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Audio Technica Headphone Repairs
Old headphones often suffer from the same avoidable problem. The Artificial Leather that so many manufacturers insist on using simply doesn’t last. It is about the worst material you could choose for a product. Even worse for one that comes in direct contact with skin. For packing away after each sweaty use, it might be the worst material possible. Even with good covers like Headphone Softies it’s hopeless. The vinyl and polyurethane-based materials commonly known as ‘leatherette’ quickly crack, flake and fall apart.
Audio Technica claims not to use protein leather, more commonly known as ‘pleather’. However, if their ‘leatherette’ is an improvement over ‘pleather’ somehow, it’s not clear what that improvement is. It is also not clear what about using these materials is so compelling compared to more resilient, washable materials. Is it only down to cost?
The Beyerdynamic DT-770 and 990 Pro both use beautiful velour pads that are not only supremely comfortable but durable too. The Ultrasone PRO900 also uses a similar material for ear pads. Again they are comfortable and durable, though the headband does still suffer. The AKG K701 are also cloth, as are numerous other high-end headphones. So maybe the leatherette is cheaper? But, wouldn’t it be nice to have the option in the future, even if it was a few dollars more?
Until that happens, you can take matters into your own hands if you’re up for it. Replacement ear pads are very easy to find now online. They even come in memory foam options like the ones in the video. They are quite good for how cheap they were & are a very worthwhile fix. The headband is a bit of a different story, unfortunately. Most of the replacements you will find are clunky zip-up or velcro covers. These don’t actually replace the bad headband, just cover it up and make things very bulky.
If you’re feeling brave, this video shows how to fix the headband yourself. You’ll need a bit of creativity & a needle & thread. I made a pretty good mess out of the sewing on this one, but with some practice, you should be able to do much better work. Otherwise, it’s just a few bits and pieces you might already have around the house. So get stuck in & get those headphones fixes up again. Share your progress with @dcsoundop on social media if you’d like to show the group what you’ve been up to.
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