Quote below is from digg.com. I think I mentioned that my favorite homemade earbuds recently crapped out and I had to buy new ones. It was the right earbud that went bad.
When my right earbud started making an annoying crackling sound I thought it was just the earbuds fault. But recently on iLounge it appears that a bunch of other iPod users have also had the problem, and with third party headphones as well! So, if you're using an expensive pair of earbuds with your 5G — watch out!
Update: Some people are theorizing that the problem might be caused by DC offset, although no one has proven it yet by measuring the output with a multimeter. If it is the problem, expect class action lawsuits and a recall, because it's not the kind of problem that can be fixed with a firmware upgrade. Also, some people have reported receiving a shock through the right headphone. Hardcore headphone weenies are discussing the problem here.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Akira117
// Jan 23, 2006 at 3:04 am
I have the ipod video 5g 60. I was going to eventually buy one of the Shure E2c but now that i read this maybe not. Some people say it was becuse they have the volume too high all the time. I hope this the problem, and not the ipod.
2 Mooch
// Jan 23, 2006 at 3:59 am
I got my 5G 60gb iPod in early january, I pulled it out of the box, gave it a charge and filled it with my tunes and went on my way, During my lunch break, I decided to turn to one of my more bassy trance songs, and turned up the volume to about 75% and now, My iPod headphones are screwd, I cant listen to any bass on them and I cant go over 75% volume with any song without the headphone cracking.
5G iPods suck on headphones
3 Akira117
// Jan 23, 2006 at 5:39 am
Rich I added you as a friend on digg.
http://digg.com/users/akira117/profile
Peace…
4 Rich Pav
// Jan 23, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Seems like the people who say it's from having the volume too loud aren't people who had it happen to them. I don't play the volume loud and it still happened to me. Since my heaphones are hybrid earbuds/earplugs I don't have to.
Good idea to hold of buying expensive headphones unless they come with a bulletproof lifetime warranty. Cheap-o Koss heaphones (which I use) have a lifetime warranty, but it seems it's only valid in the US.
5 Mary
// Oct 18, 2007 at 4:53 am
I have been using my Koss earbuds for a couple of months now and just this past week I have been hearing the crackling sound and getting a shock from one side of the earbuds. Ouch, it really gets your attention. I will be watching for a recall on this product.