Lesson on Sustainability for the Hi-Fi Sector from Sennheiser's Iconic HD650 Headphones
High-End Audio Equipment: A Sustainable Investment for the Long Haul
In the world of high-fidelity audio, some brands have stood the test of time, offering durable products with exceptional repair support that can last for decades. Brands like Quad, Naim, Cyrus, Burmester, and Audio Research are renowned for building equipment that not only sounds great but also has a lifespan exceeding 15-20 years.
Quad, for instance, is admired for its robust, simple designs that facilitate easy repairs, often with accessible components and excellent company support. This allows for long product lives spanning decades. Naim offers strong customer service and repair options, with many users reporting equipment functioning well for 20+ years. Their modular design approach helps with repairability and upgrades.
Cyrus focuses on compact, well-engineered units with good repair support, prioritizing customer service, and ensuring parts availability for long-term repairs. Burmester, a high-end German brand, boasts premium build quality and a service-oriented approach, ensuring professional repairs and servicing that extend product life significantly.
Audio Research is known for high-quality tube and solid-state electronics with a strong emphasis on serviceability. Many vintage models remain operational thanks to ongoing repair support. These brands emphasize durability, modularity, and customer service that allows owners to maintain and repair their equipment without stress, thus ensuring long product life and strong repair support.
Meanwhile, in the realm of headphones, the Sennheiser HD600 series has been a resounding success since the original HD600 broke cover in 1998. The Sennheiser HD650 headphones, still in production today, are a testament to their longevity. In contrast, many in-ears, wired or wireless, are seen as disposable due to their short lifespan.
The writer of this article, for example, owns a pair of Sennheiser HD650 headphones, purchased around 20 years ago, and expects them to last another decade. All-analogue valve and transistor amplifiers also have a life that can be measured in decades.
However, not all audio-visual equipment shares this longevity. Older TVs are often thrown away rather than repaired due to a lack of spare parts or progressive software issues. Early streamers are likely to be abandoned due to being left behind by the incessant march of technology. CD players are being dumped because parts for the transport are hard to get.
In contrast, investing in high-quality, well-engineered hi-fi equipment can provide a longer lifespan, making the initial outlay more justifiable. While smartphones, tablets, computers, and certain audio-visual equipment may be designed with obsolescence baked in, the right choice in audio equipment can offer a sustainable, long-lasting solution.
Supporting manufacturers that maintain older products is beneficial for the environment and sustainability. By choosing equipment that is built to last, we can reduce waste and the demand for new, energy-intensive products. In the end, a well-crafted piece of audio equipment can be a joy to own and use for many years to come.
[1] Rega, another brand in the hi-fi world, is known for quality, longevity, and good support, reinforcing the general trend.
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