Headphone Cables

Discussion in 'Modifications and Tweaks' started by rhythmdevils, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Well, damn it, turns out I can hear the difference between headphone cables. I've got Hart Cables because I love their modular system. @Gazny was kind enough to loan me an Audiophile Ninja cable to try with my ETA Mini, and it does indeed sound fuller. I hear more definition in the bass especially. The Hart Cable isn't bad, and is probably better than many stock cables headphones and IEMs come with, but the Audiophile Ninja cables are a step up. :mad: I really wish I were not able to hear cable changes.
     
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  2. Josh Schor

    Josh Schor Friend

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    I have recently bought a Norne 17.7 all copper cable from Trevor, it has different gauge wire in it, not sure what the gauge is. I am using it for the Utopia. Well worth the investment. I was using a stock cable and then audiophile ninja cable which sounds closed in and flat compared to the Norne. The Norne cable is snappy, quick and lively while having body across the whole spectrum, nothing is lacking. I like a wetter sound not dry and this is it.
     
  3. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    Focal Utopia is too good for crappy off brand cables. Norne puts a little love in all their cables. That's why you have to wait bit for them to be delivered.
     
  4. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Does anyone know of a nice braided OCC copper iem cable that is thin and flexible with a lightweight Y splitter?

    All the OCC copper iem cables I can find are as thick as full size headphone cables. I love the Lunashops cables just want to try something thinner.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    There is the #5 PW Audio and you can specify 4 strands or 8. There is also the Satin Audio Galia II and you can specify 4, 6 or 8 strands with nice selection of terminations. I just ordered a Galia II with QDC termination myself.
     
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  6. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

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    https://doublehelixcables.com/product/dhc-symbiote-se-premium-occ-pure-copper-litz-iem-cable/

    Could also talk to Trevor at Norne, he is always open to doing one offs of different strand guage and count. Their is a fusion on HF right now by Norne that looks very light weight.
    https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/brand-new-norne-fusion-iem-balanced.25200/
     
  7. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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  8. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Can anyone recommend some nice flexible wire to make my own braided cable? I see Forza has some nice wire but it's €4.49 per meter so a cheaper option might be of interest. Need to make a 4.5m cable give or take, not sure how much length i will use braiding... I imagine it being like 50cm on a 5m cable? Gonna be a shitty task but if it saves me a reasonable amount of money i'd just put on some nice music and have at it.
     
  9. Justin S

    Justin S Friend

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    I like the Neotech OCC hookup wire. It's easy to work with and sounds good. I do the whole paracord sheath thing with it - it's a pain but looks great in the end.

    PXL_20220604_191332132.jpg


    I know people poo poo the Mogami stuff, but I have also had good experiences working with their starquad mic cable. I am currently listening to a quicky short mogami desk-cable - including the rubber hose - and things are sounding pretty great.

    PXL_20220604_190928108.NIGHT.jpg
     
  10. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    The wires and connectors are good. There was a time where he was overwhelmed with orders while still solo and quality may have suffered, but I believe he finally got help. Then again he ghosted me years ago, so who knows where things stand now.

    Also, Norne epoxies connectors now, so you can't repurpose cables without cutting off ends if that is a consideration for anyone.
     
  11. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Most of the good DIY options dried up. DHC, Norne, etc. all had stuff available but either because business is lagging, or prices are rising, they stopped offering stuff up. Forza is one of the few still doing so.

    As mentioned before, Neotech hookup wire is high quality stuff, but is stiffer than purpose built wire for headphone cables. Could also try Furutech or Oyaide hookup wire if available in you market.

    ZMF has some of their older cable offerings up for DIYers as well.
     
  12. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Hmm interesting, the STDCT seems reasonable price wise. You are using the solid core wire? Does that not cause you concern due to mechanical failure?
     
  13. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    I will have a look to see what’s available here. Thanks for the suggestions. I’m worried about the stiffness of the Neotech stuff as well. Honestly if i could just get a long version of the cable that came with the LCD-XC 2021 i’d be happy. Love that cable so light and flexible and good sound as well.
     
  14. Justin S

    Justin S Friend

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    I use their stranded wire - I am too rough to have nice things :)

    Edit: I just checked my order from TakeFive. It's the Neotech UPOCC 24 AWG Stranded Teflon Insulation wire I am using.
     
  15. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    I would not use solid core even if i wanted to spend money on something super high end! But that one is added to the list…
     
  16. deafenears

    deafenears Almost "Made"

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  17. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Oh, that's awesome! Ordered! I'll probably put together something simple for HD6xx right off the bat to try this wire out!
     
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  18. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Great find! Will probably need some work to get the twists to the cup looking just right with prebraided wire, but it looks promising since Neotech is the OG of upocc. No Ali-roulette with the quality or actual composition.
     
  19. fastfwd

    fastfwd Friend

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    "Ali-roulette" implies that what's available on Ali Express is sometimes genuine. I've seen no evidence for that.
     
  20. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    That looks awesome! No need to braid and only 20% ish more expensive :)

    Right, now for the 4pin mini xlr's... Should i go for the Furutech ones or some of the other cheaper ones?
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2022

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