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Cable for Senn 650 - I'm confused!

post #1 of 27
8/12/09 at 10:03pm
Thread Starter 
Hi all;
1st post here.
I am an old-time audiophile with a pretty fine home audio system but I feel lost and confused in the world of headphones!
After undergoing Achilles surgury a couple weeks ago I find myself laid up for another 4 weeks before I start a physical therapy routine. While listening to my lossless music on an iPhone 3G with Grado SR-80's, Shure 530's and sometimes some Ety 4P's I have decided to take a jump into the next level since I am not satisfied with what I am hearing.
I just purchased a pair of Senn 650's and a portable amp (P51-Mustang) and now need to upgrade the Senn cable. I have been reading my eyes weary about various cables and have selected a few finalists but can't decide which one to buy. To say I am confused is an understatement!
The Senns will be used around the house and while doing mild exercise during physical therapy so the cable should be able to move with me and not make their presence known! In other words, not too stiff and not transmitting noise when the cable touches something.
I listen mostly to fusion with a bit of real jazz, old rock, classical and opera tossed in for good measure. I prefer a clear, well balanced natural sound with a solid low-end foundation (not pushed but not shy if you know what I mean). Love shimmering but not sharp highs.
Looks like I have come down to the following choices for a replacement cable on the 650's:
Zu Mobius Senn Mk2
Moon Audio Silver Dragon
Double Helix
APuresound
Can you help suggest which cable would be the best choice for my circumstance? All the ones noted above look like contenders but I can only tell so much from a website. I hope you guys have some experience with them in real life and can assist in narrowing down my choice.
Thanks in advance to all willing to offer some guidance.
I guess I also need to connect the iPhone to the amp and for that ALO looked pretty good. But other suggestions are welcomed on that front too.
Popspin7
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post #2 of 27
8/12/09 at 10:19pm
I've only owned the original Zu, so I can't say I'm most suited to commenting, but I want to throw in the thought of looking out for a second-hand cable for sale as you can get them for much less, and if not satisfied, there's little loss if you sell it on again.
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post #3 of 27
8/13/09 at 11:05am
The best option is the one using Crystal Cable, but very expensive so I still haven't any decision to go for it but only a mini-to-mini for my iMod. I own both the Silver Dragon and Apuresound, and SD is better slightly.

There are other options as well, like ALO is also worth for consideration.
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post #4 of 27
8/13/09 at 11:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Currawong View Post
I've only owned the original Zu, so I can't say I'm most suited to commenting, but I want to throw in the thought of looking out for a second-hand cable for sale as you can get them for much less, and if not satisfied, there's little loss if you sell it on again.
Hi Currawong;
I think your suggestion is a great one but I have been unable to locate the cables I want to try. Not giving up on the used market though! I will continue to check out this option.
Popspin77
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post #5 of 27
8/13/09 at 11:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ManAtWork View Post
The best option is the one using Crystal Cable, but very expensive so I still haven't any decision to go for it but only a mini-to-mini for my iMod. I own both the Silver Dragon and Apuresound, and SD is better slightly.

There are other options as well, like ALO is also worth for consideration.
Hi ManatWork;
Wow, I checked out the Crystal Cables and agree the expense is a bit extreme for my application.
Good to hear an opinion from someone who owns both the Silver Dragon and Apuresound. Thank you for your thoughts! If you would care to, please tell me a bit more about why you like the Silver Dragon more than the Apuresound.
Popspin7
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post #6 of 27
8/13/09 at 11:56am
Zu Mobius mk2 gives tighter bass, brighter treble and warmer vocal with respect to the stock cable of HD650. It also has better clarity.

Another cable for HD650 is the Enigma Audio Oracle. Its sound is quite similar to the stock cable except it is more enhanced. And the sound is a bit more forward.

