[MOD] HifiMan RE-ZERO Balanced Plug removal + standard plug mod

I got a little fed up with having to carry around a cumbersome adapter to use my RE-Zero's.  The soft adapter was starting to give me some static, and I did not like the hard adapter so I decided to put a neutrik plug on mine and eliminate need for a balanced adapter.

I found this graphic that explained to me what a balanced plug is.  I tore done my plug and found four enameled wires two gold wires, a red, and a blue.

Gold wires are combined for the Grounds, Red is the right channel, and Blue is the left channel.

I order a Neutrik Plug and started to work.

First I stripped away the original rubber around the plug and exposed the wires so I could use my multimeter to determine which wires go where.  (this is unnecsassary unless your wires are enameled different colors for some reason)

Now I was 100% sure what wires went where, I just cut the plug off entirely.  Then I stripped back the insulation and got the wire ready to solder.  Because these wires were enameled with a nylon core, I had to scrape the enamel off with a razor blade, the burned the excess enamel and nylon off with a lighter.  After the enamel was on I cleaned the ends and tinned the wires.

From here on out it was a simple plug installation.  Just take time and follow the instructions for the plug you chose.

And finally a finished product!

I am currently very happy with the new plug, and it is nice not to have any of the crackling introduced by the adapter.  I didn't feel I had much to loose since the RE-Zero's only have a 90 warranty, which was about if not already expired on my set.

Thanks everyone.  I haven't heard anything about the RE-Zero's warranty being upgraded myself, but it wouldn't surprise me if Feng did that given the RE-0 have 12 months.  Either way though my warranty is gone :P

This mod has been great so far, it is great not to have to worry about the adapter occasionally crackling.  Plus the added portability is nice when I have my player in my pocket since these are primarily used outside of the home when I am out and about.  The right angle to right angle adapter and the big one bothered me for some reason.  Overall I would say the mod is pretty simple with the hardest part being the preparation of the enamel wires.  A third hand tool would be ideal for the task, but I couldn't find mine and still managed.

I really like the Neutrik plug too and I would recommend it to anyone.  Compared to other 3.5mm plugs I have dealt with, the Neutrik is way better in quality and engineering.  The white plastic piece pic is a clamp that holds the wire in place and prevents strain on the solder points.  The fitment of the actual plug into my amp or players is VERY solid too.