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As a Cable Guy, I'm curious what headphone fans are willing to spend towards the cost of high-performance aftermarket cabling for their cans.
Stories and insights, including particular make/model headphones mated with specific cables, and the reasons why you enjoy the headphone experience better via audiophile-quality cables would be nice to read.
Cheers, Duster
Follow Ups:
I got the 4.4mm Balanced version....no US dealer, which is why I had my friend send it from Japan.
iect_04 _ *** c
04 2pin / CIEM type designed for the sound of dense mid-low range and open high range. This is a hybrid cable that uses high-purity 6N copper with a purity of 99.9999% or higher and silver-plated 4N copper for the conductor. 2pin is finished with rhodium plating, which has excellent abrasion resistance.
Non-magnetic titanium is used for the housing that covers the connector on the earphone side in order to reduce the effect on the human body as much as possible.iect_04_ub3c: 3.5 3p -2pin (l / r)
iect_04_bl2c: 2.5 4p -2pin (l / r)
iect_04_bl4c: 4.4 5p -2pin (l / r)conductor: 6n + silver-plated 4n (ofc)
jacket: pvc
phone plug: gold plated
plug cap: titan
2pin (ciem): rhodium plated
length: 1.2mmade in Japan
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Edits: 10/20/20 10/20/20 10/20/20
Do you require an angled 4.4mm plug, or will a straight plug work for your wants/needs, Dynobot?
Angled or straight works for me....doesn't matter.
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Mogami W3159 features a very thin outer diameter 24 AWG twisted pair insulated with a foamed CPP (Cellular Polypropylene) dielectric, a served shield (spiraled, not braided) with a drain wire, and a thin outer jacket. It's very lightweight and flexible, but it needs to be treated kindly due to the thin jacket that is prone to nicks and scratches. Perhaps thin silk tubing as protective sleeving would be nice to use for a headphone cable project.
Don't let the low-price turn you off, since the audio performance is excellent due to the low dielectric constant of the cellular polypropylene insulation. It's an impressive cable for line-level use, AES/EBU applications, and DC umbilical builds. I plan to build some headphone cables with the Mogami W3159 when I get around to it, as I've had too much on my plate building other cables and power cords lately.
The Oyaide CIEM connectors seem to be a fine choice for the purpose and rather affordable when it comes to audiophile connectors. Sensible and attractive, I reckon.
The 4.4mm connector is very impressive, and appears to be the same design as a more expensive Stout product I've come across on the web. Having a set-screw type strain relief is ideal for a dual cable termination, and the thick walled barrel with carbon fiber layer is impressive. The outer diameter of the Mogami W3159 cable is thin enough to fit through a headphone cable splitter, such as an aluminum with carbon fiber design to match the 4.4mm plug.
https://www.redco.com/Mogami-W3159.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oyaide-CIEM-connector-0-78mm-Gold-plated-plug-made-Japan-/133366388060
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000134369577.html
Those are some good picks.
I was actually looking at those Oyaide connectors.
I also think Mogami is a good choice, I like their XLR cables I have in the office.
Going to have to bookmark those, for the near-future. Although these ONSO cables are breakin in nicely. Still, variety is the spice of life...and the audio world.
Thanks
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
I'll share some tips to build the DIY headphone cable if you decide to build it, Dynobot.
As a Cable Guy, I'm curious what headphone fans are willing to spend towards the cost of high-performance aftermarket cabling for their cans.
Stories and insights, including particular make/model headphones mated with specific cables, and the reasons why you enjoy the headphone experience better via audiophile-quality cables would be nice to read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just spent $150 for some aftermarket cables for my Audeze LCDi4's.
The Audeze planars come with braided silver, which sounds great but has a slight "V" shape to the sound. I like variety and of course being curious I wanted to hear the sound of some good copper wires. A buddy of mine just sent me some ONSO cables from Japan. Not very expensive but the wire and quality got my attention, plus they come at very high recommendation. Compared to the stock Audeze cable the ONSO cable sounds way more even handed, nothing is exaggerated no more "V" as the vocals took one step forward. So far so good.
