Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sony MDR-V150 Headphone Tear Down

Many of my friends have either given me broken sets, or asked me to repair so many pairs of this headphone, that I have quite a collection of MDR-V150 parts.

These headphones are suprsingly delightful to take apart, as they are held together entirely by screws. Parts can easily be swapped and interchanged.

 
So... when I had to do a product analysis for a design course, the product was an obvious choice.

I also made a solid model of one part of the headphones. 

As this part is the piece that most commonly breaks, I did some FEA just for fun...
The FEA is just a pretty picture, the magnitude of force is arbitrary, but what do you know? They break right where FEA suggests.

Posted by at 9:12 PM
Labels: , ,

66 comments:

  1. Hey there, do you have some extra parts? Any chance I could buy a couple from you? I've jsut broken mine and am looking for parts.

    Thanks,
    Paul (polrugby@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete

  2. Yeh, I have a whole box of spare parts! What do you specifically need? I'm running low on the commonly broken parts like the bracket pictured above. If you are not too concerned with looks, I could 3D print you a replacement possibly. (I'd love an excuse to do that anyway)

    ReplyDelete

  3. Hi, I just need the part you show above that commonly breaks since one of these "swivel" parts broke on mine.

    Thx,
    Chris (cpruetting@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete

  4. I too need the ear bracket pictured above, i wouldnt mind a couple maybe even 3 inacase it happens again, dave@sgud.co.uk

    ReplyDelete

  5. Hi, any chance of you having an extra piece of the part that you can slide in and out to adjust the speakers height? It’s the thing with the numbers on it. Please excuse my English, I’m not a native.

    ReplyDelete

  6. Hey Alex,

    I probably do, but I'm on holiday, so I won't be able to check for a little while. I'll let you know when I get back.

    I could possibly print a copy of that part too if I don't already have the part.

    Sam

    ReplyDelete

  7. That’s great. Thanks Sam. I’ll be waiting for your message. ( alexander.wanitschke@gmail.com ).

    Greatings from Berlin, Germany.

    ReplyDelete

  8. Any chance of me buying a head band for mine from you?


    wreck beach er NEAR g Male dot Com

    ReplyDelete

  9. I probably have a spare, but it will be a while before I could get one to you- I'm away from the city for the summer.

    ReplyDelete

  10. hello

    can you sell me a part to please?
    the part of the last picture is also broken from my sony headphones and i want to exchange them
    with a new one.
    please write me back.

    greetings
    minh
    (minh-tuan@hotmail.de)

    ReplyDelete

  11. Got any pictures of the wiring inside there? Mine have shorted out and I would like to fix them.

    ReplyDelete

  12. Hi Sam

    As those before me, I to need the a replacement bracket. If you do have any left by any chance please may arrange something. Also tips on how to replace if i find one elsewhere
    Cheers

    Len
    MrLlionel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  13. Oh gawd please sell me a replacement bracket... please.

    ReplyDelete
  14. pjotr.martens@belgacom.netSep 13, 2010 04:48 PM

    Hello Sam,

    Do you still have a spare ear bracket as pictured above? If so would you sell me one?

    Pjotr

    ReplyDelete

  15. I have 4 pairs that have broken at the bracket on both the left and right sides. How much for parts? and how can I get in touch with you? todd.greene@va.gov

    ReplyDelete

  16. i opened up the headphones and i dont know what way the speaker go back inside. i see a number 12 on each of the spekers do i put the speakers back in with the 12 facing up or down thanks a lot?

    ReplyDelete

  17. Hello,
    Yup, that damnned bracket has broken at the very same stress spot you highlighted. SONY won't help---seems that my "warranty" from 6/7 months ago expired. This is actually the second pair that went this way--the first ones became a mess of scotch tape/attempted crazy-gluing, etc. Can I buy a couple of those brackets from you?
    Thanks, pal,
    John V. ny150regt@msn.com

    ReplyDelete

  18. Hello,
    I was if you had a spare head band (the section the sits on top of the head). The swivel joint where the band meets the actual speaker is broken right underneath the "Thailand" mark and screw, the straight piece that sits in the rectangular hole. I would be very interested if you had any of this part or another that could fix this problem.
    Thanks
    Sy shuss002@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  19. Hello,

    This front piece that locks in the headphone broke. It's the part with the screw in it. Any chance you have that one? Thanks. mrice71@earthlink.net

    http://picasaweb.google.com/MichaelPaperless/Sony?authkey=Gv1sRgCIit3b7Bhfnk2wE&feat=directlink

    ReplyDelete

  20. Hi there. I need a Swivel Bracket for these headphones. Do you have one? Thanks! worthmore2002@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  21. Like Alex above:

    any chance of you having an extra piece of the part that you can slide in and out to adjust the speakers height? It’s the thing with the numbers on it

    I think his English is great.

