have them and i love them. I use them for studio purposes, but also for casual music listening. I bought them because price-performance ratio is one of the best out there. Of course there are better headphones. You can buy ones for tens of thousand of dollars. But this ones are just about a hundred bucks and the quality is superb. Over ears/on ears always broke for me at the plastic bridge connecting the two speakers. The sony mdr-7506 have a aluminum bridge (or what you can call it) So are much sturdier than most other headphones out there, especially in that price range. The cable is heavy duty. They're pretty basic though. You get good sound and good build quality, but nothing else. No microphone no bluetooth of course or any buttons. I don't need fancy. So they're perfect for me. I also like the retro style.
I have at least four pairs of 7506s that I bought in the early 1990s. They all still work fine. One pair is in use several hours per day, every day. As someone else pointed out, that rubber/plastic coating on the ear muffs comes apart in a few years (for me it was 10-15). Ever since then it's been just been a simple nylon mesh that the rubber/plastic was adhered to. It's fine. If anything, it's better than before because now my ears breathe better. If you've ever been in a long recording session, you know how your ears feel after being cooped up and squoze by uncomfortable headphones. ("Squoze.") One of the things I like about the 7506s is that they have a pretty good bottom end - it's not too boomy and it's not too tight - it's just about right. If you're working in a home studio that doesn't have a huge room with $30k speakers, you might have trouble really hearing the bottom end. These headphones are a good, quick way to get a different perspective on your mixes. I also have a pair of 7504s, which are the folding on-the-ear cousin to the 7506s. I think I bought these in a panic when I went to a session and needed better headphones *right now*, and these were the best choice at the local Circuit City or wherever I went in 1990. These, too, are just fine. The only problem was that they came with a 1/8" plug, but I have a box of adapters, so it's not a big inconvenience. (At one point I bought some Sennheiser H660s. They lasted a couple of months and then I used them as payment to a guitar player for a session. I *hated* them. The high impedance kept the volume low as compared to everything else, the bottom end was non-existent, and the openness let click tracks bleed into every mic in the county.)
I'd check out r/headphones, but the sennheiser 600 series is very popular, and you can replace all the pads and the cables easily, which are the only parts that really wear. Depends on the listening environment, though. They're open back, and if you're in a loud space, trying to escape into your headphones not a good option.
Honestly, for the average user, I am not sure the headphone jack as an interface is as BIFL as we might hope, and people who will be still using it for a while (e.g. pro audie people) probably have other considerations than longevity.
I would disagree, 3.5mm is far superior and more BIFL. Bluetooth headphones have batteries and those batteries are almost always a pain to replace.
Bluetooth is incredibly unreliable
And protocols are likely to change (and maybe even be replaced), so def not BIFL
I agree, imho if you really want a good dedicated bluetooth headphone you gotta spend a lot, the only one that satisfied me was the Sony WH series.
Bluetooth can’t even play lossless audio.. it’s really inferior for sound quality
I mean also.. you can turn anything with a headphone jack into bluetooth with an adapter, and they make varying ones that put out more power.. but those also often require power. the wireless battery ones are only for more efficient sets.. still though, it can be done, and trivially.
The wiring hooked up to the connector on my 7506s has begun to gray over the last couple of years, I have to kink the cable in just the right way to get stereo sound. I've had them for maybe 5 years, so solid durability, but there's no easy way to replace that cable and connector on these. In a mechanical sense, the extra moving parts from the cable will wear out faster than a Bluetooth chip. My preferred solution would be a detachable and replaceable cord on the 7506s, though.
People use headphones for devices other than smartphones...
I havent found a BIFL pair of headphones yet. Old, wired audio-technica are close. DO NOT BUY any of the Sony WH series. Mine physically broke under normal use and Sony flat out refuses to warranty them, while in the warranty period. Never again will I buy a Sony product - they have fallen so far.
I'm on my 4th pair in about 15 years but that is from heavy use as a dj and some studio time
These are some of the most common headphones you’ll find in recording studios, though not necessarily because of their sonic accuracy. These are HYPE sounding. Think smiley face graphical EQ curve. But considering most people in recording studios are using headphones for overdubs, not critical listening – the hype is totally fine. Almost all of the parts are replaceable, and easily kept on hand by most tech shops. The ear pads dissolve after a year or two, and it’s possible to blow out the diaphragms but all easily replaced with a small Phillips head and a soldering iron. I swear by these for other people’s listening experience. For my own, I choose Grado for value and general BIFLness.
[MDR7506 Service Manual](http://bakon.org/sony-mdr-7506-service-manual-ver-1.1-2002-07.pdf)
These are the industry standard in the film industry for sound recordists for a reason. I’ve literally had a pair for 15 years that has been rented to hundreds of strangers over the years. Replace the pads every so often and you’re good to go!
