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Looks like they're using the same old cable connection scheme

51.15.43.205

HarryDStanton

In Reply to: RE: HD 660S. Wonder if it's actually better? posted by jusbe on October 17, 2017 at 14:49:33

Surely not the most secure and durable of cable connection schemes! But, looking on the bright side, at least those expensive aftermarket cables I bought for the previous models will fit onto this new one.
AS to whether or not this new model is a significant improvement over the old one, only time will give us a clue. I'd wait at least one year so that the initial wave of buyers have some time to differentiate between that which is "new and different", and that which is a significant step up or forward in "long-term enjoyability".
My guess is that, after the initial hype and excitement dies down there will be those who will prefer the new model and those who continue to praise the old, and that amplifier/headphone synergy will be a major factor in the division of the two camps.

Edits: 10/18/17 10/18/17

Follow Ups:

RE: Looks like they're using the same old cable connection scheme - Paul Tobin 05:22:00 10/23/17 (1)
Really?
Have you experienced problems with the 600/650 cable connectors? Personally I've found the the 600 connectors to be both secure and durable.
System Details
- Known issues - HarryDStanton 20:58:38 10/30/17 (0)
  Known issues with the connection scheme go way back.
  The HD580, besides using the same weak connection scheme as the 600/650, used fragile plating on the retaining springs that was prone to chipping and flaking away over time.
  600/650 models improved on the 580 with more durable retainer spring plating but the connection scheme retained the overall sense of cheesiness, along with the minimal contact area provided by it.
  Also, over time, the little retaining springs can begin to bend in slightly upon themselves, mostly due to the twisting and pulling forces that the connections endure. A reduction in spring tension (and even poorer electrical contact) is the result.
  Do a search over on Headfi - the spring clip problem has been well documented over the years...
  Luckily, you can (and should) "tune up" this springy-thingy connection every once in a while by using the hook of a metal dental pick to gently pull the spring clips inward. This helps restore the connection scheme to it's original state of firmness ("cough"), relatively speaking.
  I use aftermarket cables made by Cardas, which are an improvement over the stock ones in a number of ways. The Cardas plugs fit a bit more tightly into the HD earcups than the stock cable plugs do. The slight reduction in "wiggle room" helps maintain optimal contact conditions.
  But not even the mighty Cardas cable could prevent another known issue with the connections scheme from manifesting itself - breakage of one or more the fragile cable pins (more accurately, the solder joint of pin/wire). This happened to me after a few years of normal use.
  Luckily, Cardas guarantees their cables for life (providing they are not abused). They quickly sent me a brand new cable set (after I returned the broken set to them for inspection) for free after this breakage occurred.
  Whew! Thank God for that.
  Please don't get me wrong. I love the sound of these classic headphones but the cable juncture is a weak point in it's design - more so than it should be for headphones in this price category. I only wish the 660S was a true step forward in THIS regard.
  
  Edits: 10/30/17 10/30/17 10/31/17
It's all good... - Ivan303 13:01:28 10/18/17 (2)
I've been using the same cables (after market) for over 10 years. Even swapping between 'Balanced' and single ended without problems, and this means I can keep my expensive balanced cables and use them on the new model.
- WEll, a new cable scheme would have upped the price another $100... - HarryDStanton 06:58:50 10/19/17 (1)
  Although it might have been worth it to some who might choose to save $300 or more in aftermarket cable replacement costs. And it can't be that Sennheiser does not know better, as the 800/800s project is proof that they have learned a lot about cables and connectors and related sound quality issues in the last 20 years.
  Sennheiser's old-fashioned scheme of "two little pins held in place by two little springs" now seems to me more pathetic than ever... Well it works, I guess. But just barely.
  A $400 aftermarket cable would seem slightly less silly if it was held in place by something more substantial than two tiny spring clips per side, but I guess I've already bitten the dust in that regard.
  
  Edits: 10/19/17
  - RE: WEll, a new cable scheme would have upped the price another $100... - PAR 00:34:59 10/20/17 (0)
    And it probably would have disqualified the model from being part of the HD6** range which depends upon many interchangeable parts.

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