Headphones

Cushions can be replaced. Replaced mine on qc2 works like charm.

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.

You should look at the new Bose QC Ultra. Coming from the XM4s, the Bose sound really good.

Find replacement earpads. I don't understand why people need to replace the whole headphones when they can replace the needed parts. It is like buying new car because of a worn tire.I understood the battery may be well used, but it is the manufacturer's fault for not making them replaceable

This is when you attract boomer comments, comes to show of age because it turned a little yellow?

My opinion is that if you were okay with the sound quality of the xm2 then the xm4 should be fine (because it's exactly the same sound pretty much maybe a little better). Yes, I've owned both.

You may be pleased with the XM5 headphones, they're said to have excellent noise cancelling. I think in general Sony seems to have good products, so it would be satisfiable to buy more products from Sony. As a side note - if you're thinking audiophile standards with Sony, then look to the MDR-Z1R.

Xm5‘s aren‘t bad but not great for sound quality either. If you need great noise cancellation, there is no way around Sony/Apple though. Can‘t recommend bose, from my experience their sound quality even sits below these two. If you don‘t need amazing ANC you could go for something like the Final UX3000, Audeze Maxwell or even Focal Bathys depending on your budget.

With regard to the crackling in one ear, this is a common problem with these cans. On my set, I can avoid the crackling by turning off noise canceling.

The trick is, you can use the app to set “transparency mode” to its most mild setting, which still cancels some noise, but completely avoids the crackling.

It’s not perfect, but it’s allowed me to keep using my cans which otherwise seemed completely busted.

And I disagree with the others in the thread, if you want to upgrade and use Apple products, go with the AirPods Max, especially if you can get some on sale 😄

wow, 2017 was 6 years ago

Only 6 years old? I got 50 year old headphones. Pads are cheap. No reason to disappoint yourself with new headphones.

Thank you everyone for your excellent advice and your time! I'm sorry I didn't make it clear in the title that I was intending on replacing the headphones because of a driver issue and not just because they are 'old'. I still use them and deal with the distortion and static and I honestly wish that they still worked well because I could replace the earcups and they would be like new. However I won't complain getting over six years of near daily use out of them and have been very happy with them! I will take all of your recommendations to heart and try each one if possible before I come to a decision. I may or may not get ANCs, but whatever I do end up with I will certainly let you know!

XM3 and XM4 are really good! They made some changes starting with the xm5, I'm not sure but it seems like people didn't like it as much as the old style. If you don't need ultra portable headphones maybe try the Airpods Max, they are pricey and a bit cumbersome but they do have better sound and comfort compared to the xm2/3/4 models. There's also Sennheiser, B&W, and even Clear has a nc model I believe if you're looking for something higher fidelity.

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.

I imagine the xm4 or xm5 will be on sale for Black Friday. If you want to spend a little more for a completely new experience the Focal Bathys are on sale currently. MSRP is normally $800 but you can find them on Amazon or headphones dot com for about $620.

I got a pair a few weeks ago after almost purchasing apple AirPods Max and I am so glad I got the Bathys. The ANC is great, it is prob the worst out of the 3 but it’s still very good. Sound quality knocks the other 2 out of the park, and it’s not even close. They’re super comfortable and feel high quality. They are wireless but you can use them wired through USBC or 3.5mm headphone jack, they have a built in DAC, they can play lossless, and the battery is phenomenal. I use mine a few hours a day and I’ve only charged them once since I got them 3 weeks ago (currently have 50% battery remaining). The app is super neat because you can run a legit hearing test which then configures your EQ to help you hear some frequencies better if you have hearing loss in those regions.

Just buy new pads

You could also probably just replace the ear pads and have another 6 years. Maybe one day you'll have to replace the battery too. Or use them wired all the time.

i went from XM2 to XM5 earlier this year, 100% worth it

Yeah but skip the xm4's.

Xm5 are superior

Looks better then mine. Mine doesn't even work anymore lmao

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

Go grab some b&o or b&w headphones. If not Bose. Can't go wrong with any of these.

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.

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.

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.

I don’t recommend the XM line up after my 3’s fell apart after normal use and Sony refused to do anything about it except offer a 30% discount . Also my AirPods Pro have better sound despite being in ears and cheaper.

I would go the Bose QC Ultra. They’re more in line with the XM5 and the previous Bose 700’s but they’re foldable and more comfortable, the build quality is a lot better as well.

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

just starting to show their age? meanwhile my xm4 and APM are out of service. Left side hinge broke for sony and charging port for Airpod max..... :c