Save my earphones!

December 8, 2007 11:00 PM

Can I fix my expensive earphones? Please note: I am clumsy and not inclined to fixing anything, let alone small, expensive things.

I have a pair of Etymotic i6 Isolators that will be two years old shortly after Christmas. Recently (in the past couple of weeks) the left side has stopped working periodically. No sound will come out, but I can normally fix it by wiggling/ twisting/ bending the wire right where it enters the plug. I fear this means they'll be toast soon. Is there anything I can do to avoid having to replace the earphones I love so much? If you have step by step instructions that do not involve any surgical precision, I might be able to do what you suggest. Thanks!

posted by PhatLobley to technology (11 comments total)

Etymotic will repair them if you ask. They will most likely charge you for this. I had my ER-4Ps done and the damage (all caused by me) was so bad they sent me a new pair for $90 (list price $300).
posted by zippy at 11:15 PM on December 8, 2007

Might depend on the design of your headphones -- some you can take apart easily, some not. There may be hidden screws, adhesives, plastic welds, "snap-together" parts that can't be un-snapped, etc.

Probably the problem is just a wire breaking or coming off its solder. You could probably fix it by cutting off the bad part/clipping it, stripping the end, and re-soldering it to the intended contact. Usually this does not require too much dexterity.
posted by hjo3 at 11:18 PM on December 8, 2007

From Mr. Jalapeno:

"Seconding the wire arcing and/or coming off its solder post. In order to fix this problem, I recommend exposing the circuit board, where the connections are made within the earphones, and shortening the overall length of the wire by pulling it two to three inches further into the actual earphones, cutting and splicing the wire and soldering it to the soldering post, making sure that the wire you cut off will match up to the proper phase (positive to positive and negative to negative.) That should remedy the problem.

If it doesn't, then the only other possible reason is that the voice coil itself is eroding, which could cause intermittent signals. In that case, you should follow zippy's instructions. However, once you open the case, you'll probably void the warranty and most manufacturers will refuse to repair an item, even if you are willing to pay for the repair. Based on your limited tech experience in your question, I think your best bet is to send it to the manufacturer, but feel free to send me MefiMail for any details."
posted by mitzyjalapeno at 11:34 PM on December 8, 2007

I too have sent Etymotics earphones back - actually for something pretty similar to what you are describing - and they fixed them without charge.
posted by JPD at 11:34 PM on December 8, 2007

Etymotic customer service is one of the reasons i keep recommending them to everyone. give them a call.
posted by softlord at 11:49 PM on December 8, 2007

Etymotic will replace your earphones for something like US$70, they are quit helpful about it. But didn't take them up on it as by the time postage etc. has been paid from Japan it works out more or less the same as a new pair.
It is a bit worrying the number of failures in the same area. Mine went exactly as described. Seems to be a bit of a design/manufacturing fault that ought to be fixed. That said they are great sound value for money.
posted by AndyM825 at 1:58 AM on December 9, 2007

I have a pair of the ER6, the non-iPoderized version of your headphones, and occasionally I get this problem. Usually, a filter needs to be changed - I had forgotten about the filter thing and nearly sent mine in, but a change quickly fixed things. If you're out of filters or missing the tool (and it's impossible to swap them without the tool) you can find them here.

Though the headphone assembly, particularly where the cord comes into the housing, has always looked a bit too easy to break...
posted by roygbv at 2:47 AM on December 9, 2007

Nthing just sending them back to Etymotic--they have great customer service and just replaced my 15-month old pair of ER-6 with no questions asked (and turnover was inside of a week).
posted by zachxman at 9:14 AM on December 9, 2007

You can cut the plug off the end and replace it with one from Radio Shack. I recently did this. The new plug and soldering supplies came in around $20. It's fiddly and it would help to have an extra hand, but if I can do it then I imagine anybody can.
My AskMe on the subject.
Step By Step Instructions.
Another set of instructions.
posted by nowonmai at 9:54 AM on December 9, 2007 [1 favorite]

Seconding the filter change. I had precisely the issue you described and naturally assumed it was the wire's connection, but it disappeared with a new filter. That's counterintuitive but that's what it was.

It *is* possible to swap the filter without the tool and even without damaging the original filter. These are instructions from their excellent phone support person. Just insert a fingernail under the edge of the existing filter and carefully, firmly push in, very slightly wiggling your fingernail if necessary to loosen it. Soon the filter will come loose and you can pull it out and insert the new filter. This has the advantage of not damaging the original filter in case you want to try it again.

Also note that you can get a new 6i pair for around $70 to $80 postpaid (check Amazon & Shopzilla). If Ety will charge you 70+shipping, you might prefer a new one. But definitely try a filter change first!
posted by allterrainbrain at 9:50 PM on December 11, 2007

If you don't have fingernails, she said the tip of a butter knife will also work.
posted by allterrainbrain at 9:52 PM on December 11, 2007