Ever wondered why headphones seem designed to expire just as you fall head over ears for them? Yeah, us too. Thankfully, Repeat Audio co-founders Tom Leenders and Dorus Galama aren't just pondering - they're radically reinventing how headphones are made, enjoyed, and maintained. And we're thrilled to welcome them to the UK, exclusively through Buy Me Once.
From Frustration to Innovation
Repeat Audio started from a familiar feeling: absolute frustration at throwaway tech. "We were tired of throwaway headphones," says Tom, leading design and user experience. Together with Dorus, the technical brains behind the brand, Repeat Audio was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: headphones that sound exceptional, look great, and - crucially - last far beyond the typical tech cycle.
What Makes Repeat Audio Different? Three Things (And They're Big)
1. Seriously Exceptional Sound
Tom and Dorus are blunt: "We’re not here to be the most sustainable headphones if they don’t sound incredible." Repeat Audio has set the bar high, fine-tuning their products with professional musicians and audio engineers. Think deep, rich bass; clear, bright highs; and genuinely warm mids. "None of that plasticky sound," Tom insists.
2. Revolutionary Repairability
Repeat Audio isn’t just repair-friendly - it’s repair-centric. "Most headphones are sealed shut. Battery dies? Game over," explains Dorus. Repeat Audio's modular headphones let you replace everything from batteries to ear cushions, no tools required. "We offer lifetime repairs, not as a marketing gimmick, but because we designed them for that," says Tom. “Build once, fix often, use forever.”
3. Materials Built to Age Gracefully
Forget fragile plastics that crack at first drop. Repeat Audio uses premium, recyclable ABS - the tough stuff used in industrial products - and recycled spring steel in their headbands. The result? Gear that handles daily life gracefully. "We chose these materials because they actually perform over time," says Dorus. "They're not just eco for the label."
Modularity Without Sacrifice
The founders' modular approach means every component is replaceable. Yet, remarkably, Repeat Audio doesn’t look or feel modular. "It feels like premium gear - solid, sleek - but if something breaks, you can fix it yourself in a minute," Tom points out. "No repair shop drama."
Real Stories, Real Impact
Repeat Audio's community stories highlight exactly why their approach works. Tom recounts a customer, a touring audio technician, who replaced his headphone battery in minutes after two years of daily abuse on the road. Another customer simply replaced worn-out ear padding years after purchase. "This is the first time I've ever fixed my headphones instead of replacing them," he enthused.
Honesty in Sustainability
Tom and Dorus aren't chasing glossy sustainability awards. "Impact comes from how you build, not how you market it," says Tom. "We keep packaging minimal and plastic-free, and our headphones arrive partly unassembled to reduce shipping emissions - and empower users to understand they can replace parts themselves."
Future-Focused and Community Driven
Repeat Audio sees itself as part of a larger movement. Collaborating with artists and impactful organisations like Sounds of Change and Music Declares Emergency, they're using sound to amplify crucial conversations around climate justice and community support.
Why We Love Repeat Audio
Repeat Audio embodies the Buy Me Once mission: exceptional products designed for longevity, reducing waste without compromising quality. As Tom puts it, “We’re not claiming headphones can fix the world. But if our products last longer and reduce waste, that’s a powerful place to start.”
Ready to ditch disposable sound? Welcome to Repeat Audio, now in the UK through Buy Me Once.
