Lou Erickson
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2003
- Posts
- 465
- Likes
- 296
I've recently gotten my first amp that has a 4-pin XLR balanced drive output, and I'm interested in taking the plunge on that.
I have several headphones with removable cables, and I've already ordered balanced XLR cables for those. That's easy, and I've done it and am now (im)patiently waiting for the USPS to get me some shiny cables.
I have some other headphones that do not have removable cables. I understand that recabling them to balanced drive is usually straightforward; you need to run four wires instead of three, and use a separate + and - for each channel instead of the shared ground. Well within my capability, especially with YouTube videos that show how to take the darn things apart without breaking them.
One thing I know I'm going to want is a 4-pin XLR female socket to 1/4" TRS adapater to let me run these headphones on normal single-ended sources. Everything I've seen says this is easy and safe, and lets you use the headphones on any normal gear you happen to have.
Does anyone know of a good pre-made adapter like this? My time is short, and if I can buy one made, I am happy to. My Internet searches for this cable have produced nothing useful, so I thought I'd just ask if anyone knows of one that's ready to go.
Is there a list of common recabling supplies? Last time I recabled a headphone the cable sleeve I used was awful and hard and noisy; what's the best place to get something soft and flexible? Are there favorite suppliers or brands for connectors and plugs, or do I just pick blindly from Mouser? I'll be needing 4-pin XLR male connectors that don't suck, cable sheathing, wire, etc. And maybe 4-pin XLR female and 1/4" TRS plugs... and heat shrink. I have solder and a soldering iron.
Any particularly good parts to seek out, or any particularly bad ones to avoid?
Am I forgetting anything?
Yes: If I can find it, I'd like more 6-pin male Stax compatible connectors to recable the headphone I did last time again, as the cable is stiff and awkward now. A very kind Head-Fi member sent me some last time, and I'm hoping there's a more regular supply. Anyone know of any?
Thanks for any guidance that'll get me going the right direction. I've got a pair of K701's and DT990's waiting for the change, and maybe some others if I feel up to it.
I have several headphones with removable cables, and I've already ordered balanced XLR cables for those. That's easy, and I've done it and am now (im)patiently waiting for the USPS to get me some shiny cables.
I have some other headphones that do not have removable cables. I understand that recabling them to balanced drive is usually straightforward; you need to run four wires instead of three, and use a separate + and - for each channel instead of the shared ground. Well within my capability, especially with YouTube videos that show how to take the darn things apart without breaking them.
One thing I know I'm going to want is a 4-pin XLR female socket to 1/4" TRS adapater to let me run these headphones on normal single-ended sources. Everything I've seen says this is easy and safe, and lets you use the headphones on any normal gear you happen to have.
Does anyone know of a good pre-made adapter like this? My time is short, and if I can buy one made, I am happy to. My Internet searches for this cable have produced nothing useful, so I thought I'd just ask if anyone knows of one that's ready to go.
Is there a list of common recabling supplies? Last time I recabled a headphone the cable sleeve I used was awful and hard and noisy; what's the best place to get something soft and flexible? Are there favorite suppliers or brands for connectors and plugs, or do I just pick blindly from Mouser? I'll be needing 4-pin XLR male connectors that don't suck, cable sheathing, wire, etc. And maybe 4-pin XLR female and 1/4" TRS plugs... and heat shrink. I have solder and a soldering iron.
Any particularly good parts to seek out, or any particularly bad ones to avoid?
Am I forgetting anything?
Yes: If I can find it, I'd like more 6-pin male Stax compatible connectors to recable the headphone I did last time again, as the cable is stiff and awkward now. A very kind Head-Fi member sent me some last time, and I'm hoping there's a more regular supply. Anyone know of any?
Thanks for any guidance that'll get me going the right direction. I've got a pair of K701's and DT990's waiting for the change, and maybe some others if I feel up to it.