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Comment by Arch-TK | Hacker News Reader

I have to ask, as I have never bought active headphones, all my headphones are user servicable already. I've even had to repair the soldering joints on my M40x once. The cables are all removable. The pads are easily replacable.

Are active headphones really that much harder to service? There's no space constraints to warrant glue, clips and ultrasonic welding instead of screws.

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I have replaced the pads on my Bose QuietComfort 35s 3 times in the last 6 years of wearing them almost daily. It's pretty easy to do. Beyond that they've just worked, even though I've dropped them a bunch of times. Still have excellent battery life. One of the best products I've purchased in last decade.

Pads should be easily replaceable on all headphones. They are the part that wears out the fastest.

> One of the best products I've purchased in last decade.

Agreed. I have gone through two dozen IEM and over ear headphones in two decades, and the BOSE QC35 II are the best I have ever used. Worth every penny.

Wanna know what's funny? Everybody loves to hate on BOSE, but they are consistently better than any other brand I've ever bought. Their sound quality might not be great, but they make up for it with comfort, practicality and sturdier than any other brand in that price range.

I use some Beyerdynamics DT880 on my desktop, they are somehow worse than the QC35. Tinny highs than need EQ, too shallow so my very delicate ears rest on the internal hard mesh and they hurt after a few hours. They do not spark joy.

also hve quiet comforts. battery is still great, did replace the pads again recently. Only downsite is I broke the hinge so the ear was not connected to the loop and the parts didn't seem available. I used some small rivets and a piece of copper... back in action.

I have Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones where the headphone strap broke after a year and a half of light use. I was only able to order a non-ome replacement part from a third part on a different continent. Would have loved to be able to order Sony parts

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