Lesson in sustainability the hi-fi industry can learn from Sennheiser's iconic HD650 headphones

In a world where technology advances at a breakneck pace, it's refreshing to find products that stand the test of time. One such example is the Sennheiser HD650 headphones, a touchstone product in the audio world, first introduced in 1998.

The writer, who owns a pair of these iconic headphones, purchased them around two decades ago. Remarkably, these headphones remain in production to this day, a testament to their enduring quality.

While many modern gadgets are often discarded when they become obsolete, the Sennheiser HD650 headphones buck the trend. They are not subject to the incessant march of technology, playing the latest and greatest source material with equal aplomb.

The longevity of these headphones is not just due to their design but also their repairability. There are a large number of replacement options available for the earpads and cloth-covered headband pads, both from Sennheiser themselves and third-party manufacturers.

This emphasis on sustainability is not unique to Sennheiser. Brands like Quad, Naim, Cyrus, Burmester, and Audio Research are also renowned for their service departments, actively supporting older products. These companies focus on human-centered technical customer service, emphasizing empathy, reliability, respectful communication, and motivated staff who build trust beyond just solving technical problems.

In contrast, other audio equipment often meets an early demise. Early streamers are likely to be discarded due to their inability to handle the latest source material. CD players and many in-ear headphones are also considered disposable, with wired or wireless models often replaced when a wire breaks or Bluetooth stability wavers.

Even older TVs are often thrown away rather than repaired, due to a lack of spare parts or software issues that lead to progressively worse performance. On the other hand, record players, being mostly mechanical, have a better chance of lasting for decades.

All-analogue valve and transistor amplifiers can also have long lives, provided they are well-maintained. However, the pace of technological advancement means that even these stalwarts of audio equipment are not immune to obsolescence.

In the fast-paced world of technology, it's comforting to know that there are products like the Sennheiser HD650 headphones that offer a timeless listening experience. For the writer, these headphones are expected to last another decade, providing a constant companion in the ever-evolving landscape of audio technology.

It's worth buying from manufacturers that support their older products for sustainability reasons. These brands should be applauded for their commitment to long-lasting equipment and customer service, ensuring that our favourite gadgets don't become casualties of progress.