[FUYU]

  What was the problem with the cables actually? Loose or...?

It just sucks. At least above the Y-Split.

 

[duyu]

I think the stock cable is satisfactory SQ-wise, and I was quite impressed in my first listening, as they are much better than my previous Klipsch X10.
Again, as I've mentioned, I've been using X3+E12 DIY(muses02). Perhaps, this set up is, as what mentioned by RedJohn, a "good neutral to bright source".

 

[RedJohn456]

Thanks, RedJohn. Nice review and comparisons.
I second that LZ-A3 is very relaxing to listen. Thanks for explaining the reasons behind.

I don't have any other MMCX cable and not sure which one I should buy.
I hope people with (many) other MMCX cables can compare the A3's performance using different kinds of cables.
In the end, we can have a list of buying suggestions on this.

 
Thanks I think its more than the stock cable itself is not the most compatible with the drivers perhaps. I think any decent MMCX cable should be better than the stock cable.
 
For example, when the Philips Fidelio X1 came out, people found out that out of the box the headphone sounded terrible. Turns out it was just the cable, for whatever reason Philips had decided to go for a cable with a really high impedance... 
 
I don't have any other cables to compare with unfortunately so I look forward to other people's impressions.
 

  I think the stock cable is satisfactory SQ-wise, and I was quite impressed in my first listening, as they are much better than my previous Klipsch X10.
Again, as I've mentioned, I've been using X3+E12 DIY(muses02). Perhaps, this set up is, as what mentioned by RedJohn, a "good neutral to bright source".

 
I haven't heard the X10 nor the X3+E12 set ups I can't comment on that setup specifically but I have read a lot of good things about the E12 DIY, utilizing the Muses02 specifically. As long as it sounds good to your ears, thats what matters at the end of the day. 

 

 

[Lohb]

Anyone know what the cheapest price was or is on A3 ?

 

[duyu]

Thanks, RedJohn. 
Though taste is subjective, SQ is quite objective (or at least inter-subjective). (Haha, a whisky lover here,  who believes personal experience is communicable.)
 
I'll look for another MMCX cable to see if there's any significant difference.

 

[JacKallen]

   
Thanks I think its more than the stock cable itself is not the most compatible with the drivers perhaps. I think any decent MMCX cable should be better than the stock cable.
 
For example, when the Philips Fidelio X1 came out, people found out that out of the box the headphone sounded terrible. Turns out it was just the cable, for whatever reason Philips had decided to go for a cable with a really high impedance... 
 
I don't have any other cables to compare with unfortunately so I look forward to other people's impressions.
 
 
I haven't heard the X10 nor the X3+E12 set ups I can't comment on that setup specifically but I have read a lot of good things about the E12 DIY, utilizing the Muses02 specifically. As long as it sounds good to your ears, thats what matters at the end of the day. 

 

I thought that cables in general were supposed to have as little impedance as possible? I know that there are some that you can buy which raises the impedance, but other than that, I thought that it was supposed to be as low as possible...?

 

[RedJohn456]

  I thought that cables in general were supposed to have as little impedance as possible? I know that there are some that you can buy which raises the impedance, but other than that, I thought that it was supposed to be as low as possible...?

Yes you would think that right? Not sure what Phillips was thinking lol. But what I am trying to highlight is that it not unheard of to have ****ty stock cables

 

[DeLuX]

Thanks to RedJohn's review, now I want to try out a different cable for the LZ A3. My initial impressions out of the box basically lined up with RedJohn, not thinking it was worth for how much it cost. 


Right now though I am currently exchanging my pair since Teresa advised me to change out my pair entirely from the early batch, so I'm out on my A3 for a few weeks. This gives me time to possibly look into other cables and eartips setups as more and more people get their pairs in and play with it. 

Would you mind sharing what the problem with your A3 was?

 

[Carlsan]

  Anyone know what the cheapest price was or is on A3 ?

 
You can try to contact this store and see what they can do for you. They do not have it listed but I am sure they can find you a pair.

 

[wastan]

So is the sound quality of the A3 worth the cost of the earphone + new cable + new tips (granted, I likely already have something useful here)? I'm also curious where the change in quality comes in with regard to a new cable; is it the connectors, the material, shielding? In other words, how do you pick a new cable that won't have the same issues?

 

[RedJohn456]

  So is the sound quality of the A3 worth the cost of the earphone + new cable + new tips (granted, I likely already have something useful here)? I'm also curious where the change in quality comes in with regard to a new cable; is it the connectors, the material, shielding? In other words, how do you pick a new cable that won't have the same issues?

Answer to the first part depends on your sound preferences. If you like warmer and thicker sounding headphones, with plenty of detail, then I would have to say its worth considering yea. I used it a lot last night and I can't get over how smooth and easy it is to listen to  Pretty easy to just get lost in the music becuyase u dont have a million things in the track all trying to grab your attention.
 
Its akin to sitting in and sinking into one of those really comfy lazy boy sofas. 
 
And no idea on what the issue is, I suspect it might be the material but that would be pure conjecture on my part. I just used whatever cable I had lying around.

 

[Carlsan]

If you have a device that will play out balanced, 2.5MM plug, this cable is relatively cheap and will do the job, goes from $50 to $60 depending on seller:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FIDUE-A83-MMCX-Connector-Silver-Plated-Mic-Smart-Phone-Audiophile-Earphone-Cable-/381527999467?hash=item58d4d743eb:g:a4sAAOSwKtlWqJ3Y

 

[FUYU]

  So is the sound quality of the A3 worth the cost of the earphone + new cable + new tips (granted, I likely already have something useful here)? I'm also curious where the change in quality comes in with regard to a new cable; is it the connectors, the material, shielding? In other words, how do you pick a new cable that won't have the same issues?

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/4-core-earphone-upgrade-silver-plated-cable-for-Shure-SE425-SE215-SE315-UE900-W40-HD598-earphones/519064_32474992569.html
So 160$ + 20$ cable + ~10$ in tips seems quite reasonable. You'll surely get a bit of a discount, just ask and tell them you're from Head-fi.

 

[Carlsan]

Wish the Ali sellers would offer balanced cables. Asked Easy once about it, said they would look into it but never got a response.
Balance cables in the same price range as their other cables would be a steal.

 

[TwinACStacks]

Wish the Ali sellers would offer balanced cables. Asked Easy once about it, said they would look into it but never got a response.
Balance cables in the same price range as there other cables would be a steal.

Ok, as I have no experience with them, what specifically is the advantage of a balanced cable?

I Mean if it's just to balance out volumes between l/r channels, I've never really had a pair of phones that were noticibly different in volume between channels. Or is there more to it than this?

TWIN