[Blackberry Jack]

I'm thinking of trying a new cable with my N40s. Given how much of a difference it made to my BGVP DM6 IEMs, it's worth giving it a go. Do you have details of the cable you bought? I could try my aftermarket cable that I bought for the DM6 as a start.

I use the ibasso CB13 cable, but I believe that any silverplated occ cable of around 50-100$ will do the job. Although cables really make a difference, I dont think its reasonable to spend more than 100$ on it for some middle-priced IEM.
And dont forget to check the Final Audio eartips, they are really nice - made the bass punchier and took the mids slightly more forward - which made the vocals and some instruments shine.

 

[Taz777]

I ended up trying the cable I bought for my BGVP DM6. It definitely sounded better than the stock N40 cable! Both the BGVP DM6 and AKG N40 use MMCX connectors.

 

[requiemmetal]

Can anyone let me know what this means in the description for these:

"...hybrid acoustic solution of dynamic + balanced armature drivers"

Does this relate to whether you're using standard or balanced cable/connection? Or does it not relate and I'm misunderstanding?

Thanks.

 

[Taz777]

Can anyone let me know what this means in the description for these:

"...hybrid acoustic solution of dynamic + balanced armature drivers"

Does this relate to whether you're using standard or balanced cable/connection? Or does it not relate and I'm misunderstanding?

Thanks.

It does not relate to the cable.

It relates to the things inside the earpieces that produce sound. The AKG N40 has a balanced armature and a dynamic driver in each earpiece. The former produces sound in a different way compared to a dynamic driver (which is typical of what a loudspeaker uses). Both have pros and cons.

 

[GreenBow]

Just contacted AKG (UK), and asked if there is a balanced cable solution for the N40. (They do sell spare single ended (in-line remote) cables for the N40, on their website.) However no luck. They tried using the balanced cable from the N5005, while I was on the phone, but no joy.

• It's easy enough to find balanced cables online. The tricky part is finding one that isn't bright or dark.
• Then also the original AKG cables hook over the top of the ear, which I find convenient. I cannot find any balanced cables in MMCX that are like that, online.

Anyway, I asked them if they could make some balanced cables for the N40, and sell them. They said OK about putting the idea forward.

 

[GreenBow]

If I bought a balanced cable for N40, then most likely it wouldn't have the over-ear cable-shaping. Are there any kind of cable shapers that you can buy for making cable run over ear. I googled but I get results that are not relevant.

I am probably going overboard with this, as I think folk run normal cables over ear. However I really appreciate the AKG N40 cabling.

 

[maniac2003]

Sennheiser, Phonak Audio (back in the day) and many Chinese options for cableguides are available. The ones for the Sennheiser IE 80 are bendable. Is that what your looking for?

Sample:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-SENN...725128?hash=item3d7fb75048:g:sJ0AAOSws~VcO1qq

 

[GreenBow]

Sennheiser, Phonak Audio (back in the day) and many Chinese options for cableguides are available. The ones for the Sennheiser IE 80 are bendable. Is that what your looking for?

Sample:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-SENN...725128?hash=item3d7fb75048:g:sJ0AAOSws~VcO1qq

Yeah, that's the kind of thing. Wasn't thinking metal, and they are for a particular gauge cable. Might work though.

It has made me google cable ear-loop though, and that is getting results.

 

[maniac2003]

Ear guide / Ear hook etc.
Indeed, you need one that fit's the cable. The Sennheiser ones only fit a thin cable.
Good luck!

 

[GreenBow]

If anyone in the UK is considering the AKG N40 purchase, right now is an excellent time. They are on sale at Richer Sounds, for £149.

I bought a second pair for back-up, in case mine break or I lose them. I always meant to buy a second pair anyway, because I like mine so much. I would not like to be without a pair of N40. Well, not until AKG come up with another model.

I also have use for two pairs anyway. One pair on my DAP. One pair on my DAC that stays at home.

 

[GreenBow]

For a budget balanced cable, this looks interesting. It even has the over ear moulding in the cable. FiiO LC-2.5B 2.5mm Balanced MMCX Earphone Replacement Cable

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FZWN...&ascsubtag=1498928cfc716f71cd1f8f2c6a24c2f8_S

EDIT:
Ah, they do a 4.4mm too.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FiiO-Balan...ble&qid=1558280614&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmr0

 

[maniac2003]

Beware that the FiiO LC-2.5B does not fit the N40 properly. The connector comes against the housing of the N40 putting strain on the connector. FiiO makes a cheaper A variant which does work because of the straight connector.
* I have both cables and the N40

 

[GreenBow]

Beware that the FiiO LC-2.5B does not fit the N40 properly. The connector comes against the housing of the N40 putting strain on the connector. FiiO makes a cheaper A variant which does work because of the straight connector.
* I have both cables and the N40

Oh, brilliant thanks. The more expensive 4.4mm is a C variant.

I searched for 'A' variant but can only get results for 'B' and 'C' variant.

Please do you have a link for your cable that works?

 

[maniac2003]

Oh, brilliant thanks. The more expensive 4.4mm is a C variant.

I searched for 'A' variant but can only get results for 'B' and 'C' variant.

Please do you have a link for your cable that works?

This one: https://www.fiio.com/productinfo/9533.html

EDIT: That's the cable I use with my Radsone ES100. Short cable!

 

[GreenBow]

OK. That one is SE, and I am looking for balanced.

No worries.