Bluetooth with LDAC and MMCX connectors with controls on connecting cord

[Jaysound]

After a lot of research and testing, I settled on the Shure SE425. I'm using Comply P-series sleeves with it.

I wanted the sound quality, and also the on-cord controls. The SE425 can be used with both the Shure Bluetooth cable and the wired cable, both of which have the controls. They have MMCX connectors that allow for quick removal and attaching.

I'm playing Tidal HiFi (and Master) on a Samsung Galaxy S9 phone.

My challenge now is that the Bluetooth cable from Shure supports AptX-HD but not LDAC, while the Samsung phones provide LDAC but not AptX-HD. That leaves me using AptX and it's just not up to par.

Does anyone know of a good quality Bluetooth cable that has the on-cord controls, supports LDAC, and has the MMCX connections?

I assume most Sony offerings support LDAC since it's a Sony creation but I haven't found anything suitable for me as yet -- meaning it has the on-cord controls and either has the MMCX connections or its own IEMs are comparable to the Shure SE425 in terms of sound quality and price range.

 

[jant71]

You will only get LDAC in neckbands due to the battery life hit. They have bigger batteries that won't fit in BT cables with their smaller pods. Something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DG6HXH/ref=twister_B085DC8KDS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Or you can get a short cord and a BT amp like an ES100 or FiiO etc. Neckbands can get in the way of collars, jackets, scarves, and can be harder to stow away. A small box that you can clip where you want the controls to be can be better as well as making it easier to go from wireless to wired.

 

[Jaysound]

Looks like exactly what I was hoping to find! (Neckband is fine for me.) I'm no audiophile but I'm surprised a DAC works with Bluetooth. It says they currently don't support EQ with LDAC so maybe the DAC isn't involved either. I'd prefer to avoid anything that might alter the natural, even sound the SE425 are known for anyway.

(BTW, I have used a set of Bluetooth IEMs with a connecting cord and on-cord controls that supports LDAC for a few years now. I found this by searching on this forum about three years ago if not longer. It has amazing sound. And battery life is great. I just want to upgrade to better sound quality at this time.)

Any opinion on how much I'll notice the improvement with the SE425 using that neckband with LDAC when playing Tidal HiFi, compared to AptX?

And for kicks can I please also ask your thoughts about how that neckband with LDAC is likely to compare to a wired 3.5mm cable connection with the SE425?

Thanks so much!

 

[jant71]

Not sure exactly how that Fiio Neckband sounds but it could sound better than the phone HO. Not sure how an S9 sounds and depends on the DAC and the power of the neckband and how the Shure works with it. Haven't had the 425 in years. Before BT was a thing and long before LDAC or aptX codecs. Of course use the higher LDAC bitrate if you can in the developer options so it isn't connection priority 330 bit rate.

 

[Jaysound]

Great! Thank again!

 

[Jaysound]

Me thinks maybe the question I should be asking now (if I'm willing to go down the rabbit hole) is "What do you use or suggest in that $200 price range that is more modern to surpass the SE425"?

And what does "phone HO" mean, please? (Total novice here.)

Thanks.

 

[jant71]

Haedphone out or I could have just said wired. As far as newer options for $200 or even less you'd have to know what you want. If you like the armature sound from the Shure or if you might want dynamic driver or hybrid. Is that the signature you want? Even if you want to stay with the MMCX connector. Check the shops(Penon, linsoul, etc.) and look at models and then find reviews and more info on things that look good. The threads here are many times brand specific so you can get ideas in those for sure.

I would say to give the JVC FDX1 a look though $200 would only be on Head-fi from the For Sale forums.

 

[VICosPhi]

Me thinks maybe the question I should be asking now (if I'm willing to go down the rabbit hole) is "What do you use or suggest in that $200 price range that is more modern to surpass the SE425"?

And what does "phone HO" mean, please? (Total novice here.)

Thanks.

The only LDAC Bluetooth cable you will find is made by Plussound but it has a flaw where it produces audible hiss and also is expensive ($250+) and no EQ controls whatsoever.

I use Mee audio Bluetooth cable(BTX-2) which has MMCx connectors and also has a built-in equalizer, it does not support LDAC though but supports APTX. I also used LDAC on ES-100 but did not find a huge difference(LDAC was more natural sounding but minimal difference to my ears) as compared to APTX which could be due to ES100 LDAC implementation, limitation of LDAC on my Note10 plus or just my limited hearing.

 

[ozz007]

Fiio neck band it's awesome. I got the mmcx and 2pin both are awesome.
They drive my UE18+ and noble K10 with authority.