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!

  • thom911@alien.topBEnglish
    2·
    10 months ago

    I replaced my XM3s with XM4s and ended up being a bit disappointed as they have an annoying amount of background noise. The XM5s are not foldable so I didn’t even concider those. So my recommendation would be to look for something else.

      • thom911@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        By background noise i mean white noise produced by the headphones when noise canceling is turned on. It was audible in the XM3 too but the level was low enough and not disturbing in my opinion.

    • delusionalcookie@alien.topOPBEnglish
      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.

  • stupigstu@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m using misodiko fabric earpads, bought from AliExpress. I like them better than the faux leather ones.

  • stupigstu@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m using misodiko fabric earpads, bought from AliExpress. I like them better than the faux leather ones.

  • 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.

  • Goku_LOL@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I went from the 2s to the 4s. Most obvious difference is I wear glasses and the 2s would hurt within a couple hours while the 4s I can wear all day with no issues. Sound quality was a little better too.

  • davekara3@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I have the XM4 and use them about 8 hours a day for the last year, and have owned them for 4 years and am still enjoying their sound and they are fairly cheap as well between being the older generation and all the deals going on now.

  • fuzzycuffs@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Depends on what you’re looking for. The XM4s are some of the best on the market, especially if you want ANC. The XM5s have even better ANC but probably about the same sound quality.

    But maybe you want something else. Maybe you value light weight, or super bass, or don’t even want over the ears and want some IEMs. It really depends on what you want most from a headphone before deciding what to look for.

    • Quumulonimbus@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      B&O have my favorite sound signature, and the finish of them are just so nice. I do enjoy my PX7’s as my “workhorse” set of headphones. Agreed on cannot go wrong with either of those. Not crazy about Bose personally

  • gislikarl@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The Sennheiser Momentum 4 have twice the battery life, better audio quality, and are cheaper than the XM5.

    • delusionalcookie@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I’ll check these out, thanks for the tip! I haven’t owned a pair of Sennheiser headphones yet but I know a place where I can demo them.

      • Electronic_Plum9111@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Or if youre on budget. Theres Sennheiser Accentum, half price of M4 but reviewer often compare the sound quality about the same.

  • 711and76@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    How is the battery still alive, I’ll burn though a pair in two years easy

  • jettsd@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I got a pair of focal bathys coming soon. They are on sale rn so it may be worth looking into them if you’re willing to spend the extra money.