I owned the original model of these headphones for 4 years before the left ear shorted. By that time, Direct Sound had released the updated model (dubbed Plus) and seemingly discontinued the previous. I thought it a good time to upgrade and was initially pleased with the changes.
The cable is two parts, allowing you to disconnect while still wearing the headphones. As I always need sound protection due to my hyperacusis, this is a boon. I don't need to worm for the audio jack on my PC, I can just disconnect it right under the fork and walk around the house. The headband is tighter than the previous version, which helps with sound isolation a little bit (tighter fit) but feels like they're too small for my head initially. The cable used to be a double, though, which mitigated naturally pretzelling. The new, single cable comes already ready to pretzel.
After about a month, I noticed the ear pads falling off. Some adhesive was still left, so they hadn't actually fallen off, but I could definitely see a tug removing them. Additionally, a couple weeks later, the left Y connector on the headband snapped as I stretched them to put on. Many reviews cite this same cheap construction. Whether it's the new design or the reseller, I don't know (Direct Sound's site claims the new headband is "more durable"). Luckily I never threw out my old pair and the entire design of these headphones is modular. I swapped out the broken headband for my old one and it's fine-ish. The slightly looser fit means less sound isolation.
Direct Sound's site offers replacement parts for every piece of the headphone. This was cool and consumer friendly on their part, as you needn't replace the entire headphone when something broke. But now it feels like they deliberately made the new version frailer to encourage more part sales. ...Or it could be the reseller refurbishing, I can't say. I'd have to order directly from Direct Sound to compare and I don't intend to order a second set. Amazon is consistently cheaper than buying directly.
That said, I did contact the reseller through Amazon and they provide a 1 year warranty for the headphones. Just ship them the broken pair and they'll ship you a new one.
If you can find the old model (non Plus), I'd recommend that. Failing that, however, I'd recommend getting the old IncrediFlex headband that Direct Sound still sells under replacement parts. Assuming it is planned obsolescence in the newer design, the older design should last you much longer.
UPDATE: 3 years later, the right speaker died. Ordered replacement speakers from Direct Sound's site and 4 business days later, they arrived (est. 3-5); they came with an extra extension cable I didn't order (and wasn't charged for) as well as picture instructions on how to replace the speakers! You only need the 1/4 inch jack adapter the cable comes with, otherwise it's all doable with just your hands (though the adhesive was a bit strong in places). The new cable is tethered, as opposed to a simple rubber sheath on the previous, which should be more pretzel resistant.
And an update on the ear pads that fell off: they only fell off that one time, staying firm for the last 3 years I've had them. I finally replaced them with the (now also 3 years old) replacement pads I bought back then and that definitely helped the comfort.
I also switched back to the old headband as the new one was pinching the crown of my skull. They still sell this old headband model on their site as a separate part so, true to the original review, I recommend buying it if you have problems with the new design (comfort, durability, or otherwise).
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (16) | (1568) | (2) | (11309) | (816) | (1) |
| Price | $126.23 | $68.99 | $170.00 | $86.00 | $51.99 | $165.00 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Music Supplies Now | GearNuts | BCCK | Amazon.com | AVLGear |
| Color | 2018 | Black | Black | Black | Black | White |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | over-ear | — | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | — |
| Headphones Form Factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches | 7 x 2 x 5 inches | 6 x 6 x 4.5 inches | 9.64 x 7.36 x 3.3 inches | 8.63 x 4.13 x 8.38 inches | 7.28 x 5.75 x 4.37 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.12 lbs | 0.86 lbs | 1.00 lbs | 0.63 lbs | 0.94 lbs | 1.10 lbs |
| Special Feature | Foldable | Noise-Isolating | Foldable, Adjustable headband, Noise-Canceling, Lightweight, Universal, Noise-Isolating | Universal | volume-control | wireless, Adjustable Headband, Noise-Canceling, Lightweight |
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Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2020
I’ve had these for a relatively short time and only used them less than 20 times.
I will not be buying replacements.
Fell apart in a short amount of time. Buyer beware.
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2020
Using these headphones for the occasional studio recording and a cassette tape to digital conversion project. While the sound quality and noise cancellation are great, the headphones themselves are of a terrible quality. The right side pad peeled itself away from the frame and will not stick back on without help from glue. And most recently, the headband snapped in half when putting the headphones on at the beginning of a recording session. I make a big point to NOT spread ANY headphones wide to put them on but, that didn’t seem to matter.Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2020
I’ve had these for a relatively short time and only used them less than 20 times.
I will not be buying replacements.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
Norah Purcell
it is very good at sound isolation BUT the plastic headset easily comes ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2018
