Hey, I am new to Head-Fi but and have only been a lurker for a few days before that. I have enjoyed my pair of Sennheiser HD-580's for about 10+ years. I love their sound, but recently my cable has become almost unusable with the normal "wear & tear" short on the left side. I begin looking into getting a replacement set of cables...and saw that I could directly from Sennheiser. BUT, my Google search also showed me that because of these headphone's "celebertyness" (new word), there is a vast selection for getting new (& better) cables for this set of cans...oh, it seems I may have been shown a new "hobby".
 
I bought these 10+ years ago due to their popularity at the time, I knew the Sennheiser name from my days of running the sound boards at my church and their use in most studios, and they were labeled as being one of the most comfortable pair of headphones made. You see, I just wanted a good sounding pair of headphones for everyday use. I am an architect and I spend almost 9 hours a day in front of a computer screen, listening to music. I love all types of music, and wanted something that could handle just about any sound as from my experience with "running sound" has taught me that I can pull out separate instruments during recordings and I love to be able to hear everything. So, I ordered the HD-580's from online, without ever listening to them.
 
Now, 10+ years later, I need a new cable and have quickly fallen in love with the fact that there is a whole world of "headphone people" (I will get the terms in time!)! 
 
So, to wrap this up...as was stated, this is my first time here. I look forward to growing in this hobby as I intend to not only "replace" my HD-580 cables...but to "upgrade" them as well, add a desktop amp for my work computer...and then begin to acquire pieces for another set up at the house.
 
Thanks for your time (if you were willing to read this far) and as I am "NEW" to this hobby...I look forward to leaning from YOU!
 

I have only made one cable upgrade, and it did make a certain difference. Not a big difference, but the sound was less grainy, more clear. This is not my main point however.
 
Since you will be using these headphones for large periods of time, keep in the mind the weight of the cable. Some aftermarket cables can be quite heavy, relatively speaking. Maybe it won't bother you, but still. Just a small thing for you to remember.

 
Thanks for the information. The cable weight is important and something I had not considered.
 
Currently, I am considering purchasing headphile's "Senn V2" in the 1.0 meter (BlackSilver) for $107...but do I spend another $150 and get the Black/Gold...or in between...descisions!!!???
 
http://www.headphile.com/page4.html

I wouldn't bother with any fancy cables.
Just buy a replacement from Sennheiser and get some new pads to go with it, or get a better headphone.

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tk3 said:

I wouldn't bother with any fancy cables.
Just buy a replacement from Sennheiser and get some new pads to go with it, or get a better headphone.

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Great suggestions.  You could also make a cable.  So rewarding!

The Sen's are fine, I am just needing a new cable. Thanks for everyone's suggestions!
 
I am still looking and hoping to pull the plug on a great cable soon.
 
I actually considered making my own, but I am so behind on "to-do" project since recently purchasing a new home...so that's out of the question for me...for now.

Headroom has a Sennhieser 580 replacement cable for $35.00. I'd suggest you buy this and save the additional cost of the custom cable for a headphone upgrade.
 
http://www.headphone.com/accessories/headphone-parts/sennheiser-hd-580600-replacement-cable.php 

Yeah, but isn't it $10 less for the same cable at Sennheiser?

I am curious why some say to just stick with a stock cable...when so many say to upgrade it. I am very happy with this pair of headphones, and if I were to ever upgrade them...I would spend more money that I have right now as I would want something in the $600-$1500 range.
 
So, I am just curious why you (and a few others) suggest sticking with a stock cable replacement?
 
Quote:

fatcat28037 said:

Headroom has a Sennhieser 580 replacement cable for $35.00. I'd suggest you buy this and save the additional cost of the custom cable for a headphone upgrade.
 
http://www.headphone.com/accessories/headphone-parts/sennheiser-hd-580600-replacement-cable.php 

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Yes, that cable is $10 less at Sennheiser (for those reading this thread for a source) $26: http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/ProductDetails.aspx?direct_cat=Parts&direct_prod=081435

Also, they actually make another cable as well, that is even less (and many rate that it is better...go figure) $12: http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/ProductDetails.aspx?direct_cat=Parts&direct_prod=092885
 
Quote:

lurkumaural said:

Yeah, but isn't it $10 less for the same cable at Sennheiser?

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I apologize.  I read your original post again and didn't realize the first couple of times that you said you didn't want to just replace the cable, but to upgrade it.  It's a pet peeve of mine when people miss the gist of the request and barge into a thread with some bad advice, and here I am doing it.  Sorry about that.
 
That said, I think a simple cable replacement is money well spent.  A cable upgrade may be money well spent, but you wouldn't know until you gave it a listen.  I'm also wary of solid-core cables (i.e. not stranded i.e. not designed for repeated flex), but real audiophiles (ha ha) swear by them.
 
If the boutique cable is going to enhance your appreciation of your headphones, then that is worth something for sure.  Read what other people are saying about the Headphile Black series cables, or do some reading on what silver versus copper versus a mix of the two will do for your sound, and pick the experience that's going to appeal most to you.  If you've reached the point in your audio journey where you're willing to invest more money in your headphones than a simple upgrade, then perhaps reasonably you're past the point of price shopping for this particular purchase.  Get the BlackGold if it's the right product for your sound.  Go with silver if it'll sound better.  Call Headphile and get some consultation; talk to them about what you like and what you want for your headphones.  I think you'll be glad you did.
 
Best of luck.

 
Quote:

quo155 said:

I am curious why some say to just stick with a stock cable...when so many say to upgrade it. I am very happy with this pair of headphones, and if I were to ever upgrade them...I would spend more money that I have right now as I would want something in the $600-$1500 range.
 
So, I am just curious why you (and a few others) suggest sticking with a stock cable replacement?
 


 
Yes, that cable is $10 less at Sennheiser (for those reading this thread for a source) $26: http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/ProductDetails.aspx?direct_cat=Parts&direct_prod=081435
 
Also, they actually make another cable as well, that is even less (and many rate that it is better...go figure) $12: http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/ProductDetails.aspx?direct_cat=Parts&direct_prod=092885
 


 

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Buy the cable direct from Sennheiser, I didn't know there was such a price difference. I suggest replacing the cable with an original because I'm not a big believer in boutique cables. I think you're paying a lot of money for a very small, if at all audible performance improvement. I think the majority of those who hear vast improvements are kidding themselves or don't want to admit they spent several hundred dollars for no reason. I don't want to start another cable war here I'm expressing my opinion because the OP asked.   
 

Cable ordered...details soon...