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Total noob questions about converting XLR power cord to headphone extension

post #1 of 3
12/31/10 at 4:34pm
Thread Starter 

I received a 4-pin male to female XLR power cable from Markertek today that I mistakenly believed I could used as an extension cable for my HE-5LE headphones and aftermarket speaker tap. It didn't work and disassembling the Neutrik connectors showed why -- there are only two wires inside the cable, one read and one black.

 

I've decided to spend New Year's Day (RadioShack is open) trying my hand at a DIY fix.

 

Here's my plan: solder two lengths of narrow-guage speaker wire to the four pins using the schematic from HiFiMan, reassemble the Neutrik connectors and call it a day.

 

Can any experienced DIYers out there tell me whether I'm on the right track?

 

I have plenty of speaker cable around the house, so I figure all I need is a soldering iron, some solder and possibly some heat shrink cable if I want to make the finished product look spiffy. Otherwise, I might just braid the speaker wire for that boutique cable look.

 

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post #2 of 3
1/1/11 at 4:11pm

I'd recommend starting from scratch with some 24awg silver plated copper cable (cheap and easily available on ebay).

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post #3 of 3
1/2/11 at 4:13pm
Thread Starter 

It took me 90 minutes and left me with a small second-degree burn on the back of my thumb, but the cable is built and it works. Sounds the same as my HD-5LE stock cable and aftermarket speaker adapter, so I'm pleased with the results (and the cost). 

 

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