I basically listen to music constantly, and when I’m on holiday or riding my bike I generally use USB-C earbuds. I’ve had way too many wireless buds break and I’m sick of them, but these aren’t fairing much better tbh.
Problem is that the cables always eventually stop working, often from my phone being in my pocket while I’m walking or cycling. I’ve been able to partly extend their life by keeping my phone in the thigh pocket on my cargo pants but it often just falls over and bends the cable more sharply than my hip pocket.
I’m looking for either a pair of highly durable earbuds either USB-C or 3.5mm with a USB-C DAC recommendation, or even better a DSP cable that I could use with IEMs with a 0.78mm connector.
I’m also open to any other suggestions at all.
I too always listen to tunes or audiobooks, and have for some years. I always get Sony stuff. You don’t have to spend a lot for their top line stuff, their lower tiers are quite affordable.
I’ve been through countless earphones over the years. And Sony has been the only name that’s consistent for build quality and durability.
I know you asked for wired USB c headphones, but I’m using the Sony WF-C500 model. I also got tip replacements made out of earplugs material.
Forget all the noise cancelling nonsense, it’s no good without full earmuff style headphones. And go Sony. I promise I have no financial stake in the company, they just make good headphones.
Happy listening bro
I’ve been keeping an eye on sony buds recently, my stores only have 3.5mm ones which I could go with. My only problem using the 3.5s in the past has been that my USB DAC broke instead, usually for exactly the same reason the earbud cable normally breaks 😑
That just means the weakest link in your ear-hole to pocket-hole chain has moved from the headphone jack to your adapter thingy. A point in the headphones favor if anything. I think your biggest problem is keeping your phone in your hip pocket. That’s just an area that gets twisted and squeezed a lot.
Maybe think of an arm band holster thingy thing like you see joggers use? Just take the whole affair out of your hip pocket and I think you’ll stop going through earbuds so quickly.
Maybe think of making the switch to wireless? I know once I adapted myself and my habits to having wireless earbuds, it’s been a much smoother and better time.
Im considering making an Armband or just adding a pocket to my pants that sits in a better spot, kinda like a thigh band I guess.
I’ve used wireless buds for the past ~4 years and I’ve had to rma so many of them that I’ve given up, I’ve rma’d my last pair and gave them to a friend. I’m also not keen on the environmental impact, so really trying to avoid them if possible.