How Durable Are Audio-Technica Headphones? (With Examples)

Audio Technica is one of the most popular brands when it comes to headphones.

That said, can you rely on Audio Technica as a brand that will last you for years?

How Durable Are Audio-Technica Headphones?

With daily use, Audio-Technica headphones can last for 10-15 years if you take good care of them. In order to achieve this, you need to take good care of the cables and moving parts by storing them in a bag or case when carrying them with you. Having them tangled up in a backpack will shorten their lifespan.

How Long do Audio Technica Headphones Normally Last?

Audio Technica headphones can last you for a long time with proper care.

Especially with the MX series, users have noted that their headphones have been in use for at least four years without any deterioration in the sound quality.

RELATED: Common Problems With Audio Technica Headphones

However, not all Audio Technica headphones are made equal. The higher-end models have lesser risks for damage when compared to more affordable models.

For example, you can expect the M50x to have better durability than the M20x, as the former has a detachable cable.  

But all things considered, they are built to last, even if you are not as careful as audiophiles or connoisseurs.

Do They Last as Long as Other Headphones?

Audio Technica has a reputation for high-quality products.

For the most part, the headphones are built to withstand daily usage.

You can say they have better durability when compared to the cheaper brands in the market, such as those that retail for less than $20.

Compared to higher-end brands, such as Grado and Sony, Audio Technica can last as long as these brands.

What Typically Breaks First on Audio Technica Headphones?

The most vulnerable component of Audio Technica headphones is the cables.

They usually get tugged, and sometimes they get stressed on the wire when pulled out, especially in haste.

Another weak point for Audio Technica headphones is the plastic components, but they only become weak when not stored properly.

How Long is the Warranty on Audio Technica Headphones?

Audio Technica offers a limited two-year warranty for all their headphones.

For the warranty to take effect, the item must have been bought in the USA and needs proof of purchase to be valid.

This is similar to Technika TVs – not to be confused with the Autio-Technica brand though the names are similar. Here are the most common problems with Technika TVs.

What Exactly Does the Warranty Cover?

Audio Technica’s limited two-year warranty covers any manufacturing defect that may arise and compromise the performance.

This warranty includes repairing, refunding, or replacing the product within the USA, provided it was also bought there.

The warranty does not cover defects that arise from normal wear and tear, shipping damages, and any other damage that arises from misuse.

If your product was repaired or modified by an unauthorized person, the warranty is also nullified.

Do Audio Technica Headphones Need Maintenance From the Owner?

Like any other electronic device and accessory, Audio Technica headphones need maintenance to last longer.

While there’s a 24-month warranty, and many people have sworn by its durability, you can’t rely on that all the time to keep your headphones protected.

You also need to exert care on your part, as Audio Technica made it clear that their warranty does not cover misuse or normal wear and tear.

Proper care and maintenance for your headphones allow you to prolong your lifespan. You get to maximize usage, and you’ll be surprised at how far a good pair of headphones can go when taken care of.

You maintain the sound quality, and if you’re diligent in maintenance, they’ll remain to look new, which helps if you are into buying and selling audiophile gear.

How Do You Care for Your Headphones?

Given the benefits of maintaining your headphones, here are ways to keep them in the best condition possible.

Note that some of these steps may not prevent degradation but can slow down any wearing that may happen.

Let’s take a look at what you can do:

Regularly Clean your Headphones:

Your headphones get exposed to dirt, whether you’re outside or indoor.

And in some cases, you may end up sweating while wearing them.

You see, there are many ways your headphones could accumulate dirt, with a list going forever.

The bottom line is, clean your headphones so they can maintain their quality.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Wipe your headphones after use, ideally with a soft cloth that’s dampened with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
• For those using earbuds or in-ears, avoid letting others them, as both of you may transmit dirt to each other.
• Brush off any dirt on the drivers
• Clean the jack by spraying with compressed air, or use a thin paper clip with double-sided tape to collect any particles.

Give Attention to the Cables:

If you’re using wired headphones, you know that this part is just as essential.

And while you can swap out cables for some models, you know that it loses value if the original cable is damaged.

Moreso, if you’re using in-ears or wired earbuds, having a broken cable can render them useless.

So you need to protect these cables from damage:

• Don’t store them in your pocket, especially if you wear tight clothing. The wires inside may break when pressure is applied when moving.
• Avoid dangling the wires, as these also put pressure on the internal wires, especially when bent at an angle.
• Ensure your cables are not tangled, as untangling them may also cause pressure to the wires inside.
• Pull out the plug and not the cable.
• Please don’t leave your headphones plugged in, as they can damage the spring inside the jack.
• In relation, coil your cables properly when storing them.

