Hi all,
The story (feel free to skip, not really necessary):
I was all set to watch a movie the other day on my computer so I put on my trusty ES-7s (purchased and enjoyed thanks to this very website) and opened up vlc player. However no audio was coming out of my right ear. I endured the movie listening only through the left ear, thinking it was the fault of the file. Later however, I noticed there was still no sound when listening to music. Testing the movies with my turbines proved that it was in fact my ES-7s that were broken I started playing with the cables, and noticed that if I jiggled it near the earpiece (ear cup?) the sound cut back in. Phew, the drivers still worked. I considered recabling but then realized it was still under warranty! I was all set to pack it up and send it off when I remember I did the blue-tack mod on it. Warranty voided... Do I regret the mod? A little, but a years worth of improved sound made it more bearable. Regardless, I now have to recable it.
TL/DR: right side of my es-7s don't work, confirmed fault of cables.
This brings me to this thread. I have researched for many days and have compiled what I feel is the consensus (to the extent that a consensus is possible on head-fi) on materials. I thus created this thread to give an easy place for future recablers to find these materials and to answer the questions that have inevitably bubbled up.
What I personally am looking for in this project (in order of importance):
Preservation of the ES-7s sound signature, namely warmth and overall fun
Low cost
Aesthetics
Durability
Minimal microphonics
Cable:
26 awg spc wire from navships on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/25-26-AWG-stranded-Silver-Teflon-Wire-White-19-strand-/380329610892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588d694e8c#ht_500wt_1156
Mogami 2799 https://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=1149&bc=no
Is the mogami 2799 better? from what I see, it doesn't seem to be silver plated, does that make much of a difference. Is there a difference between 2799 and 2893 other than size? I prefer the smaller size as ES-7s are technically portable headphones.
Heatshrink:
1/8" 2:1 polyolefin above the y-split http://www.wirecare.com/products.asp?prodline=H2
adhesive 2:1 for making the y-split http://www.wirecare.com/products.asp?prodline=H2A
If I opt for the navship wire, will I need to heatshrink the braid below the split before I sleeve it?
Any problems with just leaving it completely visible?
Sleeving:
Nylon multifilament http://www.wirecare.com/products.asp?prodline=NM
What size (before and after the y-split) if I'm using the navship wire?
Same question for the mogami 2799.
Null audio uses Silicone fiberglass sleeving. Is this overkill? If it's really better, where can I find some? http://www.null-audio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=220
Cyberspyder here used paracord minus the filling in a couple of his recables. Can anyone speak for how this works? If I understand correctly, it's simply a cheaper alternative to Nylon multifilament but only fits below the y-split?
Plug:
Neutrik 3.5mm right angle https://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=667&bc=no
A ton of straight plug options are available, refer to: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/410135/ultimate-diy-the-3-5mm-1-8-mini-jack-plug-collection-thread/300
How important is gold vs nickel plated plugs?
I've included links for where I would currently buy this stuff for others who might also be interested in recabling for the first time. If anyone has any suggestions for someplace cheaper/better, please let me know!
The process:
I’ll be referring to a couple of great guides on this site already. I’m sure there are more out there,.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/50729/how-to-make-an-interconnect-step-by-step-with-pics
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/479688/a-pic-by-pic-akg-k81dj-k518-recable-thread
My only question would be the strain relief inside the cups. The ES-7s use a knot, is there something better? I notice some have used heatshrink or hot glue? Any recommendations?
I know it’s a lot of questions, but whatever y’all can answer would be great. The most important to me is the type of wire to use and the size of the nylon sleeving.
Thanks in advance for any and all help y’all give. Head-fi has proved to be an invaluable resource again and again.
