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Best Wire for IEMs

post #1 of 7
9/29/10 at 4:46pm
Thread Starter 

This is my first DIY attempt at anything audio. So, I'm planning on replacing my broken cables for my UE TF10's with some custom cables, but I was wondering what wire would be best for my uses with regard to the following aspects:

1. Conductor (copper vs silver, etc.)

2. Insulation (what material / do I need multiple layers)

3. Gauge

 

In terms of putting the wire together, should I braid it? What are some of the better techniques for making the cable?

 

Also, as a slight aside, does anyone know where to find the 2-pin connector that plugs into the IEMs? It appears that the pins are 0.7 mm in diameter, and I've read that D-Sub pins/ VGA pins are acceptable substitutes (I'd really like to find a proper source though).

 

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post #2 of 7
9/29/10 at 11:09pm

Take one pair of cheap earbuds. 

Cut of the wire directly below the driver capsule.

Strip and solder to a pair of connectors.

 

Easy, no need to re-invent the wheel.

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post #3 of 7
9/30/10 at 12:56am

I think you can actually get "replacement" IEM cables from Sennheiser for about the same price as cheap earbuds, except you get a cable intended for their higher-end models which is nice and flexible and has been coated to nuke microphonics.

 

If you try this, do let me know how it works out...

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post #4 of 7
9/30/10 at 8:57am

Or from UE themselves.

Probably the easiest solution of all, if you can spare $20.

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post #5 of 7
9/30/10 at 6:55pm
Thread Starter 

Well, I also just wanted to try making my own cables for the learning experience.

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post #6 of 7
10/1/10 at 12:33am

There's more of a learning experience to be had from other types of interconnects. IEMs have specialized problems.

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post #7 of 7
10/1/10 at 3:30pm

Making IEM cables from scratch is far from the easiest way to gain cable making experience. They will have to be both very light, flexible and un-microphonic, this is not an easy task.

 

Making normal headphone cables is a much more forgiving exercise, and making interconnects even more so.

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