Headphone Spare Parts: Is There a Replacement Available?
The headband snapped. The headphones flew onto the floor, the dog used them as a chew toy, or you sat on them on the sofa in the dark. The reason isn't really the important bit – what matters is whether we can fix it. Good news: at Valco, we don't bin headphones over one crack.
Why do headbands break?
Drops onto hard floors are the most common culprit. Plastic can take a lot, but physics is physics. The hinge point of the headband takes the worst hit because that's where the twisting force goes. In freezing winter temperatures, plastic gets more brittle, so a December floor-kiss can be fatal.
Sometimes the headband also fatigues over time if the headphones are in heavy daily use and keep getting bent at the same spot. That's normal wear and tear.
Is a spare part available?
Short answer: probably yes. Longer answer: it depends on the model and timing.
- VMK25 and VMK25.2 – Spare parts are usually available, since these are the current lineup flagships
- VMK20 and VMK15 – Parts are often in stock, but availability varies
- Older models – This is case-by-case, stock levels fluctuate
We keep spare parts in stock precisely so you don't have to bury perfectly working headphones because of one piece of plastic. That's what sets us apart from those big companies who think "just buy new ones" counts as after-sales service.
Here's what to do
- Take a photo of the break – A clear close-up that shows which part has given up
- Dig up your order number – You'll find it in your order confirmation or your webshop order history
- Send both to info@valco.fi – Mention the headphone model while you're at it
- Wait for a reply – We'll check the spare parts situation and let you know what it costs and how to proceed
If the headphones are under warranty (24 months from purchase) and it's a material or manufacturing defect, it's covered under warranty. If, however, your headphones made friends with the floor of their own accord, it's a paid repair. Fair and honest, both ways.
If a spare part can't be found
Sometimes it happens that a specific part isn't on the shelf right at that moment. Even then, it's worth asking – our service team in Kajaani is a resourceful bunch and might find a solution. Worst case, the spare part gets ordered separately, which stretches the wait time a bit.
We're certainly not going to tell you to toss working headphones in the bin. That would be stupid, and it wouldn't fund a Death Star anyway. Selling you new ones would, but we have principles. At least today.