Still looking to make a set using Duelund wire...however the Duelund is not flexible so I'm kinda on the fence.
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Spectrum Cu is 28 AWG, which would be fine for the "normal" headphones, the types that can be powered from the small/medium headphone amplifiers or even from garden-variety op-amp headphone jack of receivers, e.g. Sennheiser HD6/7/8 series, AKG K7xx series, Audio Technicas, etc.
But IME, the hard-to-drive headphones that demand lots of power need heavier AWG cable to avoid sounding anemic and lean. Most of these will be planars, e.g. Audeze LCD4, Hifiman Susvara, Abyss Phi, etc. Current TOTL favorite Raal SR1a ribbon headphones, which represent a super-low 0.2 Ohm load requires headphone cables with very low resistance if driven from speaker amps via adapter box.
One of the better-sounding headphone cables I've tried with planars is the Norne Silvergarde series, which is OCC silver litz, 20 AWG x4 (x8 can be ordered). This sounds as good as one can reasonably expect given the pure-silver sound signatures, which is probably being balanced well by the heavier AWG. The cost is high. (See Link)
Double Helix is a crowd favorite, and one can draw some design inspirations from various designs on site, but their TOTL headphone cables are even more costly.
https://doublehelixcables.com/products/headphone-cables/
VH Audio no longer seems to be selling the Spectrum wire by itself, but the V-Quad Cu24 or Cu21 would make nice headphone cables terminated with 4-pin XLR cable on amp end, which is what headphone enthusiasts want these days for their balanced amps.
I cannot comment on hard to drive headphones, since the headphone rigs I use are rather typical. I was concerned about 28 gauge for a headphone cable build, but found that many stock headphone cables involve fine gauge wire, with 24 AWG being a relatively large gauge for what is considered a typical headphone application. I considered 28 AWG for a 5 foot length to be sufficient for a pair of efficient AKG headphones.
Solid core twisted pair conductors are rare based on durability for use as a headphone cable conductor, but presents the same type of audiophile benefits as when used for other audio signal cables. What's most notable about the Spectrum Cu cable is the AirLok dielectric and the very robust jacket, with a Teflon tape wrap over the precision twisted pair for excellent flexibility while being very protective, and with an outer diameter that is small enough to fit two of the cables into an Oyaide 6.3mm connector, with extensive modification of a Neutrik/Rean mini-XLR connector at the load end.
With a pair of VH Audio V-Twist rca interconnects and a custom V-Twist/V-Quad USB cable placed upstream, I find the tonality of the Spectrum Cu to be balanced, neutral, and fast sounding, with excellent spatial cues, ambient information, and inner detail vs. typical stranded conductors, as well as what I consider inferior fiber reinforced fine gauge litz wire. There are many ways to skin a cat, and this particular high-performance DIY build is one of them.
all the headphone cables I made featured solid core 28g wires. FWIW I talked with a world class electrical expert and he explained why such thin wires could work well for planars but not necessarily for box speakers. I am guess that all that translates to headphones.
Agree that the stock wires are super thin and there are benefits with solidcore thin wires for headphones.
Cut to razor sounding violins
In my case, I purchased after-market headphone cables because:
(a) to my ears, my head amps sound best via the balanced outputs, and
(b) to my ears, my headphones sound best via balanced connections.
YMMV.
So, I did some research on what cables other people found pleasing with the two sets of headphones that I use (HD-650, HD-800). I ended up with silver cables for one, and copper cables for the other; feel free to conjecture about which with which. :)
Such cables end up being a little spendy relative to the cost of the headphones themselves, but that is the nature of a bespoke set of cables. They were in the range of $250-300. They made a small but noticeable improvement over the OEM baseline; whether metallurgy or balanced operation is responsible is open to debate.
