What can I do to keep my headphones sounding great for years to come?

Audeze headphones are engineered with both excellent sound and build quality, and with an eye on longevity so you can keep listening for years without issues. Planar magnetic headphones are unique in that they almost never show signs of wear and tear in the frequency response or sound reproduction, and if something goes wrong it's usually all or nothing - either they work or do not - with very little in between.

That being said, all headphones can be subject to damage over time and with heavy use, and sometimes the drivers may fail. Here's a list of the most common causes of premature driver failures, so you can avoid these pitfalls and keep your headphones in tip-top shape.

1. Excessive pressure changes: Pressing your headphones hard and fast against your head or another flat surface is highly discouraged. When you put the headphones on your head or against a flat surface, some air is trapped between the driver and your ear. Pressing the earcups down without a way for the air to escape can cause the air to reach high pressures, potentially damaging the diaphragms and cause premature failure. The best way to create a good seal on the earpads is to keep them and your head clean and free from debris, and to put them on slowly and let the pressure equalize naturally.

2. Environmental factors that can affect the performance and longevity of our headphones in general, and specifically the drivers, include (but aren't limited to) the following:

• leather care and conditioning products
• hygiene and beauty products such as lotions, shampoos, soaps, hair care products, etc
• individual body emissions and chemistry such as perspiration, hair and skin oils, etc
• environmental conditions such as temperature/humidity, smoke, pollution, pollen, household cleaners/deodorizers, etc

At this point, we don't have a reliable way to insulate the aluminum traces from corrosion or oxidization. We recommend regular wipe-downs of the exterior parts with a clean, soft, lint-free towel to remove any buildup, and careful storage in a clean, dry environment. Storing them in their original travel case along with some desiccant packs is the most reliable way to keep your headphones free from moisture that may cause oxidation.

3. Playback volume: Excessive power levels can damage the diaphragms, since the traces heat up over time at high levels and can actually melt as a result. Be sure to stay within the rated power levels to minimize the risk of damage, which is not covered under warranty.

4. Punctures or drops. This one is fairly self explanatory. Avoid dropping your headphones and keep sharp or pointy objects out of the earcups.

If you ever have any issues with your headphones and require repairs or other troubleshooting, please don't hesitate to contact us by emailing support@audeze.com.