I’m remotely thinking about getting new Over Ear Headphones. Does anyone have particular first hand experience with repeat.audio or with the fairphone earbuds xl?
repeat.audio offers a “comparison” at this page.
(Yes, I know brands like Teufel and their lovely Real Blue NC… I also liked them very much, until the frame broke. Hence the two repairable products).
I have used the Fairbuds XL for about four months now, I’m mostly happy with them, though bear in my mind that I’m not even close to an audiophile.
The good
- They feel sturdy, even the plastic parts feel quality built.
- For me the fit is good. I use them when I’m on my pc as well, wearing only on one ear to hear what my SO is saying.
- I can connect them seamlessly to both my phone and my pc(with a separate Bluetooth dongle).
- They also worked very well when I connected them via usb-c, this way they work even if the batteries are out of charge.
The bad
- When the battery drops to about 30%~ they lose connection periodically and I sometimes have to pair the devices again. Not a problem above this percentage.
- The fit when I wear them over a winter hat is not as good as with a cap or no hat.
- Sometimes the start button don’t register when I try to turn them on or off.
Overall I’m very happy with them, but I also got them on a discount since they had been used as a display item (this may also be the reason for some of the issues).
I just want to notice that today a new improved version of the Fairbuds Xl droped and that it might differ from the old model. Also if u decide to buy the Fairbuds Xl there are refer links where you can get 50€ off
Oh, I didn’t know that. They look good, but I miss the speckled look of the “old” model, not really a fan of use of only one colour in the design.
Have you looked into https://austrian.audio/product-category/headphones/ ?
Founded by ex-AKG people in Vienna, their higher end models are still made in Austria, and sound great. Easy to repair, too, from what I heard (didn’t break mine… yet)
No, actually I didn’t knew about them.
Also I don’t know if they really fit in my eco, green, recycling thought process so I just ordered the repeat.audio to give them a try.
I’m willing to share my impression as soon as possible and maybe we should make a list of Europan manufacturers of good over ear headphones.
Fairbuds didn’t accomodate my huge melon properly and the balance felt off - tested some van halen and the cymbals hurt more than usual. Both are really personal things so ya really should try them out yourself.
Repeat audio is new to me but looks very interesting. I love everything dutch.
Then theres the Valco VMK25-2 but those may still be assembled in china.
Or if you can handle wired theres a lot more quality per euro to be had. For example you could get second hand Austrian made AKG k812 for similar money.
Yea, the fitting is really an issue. I have sort of an alien head 👽😐
I feel that the 400€ for the earbuds are hefty, even for a green product. I tend to try the repeat.audio (try as in test if they match my head shape), and maybe go with the lifetime repair offer, well knowing that lifetime is only as long as the company exists.
My motivation is to support a company that made a lot of right decisions, e.g. in terms of right to repair/repairability and avoiding waste, e.g. by recycling. I cannot say that these reflect my values and given the opportunity buy something else 😅
Sounds good. I raise my size 63 hat to yer values.
Do they have to be wireless?
I’d highly recommend the any of the big Phillips Fidelio headphones. They’re ridiculously comfy, they’re sturdy, and they sound incredible.
Other than that, I’m a huge fan of planetary magnetic drivers, like Hifiman’s often discounted older units.
And if you need USB output, you can get a good dongle on the cheap, like any of the Fiio KA series.
EDIT: Just saw the community. Not sure about EU companies, specifically, though many many make wired headphones.
