As you can see, the earcups are the only real indicator that I’ve been using these heavily over the past six years. They went from daily to every other day, then back to daily and do on. Used them at work, then began using them at home more until I got my first pair of IEMs, then they stayed at home but I used them while working, writing, or just enjoying them while playing games or watching a show or etc.

I’m very impressed they’ve lasted so well! I bought them in 2017 but now there seems to be an issue with the connection of the right driver. It could be wiring, but I’m afraid to take it apart before I source a new pair.

There’s a fuzzing, staticky type noise coming from the right ear, whether they’re plugged in with the included cable or on Bluetooth.

Is it worth it to replace them with another pair of WH1000-XM(insert number here) or should I consider other brands? Please bear in mind that I am not in the US or EU and there is absolutely no return policy, nor can I order from Amazon or random Chinese stores as import taxes are unreasonable.

Thank you and happy listening!

  • Sorry_WhileBEnglish
    2·
    10 months ago

    Cushions can be replaced. Replaced mine on qc2 works like charm.

    • delusionalcookieOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I understand, and I don’t even mind the cushions as they are (they’re still very comfortable) but my problem lies with a failing driver that’s giving off distortion and static.

  • AvieshekBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    This is when you attract boomer comments, comes to show of age because it turned a little yellow?

  • nottheengineer@feddit.deEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I upgraded my XM1s to XM4s and was disappointed. You can’t use LDAC when connecting multiple devices and the headphones need to reboot when switching modes. They also don’t sound any better than the old ones and just have a slight advantage in comfort.

    I’d say go look for something else.

  • delusionalcookieOPBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Thank you everyone for your excellent advice and your time! I’m sorry I didn’t make it clear in the title that I was intending on replacing the headphones because of a driver issue and not just because they are ‘old’. I still use them and deal with the distortion and static and I honestly wish that they still worked well because I could replace the earcups and they would be like new. However I won’t complain getting over six years of near daily use out of them and have been very happy with them! I will take all of your recommendations to heart and try each one if possible before I come to a decision. I may or may not get ANCs, but whatever I do end up with I will certainly let you know!

  • PoopyScarfBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I imagine the xm4 or xm5 will be on sale for Black Friday. If you want to spend a little more for a completely new experience the Focal Bathys are on sale currently. MSRP is normally $800 but you can find them on Amazon or headphones dot com for about $620.

    I got a pair a few weeks ago after almost purchasing apple AirPods Max and I am so glad I got the Bathys. The ANC is great, it is prob the worst out of the 3 but it’s still very good. Sound quality knocks the other 2 out of the park, and it’s not even close. They’re super comfortable and feel high quality. They are wireless but you can use them wired through USBC or 3.5mm headphone jack, they have a built in DAC, they can play lossless, and the battery is phenomenal. I use mine a few hours a day and I’ve only charged them once since I got them 3 weeks ago (currently have 50% battery remaining). The app is super neat because you can run a legit hearing test which then configures your EQ to help you hear some frequencies better if you have hearing loss in those regions.