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Audio Technica EQ500 Headphones -- 2 year review

Gear Review

Audio Technica EQ500 Headphones Review

A two-year retrospective on durability and sound quality

~2
Years Owned
~100-120
Hours Total Use
2
Headphone Models Compared
Section I

Long-term Ownership

It's been over two years since I bought the Audio Technica EQ500 headphones in Tokyo. They still sound good and look reasonably well after two years of ownership. I've used them casually, maybe once every two weeks, totaling at most about 50-60 hours of listening time each year.

 

Performance and Issues

One problem has emerged: I need to play with the 1/8" audio jack as the sound cuts out from one side. It usually takes a few quick twists to get it sounding fine again. Because of this issue, they have become my backup pair, as I typically carry larger over-ear headphones like the Audio Technica WM77s.

Tip: If your audio jack starts cutting out, try a quick twist or cleaning the connection before replacing the unit entirely.
ModelTypeStatus
EQ500On-earBackup
WM77sOver-earPrimary
Future Plans

Next time I'm in Japan, I might consider upgrading to the EQ600s or EQ700s, which include a retractable cable. I'll need to research those newer models, but it will likely be at least a year before I can fly over to Japan again.

  • →EQ600 — Potential upgrade, features a retractable cable design.
  • →EQ700 — Potential upgrade, features a retractable cable design.
Have you had issues with audio jack connectivity on your daily drivers? Let me know in the comments.
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