DT 770 Foam Melting

M

Mad Cat

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
407
Hi, I have had a pair of DT 770s for approximately 18 months. I travel with them, so I am somewhat rough on them compared to keeping them in the home PC area, but I have not had any major accidents with them and they are holding up well so far. I have been traveling this summer and have been exposed to very hot rooms several times. In the last two to three weeks, the black foam headband has started to ooze and melt. I fear that an initial time of excess heat has damaged the top protective layer. Even at room temperature or in a slightly warm room, if I leave then on my bed then they will leave a black residue on the sheets. If I put them in my backpack, then they will leave residue on the inside. Just holding them in my hand at room temperature will leave a black residue on my skin. The surface of the band looks shiny, almost moist, in places. The texture is distorted, with wrinkles and even finger prints embedded in the surface of the foam. :eek::confused::(

I think the DT 770 Pro has a different material in the headband. Audio-Technica might as well.

My question is threefold:
1) Was this caused by hot temperatures and can I fix it?
2) Is there a manufacturers warranty? (Check the website and did not see anything.)
3) If I were to replace the headphones, would the DT 770 Pros ($184, 250 ohm) or Audio-Technica ATH-AD700s be susceptible to the same problem?

My current cans: DT 770
Possible replacements: DT 770 Pro

Thanks in advance!
 
If the headband pad is deteriorating, then just replace the pad. No need to get new headphones. Yes, I think its due to excessive heat/sun exposure.
 
the "headband pad"on my dt770's is leather, I didnt know leather could melt in the sun.
 
definitely not real leather on my dt770pros. That would be a pretty cool mod for them though.

I have a bit of peeling on my pair. Nothing major - a tiny section that's maybe a few mm in diameter. I think it's pretty good for a set of headphones that are at least 4-5 years old now. The first summer I had them, I would take them out on the patio and kinda zone out while listening to my mp3 player. I'm in Houston - it's often 100f...in the shade. So unless the band on your DT770's is significantly different than the "pro" model, I doubt the issue was caused by heat. I'd look more towards any rubbing that might occur if you keep them in a backpack w/ other stuff. The little spot on my headband looks more like I they got snagged on a hook or something.

If it happened to mine, I think I would just wrap the headband with some tape and keep moving. Beyer would charge way too damn much for a replacement. Trying to get a replacement set of earpads is like $30. For a couple of tiny pillows...30? :(
 
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