Recent version of HD650 might sound different to mine, which was purchased in 2005.
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post #7 of 27
8/13/09 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Popspin7 View Post
Hi ManatWork;
Good to hear an opinion from someone who owns both the Silver Dragon and Apuresound. Thank you for your thoughts! If you would care to, please tell me a bit more about why you like the Silver Dragon more than the Apuresound.
Popspin7
The sound signature is very easily to be heard when I plugged them into my HD25-1II, which is much neutral than my HD650. While the SD removes the vein comes with the stock cable immediately with good enough clarity, the treble is improved and more you can hear, for the bass it increases the weight a little which personally don't prefer. When I swapped with the Apuresound, I noticed the mid is further laid-back, both ends of frequency weren't heard any extension significantly.
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post #8 of 27
8/14/09 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
Hi:
Thanks to all who responded to my request for help! I made a decision.
Since I was unable to locate what I am interested in used or at an attractivAe enough price I went with my gut instinct. Double Helix Cables.
It appears that Peter @ Double Helix (he IS Double Helix) has spent a long time listening to the HD-650's using various different cables, including some of the same ones we get on the web. He has arrived at a conclusion about what components combined create the best solution and I agree with his logic.
The ability to speak with Peter and custom design all aspects of the cable meant that I had options not available from some other vendors who provide a finished product. With the ability to select the type of cable, connectors, plugs, splitter and appearance I was able to design the cable that makes sense for me! And at a price that was way more reasonable than others offering similar level of product.
Now I sit back and wait for this cable, an ALO connector, the RSA P51-Muistang amp and let it run for a few hours before listening...
Thanks again!
Popspin7
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post #9 of 27
8/14/09 at 5:16pm
Do you think this cable will meet your original requirement?

Quote:
The Senns will be used around the house and while doing mild exercise during physical therapy so the cable should be able to move with me and not make their presence known! In other words, not too stiff and not transmitting noise when the cable touches something.
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post #10 of 27
8/15/09 at 5:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by coredump View Post
Do you think this cable will meet your original requirement?
Hi Coredump:
Well, I sure hope so!
Knowing what type of cable is being used, its construction and characteristics is what has made me comfortable. I guess you aren't so sure, correct? If so, please feel free to tell me why.
Thx
Popspin7
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post #11 of 27
8/18/09 at 2:16pm
I prefer my HD600 for jazz and acoustic music over the HD650. As for cables I like the SAA Equinox which enhanced the highs and the overall clarity of the music.
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post #12 of 27
8/18/09 at 3:41pm
Cables do not matter. Yes, I've said it. Just keep the stock ones and stop worrying.
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post #13 of 27
8/18/09 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Popspin7 View Post
Hi Coredump:
Well, I sure hope so!
Knowing what type of cable is being used, its construction and characteristics is what has made me comfortable. I guess you aren't so sure, correct? If so, please feel free to tell me why.
Thx
Popspin7
I've been interested as well but I'm not willing to sacrifice on the comfort. I know a few people have regretted the re-cable decision because of that.

My Canare Star Quad on my Pro2500 is stiff and heavy. It's hard to forget that it's there.
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post #14 of 27
8/31/09 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ManAtWork View Post
The best option is the one using Crystal Cable, but very expensive so I still haven't any decision to go for it but only a mini-to-mini for my iMod. I own both the Silver Dragon and Apuresound, and SD is better slightly.

There are other options as well, like ALO is also worth for consideration.
Ugh, I guess that just proves we hear things differently, very much so. I went through the original, headphile silver, SD and then the one I have now. SD back when I got it was well aged according to the previous owner, and I gave it a good 100+ hours of burn-in.

The obvious flaw was very fatiguing and harsh highs which was unbearable without EQing. The sound was articulate and punchy, but very "dry" and a bit congested even. That was with my PPX3 loaded with sylvania 6CG7 + 2x Ei Elite 6CG7s. Knowing that they have gotten some good reviews on the web, I kept switching between the headphile and SD, only to find that I much preferred the effortless sound of the former.

Alex had built this cable I am using now way before he set up his shop with APS. The wire used here is of silver coated copper variety, and I doubt it would all that different from the earlier versions of the APS cable. If memory serves right, the headphile was more airier but had less authority (especially in the low end). Alex's cable had more prominent treble but thankfully not harsh or shrill. I was pretty satisfied with it and sold the headphile shortly thereafter.

Later on, just for the sake of trying out something new, I made similar inquiries here as OP's, and the answer I got was Blue Dragon, which I have been considering form some time. Never heard of Double Helix, could anyone enlighten me on how it sounds?
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post #15 of 27
9/4/09 at 10:30am
Thread Starter 
Hi:
I am back with some info on what I ordered from Double Helix:

6 foot length
Nucleotide wire - UPOCC copper, 40 strands at 8 micron thickness,
1.25mm outer diameter of wire, soft polyethylene insulation
Sennheiser connectors by Cardas, rhodium plated brass
Viablue aluminum alloy y-splitter
Cryoparts chrome mini 1/8" plug, covered in black heatshrink
Clear heatshrink earcup wires
"Defcon" styling, carbon fiber with clear teflon sleeving

The cable is beautiful and flexible.
I like what I hear so far but want to give the cable more time before reaching any conclusions on sound.
THx
Popspin7
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