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AKG 240s, re-cable, just double checking my parts list

post #1 of 8
6/12/10 at 5:36pm
Thread Starter 

So my stock AGK 240s cable finally gave up the ghost, from being rolled over too many times by my desk chair :( Turns out that it's actually a bit cheaper to build a new cable than it is to buy AKG's cable ($30).

 

I searched around here, and used a little common sense, and I think this build list should work out fine, and keep me sub $30 even after paying for shipping!

 

  •   Switchcraft TA3F LX --- 3-pin Female mini-XLR....."L" for 'large' cable

  •   Canare L-4E5C --- Mini Star-Quad .... so as to actually fit inside of a Switchcraft mini-XLR

  •   Neutrik NP3X-B --- X-series 1/4 TRS, gold

 

So, I'm concerned about the size matchups with everything. From what I could find about the Switchcraft mini-xlr, shouldn't technically accept cable this big, even when using the "L" version for large cable. What makes me wonder is that I've seen pictures of cables which definately used the non-"L" version, supposedly for cable of just under 1/8" OD.

  • So firstly, can the Switchcraft mini-XLR handle this size cable (4.8mm OD I believe??)??
  • Secondly, will cable that is this small end up working out OK with the Neutrik 1/4" plug? I read the specs and it's supposed to be good down to something like 4mm OD cable, but is there anything that I should be wary of?
  • Thirdly, I plan on ordering this from Markertek, because they have all the pieces, but they're shipping is like 8 or 9 bucks, so is there anyplace else that would have all 3 pieces (mini-xlr, cable, and 1/4 trs) that might not be so bad on shipping, or mebbe has Cardas cable, for a splurge?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice on building an AKG cable. I can't wait to get this cable built so I can get back to using these headphones....kinda sucks being stuck with some janky earbuds!!

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post #2 of 8
6/12/10 at 6:22pm

The Canare is the 26 gauge version, I wouldn't go any smaller than that. You can drill out the Switchcraft TA3FL if you need more space, It'll handle a .170" OD and your cable is 1.88" OD. The Neutrik NP3X-B is a nice connector and should suit your purposes well, just put a layer of heatshrink so the teeth have something to grip onto. 

 

EDIT: I was just thinking you could probably remove the jacket before inserting into the plug and it would most likely fit like a charm.


Edited by HiGHFLYiN9 - 6/12/10 at 6:38pm
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post #3 of 8
6/13/10 at 6:27am

A large mini? Irony?
I'm using mogami 2534 and I have to strip a lot for it to fit inside the neutrik I have, Always could use butter to get it in there :P

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post #4 of 8
6/13/10 at 12:08pm
Thread Starter 

I believe Mogami 2534 is just under 1/4", and should be quite a bit too big (like 0.080 or something!)

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post #5 of 8
6/13/10 at 12:27pm

I agree with the previous posters. You're going to end up drilling out the Switchcraft even with Mini Starquad.

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post #6 of 8
6/13/10 at 7:25pm

Are you sure it's $30 for a new cable from AKG? Their Customer Service Administrator Frank Rodriguez told me last fall that it was $12.95, part number 0110E02400. I was asking about a DF recable, so he made a mistake on the model because that cable is not detachable, but I'm pretty sure he meant a 240 detachable.

 

You might contact AKG/Harman parts dept in Northridge CA to be sure, since the K240S is just a nice consumer phone that may not be worth spending considerable time and money for a better cable. (I have a K240S myself, for sale now because I just got a K702.)

frank.rodriguez@harman.com or (818) 920-3279

 

The non-detachable cable is a lot more, they charged me $70 to replace it, ouch.

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post #7 of 8
6/14/10 at 6:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by renlute View Post

Are you sure it's $30 for a new cable from AKG?

 

Called Frank, and this is what he said for 240s:

Quote:

6000H10080            EK300 Straight          $29.95        ETA 06/22/2010

6000H10100            EK500 Coiled            $26.95        ETA 06/22/2010

 

looks like i'll be drilling out a Switchcraft XLR

Honestly, this is pretty much the way I wanted to go anyway, I mean so what if a new cable sounds no better? After all it's got to last much longer than the stock cable has lasted me, and on account of my forthcoming purchase of yellow starquad it's going to be quite sexy to boot!!!!!! Post pics of the sexiness in a couple of weeks once it's done!!

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post #8 of 8
6/14/10 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 

PS- Thanks to everyone for giving me the confidence in my parts list. Didn't want to end up in a situation where even driling the XLR wouldn't be enough, or accidentally buying some horrible cable or something :)

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