    ReplyDelete

  22. if you can't separate the sliding bracket I could take the whole upper part of the headset with both brackets. roxmaxima@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  23. Thanks! I just needed to figure out how to get the ear cups off & back on the brackets properly. Your pictures were a great help. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

  24. These headphones are great.. Are they available in red or pink color? I have to give gift to my gf..

    Sony Headphones

    ReplyDelete

  25. I'm not a connoisseur of headphones, and quite honestly I don't think I've even paid much more than $20 for a pair of headphones. And maybe because of this, I've never owned a set of headphones that I was totally happy with until now. These are by far the best headphones I've even bought, and I was just floored by how good some of my favorites sound on these headphones. I just hear so much more.

    PC Headset To Iphone Adapter

    ReplyDelete

  26. Sam, I too need a pair of sony MDR-V150 headphone swivel brackets. Both sides have broken. I haven't had any luck finding replacement parts anywhere else. Carlton

    ReplyDelete

  27. I've made some progress in 3D printing brackets on a non commercial printer. The quality of the finish isn't superb, but they should function ok, would you folks be interested in these parts, or are looks important?

    ReplyDelete

  28. I need to take apart one earphone to solder the wires. How do I get it apart? I just don't want to force anything and break it. Thanks

    ReplyDelete

  29. To get inside you need to:

    -remove the foam ear padding, it stretches off.
    -remove the two newly accessible screws
    -You are in

    Putting the padding back on is hard, just persevere, it can be done!

    ReplyDelete

  30. I'm interested in a pair of these brackets. Please let me know if you're offering them for sale. Thanks!

    Jason

    jbalameda16 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  31. I'm interested in a pair of these brackets. Please let me know if you're offering them for sale. Thanks!

    natekman123@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  32. The features of Sony MDR-V150 Headphone: Impedance: 24 Ohms - Sensitivity: 98 db - Headphone Type: Ear-cup - Stereo Sound Output - Frequency Response: 18 Hz to 22000 Hz. but i found more attractive and good looking designs of Sony Headphones.

    ReplyDelete

  33. Hey! I was wondering if you and I could correspond about how to repair the broken wire? My cat decided it tasted nice.

    I will try to check back here if I don't hear from you via email.

    praetori_ria @ Blemishdesigns . com

    ReplyDelete

  34. Sam,

    I too have had the speaker bracket break. Obviously, bad design and the last Sony headphones that I will buy. I would love to purchase a replacement from you if you have one. Otherwise, one of those ones that you manufactured would work just as well as long as it is at leat as durable as the original.

    Please let me know how you want to proceed.

    Al Chirico
    949-636-3214
    al_chirico@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  35. Sam - from earlier in this thread -

    "Sy said...
    Hello,
    I was if you had a spare head band (the section the sits on top of the head). The swivel joint where the band meets the actual speaker is broken right underneath the "Thailand" mark and screw, the straight piece that sits in the rectangular hole. I would be very interested if you had any of this part or another that could fix this problem.
    Thanks
    Sy shuss002@gmail.com

    October 16, 2010 11:36 PM"

    I did not see a reply to that question - I too have the same headband issue with a broken prong immediately below "thailand' and the screw. would sincerely appreciate any assistance -

    eddyshaf@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete

  36. Please let me know if you r offering them for sale
    (udaykiran0@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete

  37. Can you tell me if you still have the brackets for the Sony MDR-V150 Headphones available? If so, please let me know how I can get one of them from you.

    Thanks!

    s-king2@live.com

    ReplyDelete

  38. i would like to give some of those brackets a try. are they still available? please let me know.

    thanks!

    amamdani15@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  39. Wow, I need that part too. Strange finding this article though.