In any case, I no longer have any audio nervosa regarding the cabling. As the old saying goes: "A man with one watch always knows the time, a man with two watches is never sure."
Cerebrate!
I got new (8 years ago) cable for my 650's ....top (at the time) Cardas balanced. Easy switch to hear a big difference from the stock cables
I agree, my motto is Buy Once, Cry Once!
Silver for the HD 650s and copper for the HD 800s. I would say that they were Norne cables, but the silver one exceeds $300. Norne has a very nice copper cable and Trevor has a special tune for the HD 800.
That's no problem at all.
Just buy REALLY expensive headphones :)
Duster:
I've had a limited experience with after-market cables for HPs. Firstly, not a huge believer in cable magic, but also want a solid, good set of cables as manufacturers seem to give them short shrift.
My current full-size cans are Focal Elears and Senn/Drop 6XXs, IEMs are JHAudio 13 V2s. Focal should be ashamed of themselves for the crap they call cables for Elears. Junk, and they were $1K. Shame. The 6XXs had decent cables, but as audiophiles we always want better, do we not? Also own Senn Amperior, Beyer 1350s, and Sony WMX1000mk3 wireless, Shure 535 IEMs and Grado SR80s, my original and ancient high end HPs, which I just re-padded. Whew, gotta sell some of this stuff.
Also owned HiFiMan 560s (speaking of abysmal cables), AKG 701s, Senn Momentums. HP amp/DAC is a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge, which is exceptional IMHO.
Bought a set of Periapt single ended cables for both the Elears and the 6XXs a couple years ago. These are more of a low-priced cable, well under $100, but the quality of construction was so superior, especially in the Elears case, it was an instant improvement. At RMAF last Sept, I took advantage of show specials to buy the Mytek, and saw a table from Audio Envy, a mfg of cables I never heard of before. They are more high-end in pricing, but show pricing was about half off, so got balanced cables for my Elears for about $100-$150. These are also well made. How do they sound? Well, everything sounds better through the Mytek, and even better balanced. Is it the cables? Do they make a sea change in the sound presentation? Not to my ears, at least not nearly as much as the Mytek did, both amp and DAC. Do I regret the purchases? Not at all. The Elear cable was literally falling apart, the 6XX cable didn't feel nearly as substantial. Also added Dekoni fenestrated lambskin pads to both, another nice touch.
Am I pleased where I'm at HP-wise? Yes. The Elears clarity and punch are definitely improved by all the changes, and those were the qualities that led me to buy them and give the 560s to my boy (the sales guy at the store asked me to adopt HIM). The 6XXs, while not at the Elears level of clarity, are just fine for everyday listening, and should be in all audiophiles tool box. I could be content with these for the rest of my days, had I not heard the Elears. But I enjoy the Senn sound. Others may differ. But the biggest difference came with the Brooklyn Bridge. This has added a huge amount of digital enjoyment to my system. I'm now fairly content listening to my recordings of my LPs at 24/96 FLAC, and feel I miss little to none of the experience of a needle drop. Or Tidal streams of some obscure stuff or new artists. Very happy.
Sorry to be so chatty. Don't think I helped you much, as I'm too cheap to buy hugely expensive cables. I'm not about chasing the last 5%, just want good quality, good sounding attractive items for a decent price. You might ask, well instead of buying ALL the stuff, why not just get the most expensive stuff up front? Guess I'm just not built that way. And part of the fun of this hobby is trying some different stuff. And that's easier to do when the prices are more reasonable.
I've only listened to my Mytek Brooklyn DAC + headphone amplifier circuit a few times, and I really didn't like the way it sounded. (With the speakers it sounds incredible.) I know I could always break it in on my own, but I'm wondering if you experienced break in. By the way, I have Sennheiser 800 headphones.
I did not notice any break in issues. But, the 800s are said to be very sensitive to amps and can be treble-happy if not matched properly. Perhaps just a bad match, as the BB is extremely clean. May need tubes or a 'warmer' amp?
