Maintain? You mean buy a new one?
Discussion
I prefer to buy quality. Spend $250 once 10 years ago, or $50 every year for something inferior.
I guess the tradeoff is that you end up using outdated headphones. How much do you spend to maintain and clean it?
These are pro grade in ear monitors, not regular headphones, they sound better than any retail tech you can buy. Good headphones don't go bad.
Cleaning is free, and I'm still using the replacement tips that originally came with it, there were several included. A new pack might be $20. I cut the cord once. A new one was $40.
This would be a comparable modern model.
https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/earphones/se846?variant=SE846G2CL
Not comparable to retail shite.
I hate how these feel in my ear though
I did too initially, but I can't go back to cans after how good these sound. The buds for these will mold to your ears too which really helps. Cheaper options use worse materials, and are less comfortable. I know, I owned a lot before these, they always irritated my ears if I was using them for long periods. You get what you pay for.