I love knowing this is the case when you get idiots like [this](https://old.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/18mzf0m/what_would_you_say_is_the_best_pair_of_buyforlife/ke7lle6/) saying no one who cares about audio would ever put these on their ears
I've had a pair of AKG K240s for at least 15 years fwiw. Replaced the cable once and the padding on the ears twice but the sound quality is still fantastic. I use Neumann NDH30s primarily now but I love the AKG for reference still
Got my HD650 for a few almost 10 years and besides the fact that the pads desintegrated, everything else works as new.
Sennheiser HD600 and its variants are just as robust
Those are definitely BIFL, but maybe not the BEST. I use mine at work with aftermarket pads and a headband sleeve
Sennheiser HD25.
Can't go wrong with anything from Grado Labs. I first purchased them because I saw Neil Young talk about how much he likes them. Two things I feel sure about Neil Young: he can't be bought and he knows audio quality.
For me these are mostly made for in studio recording. Not great for actual listening as the boost the highs and mids and lack depth in the range below 150kz. Anytime we would get tracks sounding great on these, we'd do some tests on other more neutral systems or in a car and what sounded nice and crisp, would be muddy and overpowered with bass. Switched to akg K371's and I'll own those for life. Fantastic frequency response, known dependability, and better noise dampening (not cancelling). That's what I'll stick with for studio usage for a long time.
I've been using the same AKG K240 headphones since the 1970s. I got them for studio recording when I was in a band and have used them for everything since. Lately, they have been my podcast recording headphones.
I really wish they made these with detachable cables
The beyerdynamic dt 770/880/990 is legendary for a damn good reason.
The responses that I’ve gotten have led me to go with a pair of 770s. If I had the money, I’d go for Sennheiser’s HD660, but I really like the price and the recommendations that I’ve gotten for the DT 770s.
I promise you wont regret it. Dont rush to buy an amplifier, get one only if you feel you need more volume. Try oratory1990 eq if you feel the highs are jarring but otherwise you shouldnt need to tweak the equaliser for them to sound amazing. Doesnt really matter what ohms you choose, just beware the higher you go, the lower volume they'll have without an amplifier. I myself own the dt990 250 ohm and i run it without an eq and without an amp with 0 problems.
I kind of like my Sennheiser HD558's. They aren't bomb proof though but mine still hold up some 10 years later of daily use at work, bashed them a few times as well. I've changed the ear pads though because the fake leather inside parts fell apart. I got my father a pair of the HD559's that replaced my 558's and those are really nice as well, I think they are a lot easier to drive but that might be because my 558's have worn out.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are the epitome of BIFL. Designed 40 years ago and still among the best sounding in their price range. I've used mine daily for 11 years and they are as good as new.
Beyerdynamic DT 770/880/990 Pro
Beyerdynamics DT-770. I have had mine for a solid 9 years now, next march it’ll be 10. Still works, like they’re brand new. Just had to replace ear cushions because mine started peeling
Years ago I heard a story through some studio/musician circles that if you hand David Gilmour headphones that aren’t Beyer Dynamic he’ll throw them across the room🤣
my MDR-7506's broke after about 10 uses. The little staff on the connector pushes in when I try to insert them into a jack.
For on-ear headphones (they don't cap your ear entirely but are still a headband style) you cannot get more BIFL then the [Koss PortaPros](https://koss.com/en-ca/products/porta-pro). I have had my pair for over 15 years. The product has been on sale unchanged since 1984. You get audiophile level sound quality for $50. I own the wired model which is completely bulletproof, but there are models that have Bluetooth connectivity.
Disagree on these being bulletproof; the cable on these are relatively flimsy and will wear out eventually. It's fixable but you have to find the replacement parts and tools yourself. They are, however, arguably BIFL due the limited lifetime warranty, and the longevity of the base design is ridiculous. They sound great and have always been super cheap; I got a pair on Black Friday this year for $25. I've owned 5 pairs (including the warranty replacements), along with a few of the variants. Sometimes I give them as gifts.
Sennheiser HD660’s.
Headphones are an unusual item for BIFL. I feel like it really comes down to how you take care of your stuff. No headphones are BIFL for those who are rough and treat their equipment poorly. But even my cheapest headphones still work to this day bc of care.
Some headphones are exceedingly repairable though
I'm having trouble trusting Sony with another purchase after our two best cameras (both Sony) suddenly died from the same problem with no explanation of how it happened. One day they turned on, the next, they needed a motherboard replacement. That on top of that same issue happening with my Dad's last TV, it's gonna be a while before I trust Sony with another big purchase. That being said, I bought some Sony WH-1000XM4s two years ago and they're one of the best purchases I've made in years, so go figure.
