Plugging-unplugging earphones from iPod

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Hi everybody.

I'm asking this question because I'm sick and tired of replacing my earphones each two months because they start sounding on just one side or sounding as if a karaoke filter has been applied to the audio signal. I think that it's because I keep my iPod in my pocket with the earphones plugged when seated and that damages the cord.

The only solution I can think of, since I like to keep my earphones under my shirt and over my shoulders, is keep them unplugged when seated. The thing is, my previous portable player (a cheap one) had the input jack damaged (it got loose) because of that. Of course the iPod is a quality product, but I'd like to hear from you: Is it safe to keep plugging/unplugging the earphones? I don't want to damage the output jack (BTW, any other suggestion to preserve the cord's life is welcome). Thank you in advance!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

When not using my mp3 player i wrap the headphone cord around the body of the player, but always keep a little slack near the jack. While I have gotten through a couple sets of headphones, it hasnt been from the jack end, it's been catching the buds in doors or standing on them. And my MP3 player is still going strong even tho it was bought back in 2004 (granted, I put a new internal battery in it recently).

Before I started doing that I had two MD players, both of which became unusable because of plugging/unplugging and eventually breaking the solder connections inside the players.

[iamlowsound]

I never had a problem with the earbuds when I used them. I used the same pair for almost 3 years before I bought good cans and threw out all my earbuds. Sorry, I can't be of much help.

lowsound

[doctorjazz]

I use these:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-EX71S.../dp/B000092YQW

Much better sound quality than the stock iPod earbuds, and it has a right angle connector with extra rubber protection to keep it from getting damaged. The design makes it easy to just wrap the earbuds around the iPod and stick it in my pocket without worrying about them getting damaged.

[PurplePurple]

I use those Skull Candy smoking bud earphones. They where a gift and at first i thought they just looked StOOoPiD but they actually work really well. They have a big plock of stuff that blocks out noise so you can keep the volume low. They are also relatively cheep.

The problem comes in the fact it has a volume switch that can be hit really easily. I have blown the hell out of my eardrums a few times from accidentally hitting it all the way up while at the gym.

[Eric Moesle]

You know the old line:

"Doctor, it keeps hurting every time I do *this*."

Doctore replies: "Well, stop doing that!"

Your cable fails there, your old player's jack failed there, so quit sitting with it in your pocket with it plugged in. Problem solved.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

Your cable fails there, your old player's jack failed there, so quit sitting with it in your pocket with it plugged in. Problem solved.

I can save the cable by doing that, but...

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I had two MD players, both of which became unusable because of plugging/unplugging and eventually breaking the solder connections inside the players.

That's what I fear. Exactly what happened to my old player.

[Skeletomania]

It often happens when the cable fails to make contact with the plug. It occurs when you tug or bend the cable a lot. I had it happen to two of my headphones. If you know a little bit of soldering, you can cut the cable open and solder it onto a new audio plug.

http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-M...118911&sr=1-29

[hover]

when when WHEN is a company gonna offer a player with a flip open compartment to plug the phones in to alleviate this potential problem? I realize it could be problematic what with the multitude of different plug designs, but small price for big relief.

I would live with a little extra bulk in the design for that piece of mind.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

What we need are mini banana sockets instead of jack sockets!