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how to tell if my new headphones are fake or have a faulty driver

Ask By Trevor G.79 views

bought headphones online, price was low and they sound off. one side bassier. returns are open for a few more days. how do i prove something is wrong

Brand
Sony
Model
WH-CH720N
Connection
Bluetooth
System
Windows 10/11
Browser
Chrome 130
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Buying And Warranty HelpHeadphones
Tool used in this discussionHeadphone TestLeft and right channel, balance and driver check
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Short Answer

Test both sides with the Left Right Test, then play a sweep. If one side differs in level, bass or crackle, document it and return the pair within the return window.

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Alistair Cross
Alistair CrossAudio Team
Headphone Benchmark Lead · 5+ years experience · Answered Oct 23, 2026

You can check a pair of headphones for faults without special equipment. A healthy pair plays both sides at the same level and the sweep stays clean from low bass to high treble. A difference between sides, a buzz at one pitch or a missing frequency range points to a faulty driver.

Fake or counterfeit models are harder to prove by ear, so compare the packaging, serial number and firmware app against the maker's website. Keep your evidence for the seller.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Play the Left Right Test at about 35% volume and compare the two sides
  2. Run the Frequency Sweep slowly and listen for buzz, rattle or missing ranges on one side
  3. Test the headphones on a second device to rule out your source
  4. Check the serial number and the official app against the brand's website
  5. Photograph the product and note your test results, then open a return or warranty request before the window closes
Sources
  1. W3C Web Audio API

Checked by Kriti Desai on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 3

  • Emily JenkinsCommunity Member

    do the left right test and compare them. mine had one side noticeably quieter and i returned them

  • Zach BennettCommunity Member

    check the serial number on the maker website, fakes usually dont register

  • Rajiv KhannaCommunity Member

    I returned mine after the Left Right Test showed one side quieter. Save your test results and photos before you contact the seller.

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Tools Mentioned In The Answer

Sound TestsLeft Right TestPlay one side at a time to catch a swapped or dead channel
Open Free Tool
Audio ToolsFrequency SweepGlide 20Hz to 20kHz to find buzzes and dead spots
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Alistair Cross
Written and tested by

Alistair Cross

Headphone Benchmark Lead at Sound Test

Alistair Cross is the Headphone Benchmark Lead on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Expert in transient response tracking, left/right separation, and driver matching for studio monitors. Shares high-end headphone benchmarks and hardware metrics on LinkedIn. On Sound Tester he answers discussions about weak or uneven headphones, mismatched drivers and buying questions, and checks fixes with the Headphone Test and Left Right Test.

Headphone benchmarksdriver matchingchannel separation
  • 9 answers on Sound Test
  • 5+ years experience
  • Reviewed by Kriti Desai
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The Audio Team Behind These Answers

All 38 specialists
Brandon VanceBrandon VanceAudio & Acoustic Performance LeadXavier CruzXavier CruzFrequency Sweep SpecialistDiana ChenDiana ChenHearing Test ArchitectImogen BlakeImogen BlakeBinaural Beats EngineerCallum SterlingCallum SterlingSurround Sound AuditorGemma GallagherGemma GallagherTone Generator ValidatorHarvey FinchHarvey FinchSpectrum Analyzer LeadRishabh SharmaRishabh SharmaAudio DSP Engineer

Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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