![Image](http://i52.tinypic.com/2dtnh1w.jpg)
Some grammar errors, but...yeah.
Except for some special cases, old headphones are of negligible value. As originally wired they are mono, but since you do have a driver for each ear, all it would take is a new lead wire to make them stereo. The reason the plug is so big is because it's an adapter; the built-in plugs are individual pin connectors.DanteJay wrote:That's actually pretty sick. I would love to hear what those sound like, even if it is bad. Are they mono or stereo? I can't tell by that epic jack.
As long as it doesn't have some crazy value to it in the condition it's in, I would definitely restore them.
Ah ok. Then question I would ask myself is, do I plan on using them? Or would I just keep them in my collection? If you plan on using them, then it's worth sourcing some good quality headphone speakers and cable. I myself am considering to purchase a pair of electrostatic headphones in the near future. Not yet decided on brand/model etc.DaMadFiddler wrote:
Except for some special cases, old headphones are of negligible value. As originally wired they are mono, but since you do have a driver for each ear, all it would take is a new lead wire to make them stereo. The reason the plug is so big is because it's an adapter; the built-in plugs are individual pin connectors.
In terms of the sound quality, I'd say it's about on par with an old (pretty much anything pre-80s) telephone receiver. A bit muted and definitely low-fi, but a soft rather than harsh sound. They are not as loud as modern headphones, though; on my iPod, for example, I have to go up to full to get a moderately decent listening volume.
My dilemma isn't about restoration vs. leaving them alone; it's about whether to restore them to original condition, or put modern drivers in them. I really admire the original hardware in that it's built to basically last forever; as constructed, these things should still work when I'm old and gray. However, as I mentioned, both the volume and the sound quality are not exactly suited for any serious music listening. I'm always torn when it comes to stuff like this.