[schalliol]

Yikes, so the links in this thread are the AFFORDABLE ones, huh?

How on earth can a cable cost almost as much as the headphones themselves?

I was expecting then to be in the $25-$35 range. After all, a cable's a cable...

I agree with you on the concept.  It largely comes down to manual labor for these non-mass market cables and some parts.  You can make your own for less if you're willing to take the time.  The $70 cable is pretty expensive, but not outlandish given all that's involved.  I totally agree anything above that is just silly.

 

[mattlach]

Hmm.   I may just make my own then.   I have no problems crimping cables or using a soldering iron.
 
Question is where one might find the sennheiser headphone connectors.   I don't want to have to sacrifice the stock cable.

 

[schalliol]

They're available.  A quick Google.

 

[hrbngr]

mattlach,
 
per my thread, here is the replacement sennheiser cable:  https://www.headphone.com/products/sennheiser-hd650-replacement-stock-cable
 
or were u looking for something else?
 
 
 
Quote:

  As a Massdrop HD650 participant I will also look into getting a balanced cable, but I will definitely make my first cable since the alternatives listed in this thread are just too expensive.
 
the Amazon cable is ok, but it is still $77.  I really need to look into buying a replacement cable and reterminating to XLR.
 
Here is what I have found so far:
 
thread:  (could use some pics and more detail on a before/after solder session)  http://www.head-fi.org/t/345865/tutorial-diy-balanced-cable-for-hd-650
 
cable:  https://www.headphone.com/products/sennheiser-hd650-replacement-stock-cable
 
connector (one of many neutrik makes--hope this one is correct)  http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-series/nc3mxx-b
 
 
I have not found any more DIY threads yet, but here are a few more about how to wire:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/203370/quick-question-about-reterminating-hd650-cable-for-balanced-use
 
the reference page for wiring mentioned in the above thread no longer works, but it was still on wayback: (not sure which cable selection would most approximate the headphone to XLR pins)
 
https://web.archive.org/web/20070325020911/http://www.vandenhul.com/artpap/wiring.htm#Headphones

 

[hyman]

I also joined the HD6xx drop and bought a Jotunheim.  Apparently the cheapest cable I can find seems to be from venus_audio on ebay for ~$65. 

 

[mattlach]

I also joined the HD6xx drop and bought a Jotunheim.  Apparently the cheapest cable I can find seems to be from venus_audio on ebay for ~$65. 

Yeah, it seems like unless you are willing to make your own, you are going to get fleeced, and even then the official Sennheiser cable you need to cut up to make your own costs ~$20, for what probably costs a dollar or less to make.

Cables are always a sham.

 

[hrbngr]

It would be nice if Senn actually made a balanced cable for the HD650s, but it's not utterly clear that the SQ when running the balanced cable is significantly superior, or even worth $65.  If you consider the savings of the drop as well as the affordability of the Jotunheim, we are now able to get into such a high level of audio performance for a fraction of the price we would have paid several years ago.  At that point, the cable costs aren't too much in the grand scheme of things. What do u think?

 

[hrbngr]

Yeah, it seems like unless you are willing to make your own, you are going to get fleeced, and even then the official Sennheiser cable you need to cut up to make your own costs ~$20, for what probably costs a dollar or less to make.

Cables are always a sham.

 
Also, I did see your posts on the Jot thread, hope ur unit shows up soon! I was initially going to wait or buy a Vali 2, but when i saw that they were selling the Black Jot, i couldn't wait. I did order the headphone cable (6' SENNHEISER HEADPHONE CABLE HD600 HD650 MOGAMI CARDAS NEUTRIK BALANCED) off of ebay for $65 (after currency exchange).  I will let you know how it works out if you are interested.
 
For now I will use my AQ Dragonfly Black 1.5 as the DAC while I save up for a Mimby (part of me is hoping that they sell a Balanced Mimby so that I can go from my optical out into the DAC and keep it balanced the rest of the way. 

 

[kdub]

  I also joined the HD6xx drop and bought a Jotunheim.  Apparently the cheapest cable I can find seems to be from venus_audio on ebay for ~$65. 

hi i'm also looking for a balanced cable to pair my massdrop HD6xx.  I have the Fii0 X7 + AM3 amp module so would like to try these balanced.  How are the Jotunheim?

 

[MikeW]

Well, a Neutrik connector, and the Sennheiser connectors, and 6 FT of mogami + shipping... your probably looking at a minimum of 30-35$ to build it yourself. or even reterminating a stock 650 cable will cost you 23 + 10 + shipping. So in that regard, 65$ is not that much of a premium for someone elses skilled labor.
 
Anyways, this cable looks pretty good to me, and is very reasonable.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112280167578?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[RazrLeaf]

I've also spend a while looking, and the cheapest option I've found for a balanced HD 650 cable is reterminating a replacement stock cable.
 
$3.60 w/ FS Neutrik 4-pin XLR: http://audio-video-supply.markertek.com/search#w=NC4MXX%20Male
$23.56 + S&H Cable: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601967-REG/Sennheiser_092885_092885_Headphone_Cable_for.html
 
For me, since I can visit B&H in person, the final cost is $29.30, and some time.
 
I also considered going fully custom, but the cheapest headphone connectors were $10.45 + $7.75 S&H (http://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/cardas-hpsc-sennheiser-connector-p-4346).
 
Another source of connectors (https://www.moon-audio.com/sennheiser-diy-headphone-connectors-for-hd-series.html) has free shipping for a $25 purchase, but at that point, I'd rather just get a second stock cable.
 
Edit: Just discovered a supplier of HD 650 plugs for $9. Long lead time though.

 

[93EXCivic]

Venture Electronics (makers of the Monk + earbuds) have HD6x0 series balanced cables for $20. https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=8

 

[MikeW]

In my case, I re-terminated the stock cable that the headphones came with, so my total cost was a neutrik connector, (9$ shipped from amazon) it was pretty easy overall. A blow torch took the coating right off the wire almost instantly.

 

[ToTo Man]

Venture Electronics (makers of the Monk + earbuds) have HD6x0 series balanced cables for $20. https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=8

How do you order one of these? I tried to navigate my way through their website but it is virtually impossible!

 

[EthanSpitz]

I'm getting a pair of these with 2.5mm TRRS balanced

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232386302035