[leaky74]

I’ve ended up ordering the ‘special’ cable from here:

https://www.astralacousticscables.com/product-page/special-package

It comes highly recommended from someone who knows far more about these things than I do!

 

[leaky74]

@leaky74 @Rodmunch

If you're on a budget, I'd say it's definitely worth browsing AliExpress these days. I have found and bought some upgrade OEM cables that are used rebranded as stock by better known brands and sold for twice the price. Also worth recommending are some Chi-Fi IEMs. The TinHiFi P1 has an excellent SPC cable with the lowest impedance I have yet measured. It's with MMCX connections by default but I am pretty sure you can find it with 2-Pin also.

The reason you'd want to upgrade from the default cable is because it has noticeable crosstalk. I mentioned this while reviewing the SD5 a while back and when it is clearly audible, it is severe enough to hurt soundstage and layering.

Wow, you’re not wrong; using the left/right channel test on audiocheck(link below), in both cases the channel not being tested is ridiculously audible!

https://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php

 

[leaky74]

Received the Astral cable today; sets the SD5 free from the shackles of the stock cable! Recommended!

 

[Logixa]

Well after testing out the pp8, penta Rais and some other items I ended up with buying the SD5 in mahogany. I read several issues in regards to the stock cable and if you say that these cables improve them, then let's try it out myself! Did this change the sound signature?

 

[mobbaddict]

Are the SD2 still well regarded under the $/€500 pricepoint? I'm looking for a neutral/natural sound with balanced armatures (planar is tempting too but I haven't heard of anything really neutral besides the uber pricy LCD4i) to upgrade from my RE400 (which are terrific for the price but have technical limitations inherent to dynamic technology).

 

[sainteb]

Are the SD2 still well regarded under the $/€500 pricepoint? I'm looking for a neutral/natural sound with balanced armatures (planar is tempting too but I haven't heard of anything really neutral besides the uber pricy LCD4i) to upgrade from my RE400 (which are terrific for the price but have technical limitations inherent to dynamic technology).

Yes. Probably one of your best no-nonsense bets, along with ER4.

Comfort and ease-of-use are much better compared to the Etys while isolation is nearly as good with a good fit.

FR and isolation measurements: https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/InEarStageDriverSD2.pdf

 

[mobbaddict]

Yes. Probably one of your best no-nonsense bets, along with ER4.

Comfort and ease-of-use are much better compared to the Etys while isolation is nearly as good with a good fit.

FR and isolation measurements: https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/InEarStageDriverSD2.pdf

Thanks. I sure like those measurements. I'll probably take the plunge if it's still a reference at this pricepoint.

 

[sainteb]

Thanks. I sure like those measurements. I'll probably take the plunge if it's still a reference at this pricepoint.

No worries. Do have in mind that there are 2 different sizes too - the standard SD2 and the slightly smaller SD2S - so it's better if you can try them on first or get them through a place with a good returns policy like Thomann. I used the smaller ones and they fit just fine.

 

[mobbaddict]

No worries. Do have in mind that there are 2 different sizes too - the standard SD2 and the slightly smaller SD2S - so it's better if you can try them on first or get them through a place with a good returns policy like Thomann. I used the smaller ones and they fit just fine.

I will order from Thomann yes, thanks for the tip (if I may say).

 

[orys]

Any good cable recommendation for the SD2?

 

[DJtheAudiophile]

What are the differences sonically between the SD-2 and SD-2S