Review on Audio Technica Active Cancelling Headphones by Earl Ton

Short story ---------- --- --Attention for the buyer. Audio-Technica apparently refuses to fix problems with this model, and then doesn't offer the top-notch support you'd expect from such a reputable company. I've had two pairs of these headphones in four years. Both have failed me in the same way. First the ear cushions tear and the foam becomes visible. Worse, the left ear stops playing after a year, even if you wiggle and change the 1/8" cable. Long story --------------- As many other reviews have pointed out, the ear pads in these headphones will tear over time. This is a design flaw that has been repeatedly reported to Audio-Technica. You can buy a replacement from them for over $30 shipping or ask them to send you some which they might send you for free depending on the wind direction that day if you are one of the lucky ones. There are cheaper earbud replacements out there, but the fact that these earbuds are being sold by a different seller should indicate an epidemic of problems inherent in these headphones. Even if you can fix this design flaw, the more serious downside is that after a while, the left ear just stops working, regardless of changing cables etc. Most people can live with weird foam ear pads. Few people would prefer only one side of the headphones to work. I bought my first pair about four years ago and they lasted about three years before showing these symptoms. After about two years the pads came off and by the third year the left ear stopped working. Sure, in the absence of a warranty I chalked it up to failure, as you can expect a much longer lifespan from a quality manufacturer like Audio-Technica. When I contacted their support team they told me I can replace the headphones for basically the same price as buying them brand new here at Revain. So why should I choose this option? Seemingly gullible enough to believe that a reputable company like Audio-Technica is likely to improve their product over time, I drank Kool-Aid, gave them another chance, and bought another pair. This time, instead of using several years, the ear pads began to diverge a little over a year. Then, just a month later, the left ear stopped working. With supposedly high-quality products and great support, you'd think a company like Audio-Technica would give a loyal customer a break and redeem a just-expired (only two-month) warranty. and provide replacement or repair. nope They basically told me to split the salt with an option to replace it for a fee after I sent mine and new ones back to me which would almost exceed the price of a brand new pair here at Revain. Audio-Technica should either correct the design or manufacturing process of these headphones, or withdraw them from the market lest anyone fall into the same trap I did. It's a shame they don't improve on these headphones because IF they work they get five stars for sound quality and noise cancellation for headphones at this price point. I will look for another manufacturer for my headphones, microphone and more. Audio future purchases.