You can check this guide to help you wrap your cables.

Invest in Storage for Your Headphones:

If you are always on the go with your headphones, then it’s imperative to have proper storage for your headphones.

While it’s tempting to shove everything into your daypack or sling bad, remember that these were not designed for storage when mixed with other things.

Having proper storage for your headphones ensures that it is cushioned from pressure and even impact during transit.

The proper storage also means it’s the right fit. You don’t want something too tight or too loose as it can still damage your headphones.

Replace Headphone Pads Now and Then:

Your headphone pads are not just there for aesthetics but are there to provide comfort.

Audio Technica uses vinyl-based leather, and depending on the humidity and how you care for them, they may flake off.

Once your headphones start flaking, it’s time to replace them.

Avoid Moisture and Humid Environments:

A moist environment or setting can contribute to the corrosion of metal components of your headphones, while the sweat can stain the earpads.

One thing you can consider is putting silica gel desiccant in your headphone’s case so it can absorb moisture.

If you sweat a lot or use your headphones in humid environments, you should consider getting headphones designed for sports.

These headphones were designed with better resistance to liquids or wet environments.

Match the Impedance Between your Device and Headphones:

Impedance matching is specifically for wired connections.

You will not get the ideal level if you have high impedance headphones and your device has a low impedance.

In this case, you may need to get a headphone amp to compensate for the levels.

On the other hand, low impedance headphones can get damaged when using high impedance sources.

This is the edge of Bluetooth headphones, as you don’t have to worry about impedance ratings between your phone or computer and your headphones.

Set the Volume and EQ Levels Properly:

The speakers of your headphones vibrate as it produces sound.

And the louder the volume is, the more it vibrates, which puts moving parts at risk of damage.

The worst thing that can happen here is the sound warping with the potential to damage your sense of hearing.

It’s important to know when to adjust your device’s volume concerning your use of headphones.

Know when to Charge your Headphones:

If you are using any of Audio Technica’s wireless headphones, be sure to know when to charge them:

• Ideally, it would be best if you didn’t wait for them to drain completely.
• Please don’t leave them charging inside your car while parked under direct sunlight.
• Try charging them simultaneously with your phone, so they’re both ready to use at the same time.

What Are the Best Audio Technica Headphones?

Best for Audio Quality: Audio Technica M50X

The Audio Technica M50X has one of the best sound qualities you can get for audio quality.

It’s one of the best closed-back headphones that studio engineers prefer, with its flat characteristics.

With its flat frequency voicing, the M50X makes a good headphone to listen to different genres. Although, you may find the bass lacking due to the flat voicing.

The M50X also has comfortable ear cups that even people with larger ears would love to use for extended periods. And three cables to match different uses.

When storing, the M50X’s cups fold and swivel for a more compact form for travel.

Unfortunately, this pair of headphones isn’t ideal for outdoor use, as it doesn’t have noise cancelation.

The included cables also don’t have a remote or microphone for calls, which means your computer needs a separate microphone, or you need to use your phone’s built-in microphone.

This headphone also doesn’t have Bluetooth, but you can use a third-party adapter, such as the Fiio BTA10, designed particularly for the M50X.

There’s also a Bluetooth version of this headphone, but it does not have the same sound profile.

Best for Mixed Purposes: Audio Technica ANC9

If you’re looking for something that performs well for different purposes, then the ANC9 is meant for you.

The ANC9 has a rather neutral sound profile meant for different genres. You can use these headphones if you’re very particular with frequencies, especially if you’re trying to study a song or designing a soundscape for a video.

The ANC9 also has a built-in remote and microphone that you can use for video calls or quick voice recordings. This headphone also features noise-canceling, which can reduce nuances, such as vehicles passing outside.

If anything is disappointing with these headphones, it’s the lack of a built-in battery when using the wireless mode.

These headphones are also not as comfortable as the M50X and aren’t ideal for workouts.

Best Budget Headphone: Audio Technica M20X

These are the cheapest headphones you can get from the MX line of Audio Technica.

If you run a recording studio and need cheap headphones that will last, the M20X are a good choice to look at.

It’s also a good option for those who want a budget pair of headphones meant for home or office use.

The M20X looks a lot like the M50X and has a similar level of comfort.

They feature a flat response, good for novice sound engineers or multimedia designers who want a comfortable pair for long editing sessions.

Unfortunately, these headphones are pretty plain, considering the price. The cable cannot be removed and does not fold for storage.

But for its price and sound quality, it’s not bad at all.

Sources:

10 Simple Hacks to Make Your Headphones Last Longer

Audio Technica US Two-Year Limited End-User Warranty

The 6 Best Audio-Technica Headphones