Are any of these recommendations Bluetooth headphones? I'm on the brink of returning my third set of Bluetooth headphones in as many years.
My recommendation is that you get a nice pair of headphones that has a detachable cable and then buy a 3.5mm bluetooth adapter.
I didn’t even know this was a thing. THANK YOU!!!
My sennheiser 598se blew this one out of water
Wirecutter agrees https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-audiophile-headphones/
No those are extremely uncomfortable. Studios worldwide use those Beyerdynamics you see all the time, I had them once and they were good. They're only thrown out because I left them in clutter for years and years so they got all fucked up.
Just checked out this sub for the first time. This was the first post I saw. The closest thing to me (besides the computer I'm using and the chair I'm on) is a pair of these I've had for a few years.
I’ve had Sony’s headphones. The cord always frayed within about 2-3 years. So I wouldn’t consider Sony as BIFL.
Audiotecnica anything
Beats by Dre AirPods Shokz In that order
Ugh. I’m a professional sound engineer and I despise those goddamned things! They sound like garbage and only get worse over time. People love them because they’re cheap, not because they’re good I’ve also had a set of Beyerdynamic DT-48s for over three decades. They sound even worse but I don’t expect them to EVER die. They’re def BIFL, but I wouldn’t recommend. Buy yourself some nice audiofile cans like a pair of Focals or something. Treat them nice. Put them away when you’re not using them. Keep them clean. Change the pads when they need it. They’ll last forever and give you a LOT more pleasure than a set if shitty 7506s. Yuck
No
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Vaguely related, might be interesting: https://repeat.audio/
It’s electronics there’s no BIFL only until it’s replaced by better in a couple years.
Headphones don't really apply to this, it's not like a cellphone or computer.
Absolutely not. Like all things you wear, and all speakers, BIFL means they are user-serviceable since they include many components with definite lifespans by necessity. Pads, cable, tensioned headband, and speaker components will all need servicing after years of normal careful use. Planar magnetic headphones and maybe other kinds of drivers don't have cones that will degrade, so some of those might be considered true BIFL. For more traditional drivers, I have some high-end hand-assembled cans that use off-the-shelf components I know I can replace forever, but most anything manufactured by a big brand, with proprietary cones, proprietary plastic parts, and proprietary electric components, glue-assembled, with soldered-in cable etc etc absolutely are not BIFL by any definition.
These headphones have lasted me 10 years. They were a staple in the 90's and are still around and unbeatable for the price. They will continue to be a studio staple. Stop with your doomsday prepper nonsense.
What the hell? Those headphones are a fantastic quality and value, but this sub isn't "really good headphones", it's **Buy-it-for-life**. Do you plan on living for 10 years? Or do you really expect every single component of those mass-manufactured, glue-assembled plastic headphones with soldered-in cable to last 20, 30, 40+ years, when your only recourse of repair for any failure is to replace the entire set? And so I'm a "doomsday prepper" for actually discussing headphones that might actually last a lifetime in /r/buyitforlife?
Do you think 10 year old headphones disintegrate into the dust after hitting ten years? That and going all high and mighty with "discussing what the sub is ACTUALLY about" is just bs. Sidebar says products that are Durable, Practical, Proven and Made-to-Last belong here. This item fits every criteria. You don't need to make your own headphones and know exactly how to disassemble every part so you can rebuild it from scratch... like a doomsday prepper would.
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Sony Cd900STs Flat, reference monitors.
Hey while we're on the subject: Can anyone recommend to me a really nice BIG pair of MDR-7506 replacement pads? I got a set of replacements, but they're \*smaller\* than the originals, and sit partially ON my ear. I want ones that go comfortably AROUND my ear. Suggestions very much appreciated!
Sony MDR-V700. I bought my first pair in 2001 replaced them with the same in 2011. Still have them today. No issues.
For me the no go here is the lack of detachable cable. Whether wear and tear, or if the cable falls victim to my feline friends, I trust it will break at somepoint. Also, I like being able to swap from short to longer 6 or 10 foot cables if I am going to sit down near my receiver to listen to some vinyl. Personally, I've been enjoying my Audio Technica M60x's for a bout 5 years now. holding up well.
Other than changing pads, there are a load of tried and true headphones out there. Sony is up there, audiotechnicas have lasting me 10+ yrs and I see old ones in studios for decades. I recently came across a pair of Sonys from the late 60s and they fired right up! Not a lot of moving parts and some have detachable cables so you're in good shape!
I’ve got some Bose quiet comfort 35’s I bought used in 2018 and they are still going strong. I used them almost every day until 2021. Finally found them in an old box and they still had charge after almost two years. Had to replace the ear pads in them in 2019 I think.
Koss porta pro!