I don't think it was a question of too much treble as much as it was a certain lack of refinement. I will undertake a break-in on my own and report my findings at some point.
Hi rrsands,
I'm in no need of help regarding the matter, just thought it would be interesting to see the perspectives of other headphone fans.
In particular, those who consider the benefit of aftermarket headphone cables being a worthwhile thing to explore, and what their findings might be.
Cheers, Duster
Well, best of luck in your journey. And let us know what you determine, should be interesting.
Hi Duster
Yes cables do make a similar difference in headphones as will room-based gear. IMO the differences can be more easily heard due to the nature of headphones being in close proximity of the ear and in some cases blocking other background noise.
With that said, again imo, what ever type of configuration, wire-type etc you liked with other gear seems to still be preferred 'in my case' with head-gear. Although some gear on the extremes of prices, it might not be worth investing in wire [very cheap gear] or diminishing returns with very expensive gear. For example I have some cheap IEM [Shure se215 and Sennheiser IE40] that would really not be worth investing in new aftermarket wire. And my expensive Planars the Audeze LCD-i4 that sound so good, looking at aftermarket wire is again not worth it.
YMMV.
Either way its a fun hobby, so I'm still looking into making some DIY wire for my DAP's.
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Hi Dynobot,
Again, of course I know they make a difference for the better, and need no help in determining the matter.
I plan to post a report about the use of VH Audio's Spectrum Cu interconnect cable for a DIY headphone cable build.
Thought I would first test the water in Headphone Heights for the heck of it.
Cheers, Duster
Over the years, I have found that cables for the most part do not assist/improve the sound of an inexpensive audio system. It is only when you have upgraded to a low higher end system that you can hear the changes brought about by decent interconnects, power cords and speaker cables. As has been pointed out, headphones and IEMs make it easier to hear cable upgrades.
If this has been your experience, you might have also encountered the person that does not hear cable upgrades. Ask them about their system and congratulate them on being able to save lots of money on cables.
I think you and others make some good points.
Not a good idea to spend too much money or effort on cables for Low to even some Mid-prices cans, and most very expensive cans don't need fancy cables to sound good.
Plus...as I found out, once again...its often cheaper to just purchase and upgrade rather than spending the extra money and time making them. Case in point, I was about to make a balanced 4.4mm to XLR cable but I found a very good one for about half of what I would have spent on a DIY.
Either way, its always fun to read someones results who are inclined to make some cables.
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
It's a dull thing to argue about the benefit of audiophile-quality cables in general within a specialized forum like this. Some AA Inmates understood the point of my post, and chimed in with their experience and attitude about high-end headphone cables, like it or not. I don't have a dog in this hunt, especially in Headphone Heights. No debates nor any other interest on my part other than folks staying on-topic.
Great go for it!
If you like the way it sounds in other uses I bet you will with Headphone gear too.
Let us know what you think....I'm going to be making some cables for my DAP using Duelund wire [my fav] I'll post pics etc later
Cheers
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
I'm not looking approval. I built the cables already. You should know that much about me already, Dynobot.I'll post a report about the DIY Spectrum Cu headphone cables in Cable Asylum, at some point.
Edits: 09/30/20
This statement by me....
"If you like the way it sounds in other uses I bet you will with Headphone gear too."Was not me giving approval or thinking that you needed or wanted approval...its called "Friendly small talk". People used to do that, back before everyone started to get offended by everything.
I have to keep remembering that everything is offensive these days.
Let me guess....You're not here to make friends! so no friendly small talk is required!
Me assuming that even my explanation will be offensive.
Oh well.....
Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
Edits: 09/30/20
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Dynobots Audio - Music is the Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
other than, based on my own long experience with the HD-600, the bargain of the century.
What I can say is that the original HD-600 of yore shipped with a piece for crap cable. One so bad that even this 'accused cable denier' could hear the VAST improvement in sound when it was finally replaced with a decent after-market cable.
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