    ReplyDelete

  40. Hi,
    I have the same problem and woud love a "R" fork replacement part.
    Thanks,
    john@dustbrothers.com

    ReplyDelete

  41. Ditto,
    Any left for me, a right fork?
    Thanks,
    e.swen@juno.com

    ReplyDelete

  42. the screw right above the thing u said that brakes the easyest if u unscrew it what does it do

    ReplyDelete

  43. I could really use another headband....my niece dropped mine and the tab that holds the left ear at the angle broke so now it won't rest against my ear. Simplest piece of plastic on the things and the most annoying when it breaks.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jonathan RangelApr 24, 2011 10:20 AM

    Hi my name is Jonathan Rangel and wanted to see if you can send me the piece you say breaks the easiest its for the right side my email is atlas_Jr_Eric@yahoo.com thanks

    ReplyDelete

  45. Hello Sam,

    I am in need of the internal speaker in the left headphone... the left earphone doesn't wrk. maybe you can help?

    ReplyDelete

  46. i need a aer swivel part as well

    ReplyDelete

  47. I still have the headband, but it's broken off the damn swivel brackets - scheisse! Any chance of a pair of replacement brackets, and if so, how much? Thank you :)
    babybuffness_999@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete

  48. Hi! I'm wondering if you still have a bracket to send me as a replacement? Thx
    jape200@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  49. Hi there - I've a number of these things! 2 x MDR-V300s (love the sound) and some 150s (4 pairs) as I've used them for musician's recording foldback. Of course, they're broken in various places. I can see from your pictures how to get the speaker etc disassembled, but how do you get the brackets out? Do you need to dismantle the individual ear speakers to do this?

    Thanks!

    Mark

    ReplyDelete

  50. Yup, you have to dismantle the speaker. Remove the cushion by stretching it to reveal the screws.

    ReplyDelete

  51. Thank you Sam - appreciate that info!

    ReplyDelete

  52. Hey Sam,

    I've had a pair of these for forever and they've never let me down, but one of the brackets just broke (the right one) and I'm looking for a replacement. Any way you can help me out with this?

    nunomfreire@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  53. Hey Sam!
    Looks like you are the only replacement provider for this Headphones (worldwide!).
    I was wondering whether you still have spare parts like the one you show above that commonly breaks. I'll need a piece to fix my Sony's.
    Could you let me know via email?
    sarangelion@gmail.com

    Thanks! Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete

  54. Do you have anymore replacement ear brackets available? Please let me know at jvz1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  55. Hi, im in need of a replacement ear cup. any chance you got 1

    ReplyDelete

  56. Hi Sam,

    Like everyone else on this board, I've broken an ear bracket. If you have any spares that I can buy let me know.

    Email: ryanbourque87@gmail.com
    Phone: 647-884-4954

    ReplyDelete

  57. Awesome info here, took these apart and slipped the speakers into my motorcycle helmet. Never would of known it was so easy to take these apart. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  58. Hi,
    I have the v300 headphones and like many others above I've broken the exact piece you modeled. If you have any remaining, I'd love to buy one.

    Please use the contact form on my website to get back to me. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  59. Sam - if possible, like others, I have broken an ear bracket and would like to get a placement. Thanks - Lou - lou.lange@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  60. Hello, Like many others here, i have broken the little ear bracket. I was wondering if you have any spare ones.Please email me at jcruiz1018@att.net. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  61. Hey, the arm of mine (the part inside the adjustable slider) broke. Could you send me a part or print one? Its the same problem as TinaRoxx, but I only need the specific part.

    Thanks - Sean -
    phrrmw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  62. Hey, if you still supply the bracket, I'm in Canada and need a right side bracket - let me know and I'll pay via paypal or e-cheque (whichever you prefer) for your costs including shipping, I'd appreciate it greatly, as Sony doesn't supply replaccements for this obviously poorly designed part! Thanks!
    gtrhone at gmail (dot com)
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

  63. Like everyone else on this board, I've broken an ear bracket, mine happens to be the left one. Do you have any spares that I can buy, or do you know where I can get one.

    Thanks,
    Garyjohnwilliams@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  64. I know this is probably getting a little old, but do you still have any of those bracket pieces? My headphones are broken on the right side. I would love to buy a few of those pieces. My brother owns a recording studio and he uses these headphones too. They break all the time and it would be great to just slap a new one of these in there.

    Thanks, Trav
    immerlang@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  65. I was going nuts thinking that this wonderful pair of earphones (MDR-V150) were reduced to garbage because one stupid piece cracked...which is why I would be so grateful to have a replacement for the broken right speaker fork. If you have one, or can make a replacement, please let me know how to get it.

    Thank you!! Av
    wac8000 (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  66. I too am looking for the brackets to repair my MDR-V150 headphones. Broken in the place that it is weakest. How do I get replacements? My wife is upset not being able to use headset while working on computer.

    Thanks,
    Bill
    wrose5545@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

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