Two headphones that I own are no longer available namely oppo and acoustic research ar h1. Both of these headphones were reasonably priced, very well built with excellent sound quality. Both of these headphones imho sound far better and were more comfortable than comparatively priced headphones that continue to sell today. Seems such a shame.

24 minutes ago, fjs said:

Two headphones that I own are no longer available namely oppo and acoustic research ar h1. Both of these headphones were reasonably priced, very well built with excellent sound quality. Both of these headphones imho sound far better and were more comfortable than comparatively priced headphones that continue to sell today. Seems such a shame.

You would like to think that now with advances in technology better sounding phones are coming out but also comfortable and well priced. I have five phones I bought years ago and rarely get used so Im not going purchase new phones, possibly, ever.

With Oppo, you could equally ask the question “why are good disc players removed from the market?”

 

My guess is that it was a financial decision and they make more money out of other products. 
 

As for Acoustic Research, do they even exist anymore? Again, my guess is that whoever bought them out made a decision based on $$$

Hmmm - I have the Oppo headphones and preamp/headphone amplifier, which were an impulse buy at a show many years ago.  Their build quality, industrial design and presentation are still impressive.

 

But, I have minimal experience with headphones and I use them only when necessary, usually with a computer. I don't find the Oppo's particularly comfortable or brilliant WRT sound quality.  In fact I actually prefer the Bellini designed Yamaha HP-1's I bought 45 years ago and have since been snaffled by Mrs M.  Definitely easier to forget you're using them, which is my main aim with headphones.

 

But, like most things, it all comes down to personal preference.

 

   

Oppo got out of the headphone and disc player space years ago and into the phone market.

The whole issue of products being "discontinued" is a nightmare in the long term re parts availability.

Headphones in particular have a range of parts that need replacing (ear pads,cables etc). Getting stuck with OPPO or AR headphones are an very common feature of the audio industry. Probably why buyers avoid "esoteric" headphones and stick with brands like Sennheiser, HIFIMAN etc.......but you never can tell!

On 07/11/2025 at 10:19 AM, fjs said:

Two headphones that I own are no longer available namely oppo and acoustic research ar h1. Both of these headphones were reasonably priced, very well built with excellent sound quality. Both of these headphones imho sound far better and were more comfortable than comparatively priced headphones that continue to sell today. Seems such a shame.

 

For companies that already have a good reputation and loyal customer base, headphones are a product that provide good margins and are relatively easy to add to your portfolio. 

With the boom in portable hifi, lots of brands that hadn't had headphones in their lineup jumped on the bandwagon, as you would expect, but sooner or later it becomes a bit crowded and more competitive, so the brands that aren't getting the volume sales are going to pull out.

It is a shame, but it's just how it goes.

Hopefully their build quality is such that you won't need replacement parts.

On 07/11/2025 at 11:40 AM, Tony M said:

Hmmm - I have the Oppo headphones and preamp/headphone amplifier, which were an impulse buy at a show many years ago.  Their build quality, industrial design and presentation are still impressive.

 

But, I have minimal experience with headphones and I use them only when necessary, usually with a computer. I don't find the Oppo's particularly comfortable or brilliant WRT sound quality.  In fact I actually prefer the Bellini designed Yamaha HP-1's I bought 45 years ago and have since been snaffled by Mrs M.  Definitely easier to forget you're using them, which is my main aim with headphones.

 

But, like most things, it all comes down to personal preference.

 

You're not alone Tony!

My HP-1s were also purchased new and are still the preferred cans in my main system.  I had to fashion a new piece of the support material for the suede band, but otherwise they've held up really well.  The leather pads are still good thanks to periodic application of Lisa's saddlery treatments!  If you ever need a copy of the service manual, just let me know.

 

They're such great 'phones, that when I wanted something for the home office about 8 years ago, I picked up a pristine pair of YH-2s as well.

The cheapest of the new Yamaha orthodynamics cost $4k!!