The problem
There is no doubt that the world of electronics suffers from a culture of disposability. In the UK alone, we’re throwing away half a million tonnes of e-waste every year. Whilst incredible technological advances are happening constantly, making a long-lasting product unfortunately never seems to be a top priority. And this is not just the fault of manufacturers; consumers, too, have an increasing appetite for new gadgets, feeding a cycle of planned obsolescence.
For us to put the BuyMeOnce name behind an electronic product, it really has to stand out from the crowd. At a time when product lifespans are unacceptably short, BuyMeOnce demands tougher electronics with guaranteed longevity, great performance and a timeless aesthetic. When it comes to something like headphones, this task is particularly complex. Not only do they have multiple components to go wrong, audio technology is constantly being improved upon. How can headphones possibly be bought once?
Why modular?
Enter AIAIAI. Boasting a world-renowned network of designers, audio technicians and DJs, this Danish audio design company puts quality first. We first came across their renowned TMA-2 headphones when researching modular design. Modular products use interchangeable parts, and are an innovative solution to electronic waste. Have you ever ditched a phone because one element broke and it cost too much to fix? Modularity makes repairs and upgrades easier, so you don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
The AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones are fully modular, comprised entirely of changeable parts - speaker units, ear cups, headband and cable - and have a wide variety of options for each. Audio jack broken? Fancy a Bluetooth-enabled headband? Instead of getting a whole new set of headphones, AIAIAI allow you to buy individual parts, easily assembled at home, helping to save you money and reduce needless waste.
Durable build
We love that when it comes to product longevity, AIAIAI go the extra mile. As well as using this modular system, the TMA-2s have been designed with a robust build, which feels well-made, yet lightweight and comfortable. The modern, minimalist design is timeless, with no gaudy branding you’ll get sick of. And on top of all that, AIAIAI offer a three-year warranty as standard, with free repairs - an exceptional guarantee for a pair of headphones.
Sound quality
Of course, we know that for someone to hold onto a product for a long time, it also has to perform incredibly well. And when it comes to a hi-fi listening experience, the TMA-2s deliver on all fronts. No matter which specs you choose, you’re guaranteed rich bass and incredibly crisp, open clarity, even at high volumes. Combined with excellent sound isolation and supreme comfort, AIAIAI’s headphones are clearly made for and by real audiophiles.
The BuyMeOnce TMA-2s
As if that all wasn’t enough, we got in touch with AIAIAI and collaborated to develop a BuyMeOnce preset, combining their toughest parts into an ultra-durable everyday headphone. And what’s more, our BuyMeOnce headphones are covered by an exclusive market-leading four-year warranty. We believe this the closest you can get to buy-for-life headphones. We tested them for a month and fell in love - check out the full review here.
We firmly believe the future of sustainable electronics lies in tackling our throwaway culture. By turning away from the siren’s call of shiny newness, and demanding durable, repairable and upgradeable products, we can start to slow down our juggernaut pace of technology consumption. AIAIAI are disrupting the status quo, offering not just excellent performance, but a more eco friendly product you can take with you through life, for life.
Intrigued? Check out the full range of TMA-2 presets available on BuyMeOnce here! Or head straight to the most durable headphones we’ve got here.
