There are tons of IEM reviews out there, but they're typically for when a product first launches and mostly about the audio quality. But I'm curious what your experiences are for the long-term durability of your IEMs.

I'll go with my (bad) experience: QKZ VK4: incredible audio for $10, but replaced the cable twice in <2 years (stock, then $15 KZ cable, then $30 Linsoul), and then the left-earbud broke, so bad

(in contrast, not IEMs, but my Audio-Technica ATH-M50 is still doing fine 9.5 years later, despite throwing it in my bookbag daily for 4 years.)

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andysaurus_rex t1_jegywr8 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:08 PM

#2,558,009

People talk about the batteries going bad but I've had my original airpods for I can't remember how many years and they're still going strong, although I only really use them for making calls at work now. I've had wired IEMs break usually after 6-12 months.

subtodub t1_jegz3mb wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:10 PM

#2,558,091

I've been into this hobby for 2 and a half years so don't really have much lineage, but my then Starfield (that has been sold to a friend) is still in great condition. I still daily-drive my Blessing 2 for close to 2 years right now. I also still have some cheap $2 earbuds from a local store and it still sounds like what it used to 8-9 years ago (Read: Bad).

I've been quite blessed with QC though, only have had minor issues (paint chipping). Things that I broke (cosmetically like my Blessing 2) is fully on me, and even then, with some tape and glue, it still works wonders.

[deleted] t1_jegznf0 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:14 PM

#2,558,385

[deleted]

No-Context5479 t1_jegzrte wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:15 PM

#2,558,450

The VSonic GR07 Classic. I don't use it much now and it's relegated to it's case most of the time but when I feel nostalgic I pull it out

n0t_4_thr0w4w4y t1_jegzw8n wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:16 PM

#2,558,510

My Shure SE215s are technically still alive, but I’ve replaced the cable too many times to count and the housings are badly chipped and cracked. Daily drivers for ~3 years in college and hardly used since.

milotrain t1_jeh0ja7 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:21 PM

#2,558,809

JH13s, about 11 years old. Repaired and recalibrated a few times by the company. Etymotic ER6i lasted until the cables disintegrated (they were like 6 years old).

blargh4 t1_jeh4f14 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:50 PM

#2,560,799

I only got into wired IEMs within the last year or so, so far the only ones I've had problems with are the Moondrop Arias (internet chatter suggests its a very common problem, so I really think people should avoid it).