Further discussion --
Cable Survival. This post arises after 'window-shopping' online for any hot deals on Etymotic IEMs, parts, cables, and so on...
Presumably you are an all-wire kind of listener ( we are all, all-in on a 24b * 96k format around here. Yes? ) . No radio link I know of is as reliable nor as bandwidth capable -- but if you know of one, lets hear about it.
For all of my sundry cables -- for just about everything -- when they are new I thoroughly clean them, just out of the wrapper, with a 90% or higher solvent alcohol, being sure to clean my fingers as well. Important because I have seen over decades that most plastics and rubber degrades faster with increased exposure to skin oils.
I have been quite happy with the preventative 'I-wish-I-had a real good plasticizer' treatment for all manner of cables ( typically jacketed with a variation of vinyl-something ) by thinly and evenly 'moisturizing' a wide variety of hoses, cords, armrests & dashboards, cables, cases, soft-packs, etc., with a light *sheening* with garden variety petroleum jelly with a bit of light rubbing and then a quick wipe with a clean, dry cloth or towelette.
At this point I have experimented with a variety of 'tubed' adhesives of various chemistries to stabilize, as new, for as long as possible, the strain-relief made in the factory at the various necking points on a wide variety of cables and similar.
Currently I am using a U/V-cure flexible 'patching adhesive' generally used on fishing-waders and wet-suits -- to good effect.
Over the last fourteen years I have only replaced one set of Etymotic cables and those were on a 'good-used' set purchased several years ago.
Regular cleaning with alcohol and 'conditioning' with a sheen of vaseline works wonders.
I presume you NEVER pull any of your devices by the cable for removal, when avoidable!
).
