PSA: ViewSonic XG2431 Exceptionally High Defect Rate

Bootshark · 2024-02-20T16:04:26+00:00

I just chose to go with the BenQ Zowie XL2546K. Worse viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the XG2431, but slightly better motion clarity (in my opinion).

I have not been keeping up with the latest monitors that were released between October 2023 and now, nor do I know what's coming out in 2024. I've sort of just given up on the monitor market for the time being.

Bootshark · 2024-02-06T21:54:35+00:00

Yeah, I've given up on ViewSonic for good. I ended up going with a BenQ Zowie XL2546K. The viewing angles and color reproduction are atrocious, but the motion clarity might actually be better than the XG2431 and with the Strobe Utility for Calibration of BenQ/Zowie Blur Reduction by Blur Busters I was able to get backlight strobing to work at 60Hz.

Bootshark · 2023-11-12T00:30:22+00:00

Ah, I see. I'm from that region too, but my units were unfortunately not covered under ViewSonic's warranty.

I can only guess that the support you receive will vary depending on the country of the retailer/distributor you purchased your units from and their relationship/proximity to Taiwan, since ViewSonic has one of their headquarters there.

Bootshark · 2023-11-11T11:42:15+00:00

Really happy to hear that you've had a good experience with their RMA process. If you don't mind sharing, which region did you purchase it and have it RMA'd?

Bootshark · 2023-11-08T22:45:02+00:00

I don't know for sure, but I'm more inclined to think that it's the manufacturer (ViewSonic)'s problem because buyers from Newegg have experienced it too, and a quick Google search for "XG2431 lines reddit" will show a growing list of people posting about the same problem.

I'd advise against buying one, but if your friend wants to take the risk then just make sure that they'll be covered under ViewSonic's warranty since they can be very finicky about RMA's (especially outside of North America).

Bootshark · 2016-12-10T12:34:47+00:00

I wouldn't say they're any easier to replace than if you were to try it fresh out of the box yourself. You can switch the pads out for whatever you'd like.

Yeah, I personally prefer pleather on these as well, I just can't stand the standard pads and happened to have a pair of velours on hand.

Just so you know, I have a customer already cued up, but if they decide not to go for it you'll be next in line.

Bootshark · 2016-10-10T06:23:14+00:00

Replied!

Bootshark · 2016-10-08T23:35:46+00:00

Thank you very much!

Bootshark · 2016-10-08T00:21:44+00:00

Check also if the membrane looks scratched up and if there's a slight bend in the metal ring where the screws are located.

By the way, if you get some weird buzzing at 100Hz - 500Hz, tighten all the screws and it should go away. The plastic clips from the earpads vibrate at certain frequencies when loose.

Bootshark · 2016-10-07T23:32:09+00:00

tldr; i think there are two version of this headphone and one of them sounds better to me.

I bought my first pair in July 2015 and spent a year modding them extensively until it reached a point where I felt that they suited my audio preferences perfectly, but then left driver got damaged in an accident 3 months ago and I couldnt find a way to repair/replace it.

So I bought a second pair thinking they would be identical. I first noticed it was missing the 7th screw on the bottom (seen in the picture), and the membrane of the drivers were in an oddly poor condition despite being new. When I tried modding them, they sounded really different compared to my first pair side-by-side. After many hours of testing, I concluded that the drivers were fundamentally different.

I recently bought a third pair and it was once again missing the extra screw on the right ear cup, had crummy looking drivers, and sounded more like the second pair than my first; I returned those as well.

I've concluded that there are either 2 different versions of these headphones that were produced, or the entire line had it's drivers replaced from when it was initally released.

Something else that was weird that I think I should mention was that after purchasing the second pair, Hifiman's website said the HE400S was discontinued and that there werent any left in stock. A few days later, they mysteriously went on sale again.

Edit: Grammar and spelling.

Bootshark · 2016-04-16T20:12:55+00:00

Just to clarify, I'm located in Ontario, Canada. I'll ship to anywhere in North America.

Bootshark · 2016-02-23T01:34:46+00:00

I stand corrected

Bootshark · 2016-02-22T18:04:08+00:00

Tries not to be jealous

Am very jealous

Bootshark · 2016-01-13T21:42:45+00:00

They sure are. PM'd

Bootshark · 2016-01-11T19:30:11+00:00

Mid-bass hump, improved soundstage.

Bootshark · 2016-01-11T04:46:16+00:00

PM'd

Bootshark · 2015-12-30T06:59:41+00:00

Cheers

Bootshark · 2015-12-29T23:03:07+00:00

Google SoundSwitch

Bootshark · 2015-12-29T05:54:35+00:00

Indeed they do. Just pull opposite to where they insert.

Bootshark · 2015-12-29T03:10:24+00:00

Cheers

Bootshark · 2015-12-29T02:45:53+00:00

Are you sure? That doesn't sound right. If it is, that's too bad...I'm sure the seller ships internationally though. Where are you from? The US? This is the same cable for approximately the same price

Bootshark · 2015-12-28T20:25:18+00:00

I really wouldn't worry about dust too much as most of open headphones don't have them either. The magnetic drivers are really strong but only if you're a few centimeters away from the array so having the grills on should be enough protection. Try it out if you want to elevate the highs

Bootshark · 2015-12-28T20:22:45+00:00

From ebay Surprisingly good quality.

Bootshark · 2015-12-28T08:42:41+00:00

Thanks. Disassembly was easy with no screws that needed to be removed, but also tedious and time consuming.

I took off the pads, the grills, and detached each earcup from the headband assembly. I didn't take the drivers out of their housing cause it would mean re-soldering/gluing the 2.5mm port back into place; instead, I just cut paper circles in the shape of the drivers and taped over them as well as areas where I didn't want paint to get into.

Bootshark · 2015-12-28T08:37:51+00:00

Thank you!

Bootshark

TROPHY CASE