ClieOS's Random DIY Build Thread - [Updated: Mar.17th, 25] - iBasso CB19 Type C-to-C cable Mod

[iFi audio]

Long story short - I was asked by someone on whether or not I can build a balanced cable for 1MORE H1707 awhile ago. Though I ended up didn't build the cable as that person went for an alternative option, I did look into the possibility and got myself a pair of extended 2.5mm TRS plugs that are meant for Sennheiser HD700, but said to fit H1707 as well. I was planning to build an balanced cable out of them, but I thought an MMCX adapter design might be a more challenging. In any case, I don't own a H1707 nor planning of getting one, so this is really more of a proof of concept if anything else.



What you need:
1) HD700 2.5mm TRS extended adapter, a pair.
2) MMCX socket, short screw-on type, 1 pair
3) 2 pair of short wires, an inch or so each. I use Estron cable here.
4) Glue. I use UV glue here.
5) Soldering supply


First, solder the wires to the MMCX socket. Note that you can only use the 'short' version of this kind of socket as the long version will be too long for the 2.5mm TRS adapter.



This is the tricky bit - You need to put the nuts into the 2.5mm TRS housing, then try to screw the MMCX socket in until they are tight. It is actually not quite as easy as it seems as the nuts is just a tab smaller than the inner diameter of the housing, so it will want to free spinning around with the MMCX socket instead of trying to screw itself tight. Just know that it can be do - once it is tight, you want to affix them in place so they'll never come loose again. use a tiny drop of UV glue on the inside. Becare not to use too much glue here.


This step is easy, just solder the wires to the 2.5TRS jack. It takes about 3 rotation to screw the TRS into the housing, so I twist the cable anti-clockwise first, then screw the TRS in which the wires to untwist themselves on the inside.


Done.


Here is how it looks with MMCX balanced cable.

Afterthought: This project looks simple enough, but the trick bit of securing the MMCX socket inside almost ruin one of the 2.5mm TRS jack. I were lucky that I have managed to salvage the parts and rebuild it again, otherwise the whole project will have to go into the bin. Given the difficulty, I am not sure I'll recommend others to try this - build a whole cable will be a lot easier.

Great work, useful! Thanks!

 

[ClieOS]

Even since I saw the poor effort (picture below) from Koss trying to make Prota Pro into a Bluetooth headphone, I have the idea of making a version of mine. Of course, it won't be much of a point if I can't out-do Koss on this.

Seriously, anyone who can get himself/herself some BT cable from Aliexpress or Taobao and know how to solder can turn their own PP into what Koss is trying to sell you. Z.E.R.O tinkering involved, so is Koss.

What you need:
1) Koss Prota Pro (*see note 1)
2) TRN BT20 (better yet, get the newer BT20s) TWS adapter with MMCX pins.
3) 3D printed adapter + screws (*see note 2)
4) MMCX sockets, short varient
5) Some wires
6) Glue and soldering supply.

Note 1: It is actually a KSC75 Pro (KSC75 with Porta Pro head band). I do own a PP but I like my KSC75 Pro better. You don't need the 3D printed adapter if you do go with the PP. You just need to mod the MMCX socket onto the existing PP driver.

Note 2: More info here, please paid attention to what you'll need in the instruction. Credit to Kaworu Chang for designing the 3D adapter. If you don't have a 3D printer, try to find someone local that offers 3D printing service. I was able to find a guy to print me a couple of pairs for just a few dollars. I used hex screws in this case if it is not obvious to you, but you can use any type you want as long as it is M2x3.

First, remove the original cable from KSC75 drivers

Affix the MMCX socket onto the 3D adapter, solder in the wires. You might want to put some glue over the MMCX socket to make sure it will never get loose in the future. I use UV glue here.

I put just a tiny amount of super glue into the 3 holes on the KSC75 where the 3D adapter and the screws will go in, this way it will be more secured as you don't want the adapter coming out when you are trying to remove the cable from the MMCX socket.

At this point the KSC75 has bbecame cable-removable. Just connect it with a short MMCX cable and a BT adapter and you will get yourself basically a KSC75 wireless setup. However, we are not done just yet.

If you use a simple headband, such as the one from Monoprice, you probably doesn't need to do any moding. But with Prota Pro headband, a small section of plastic will need to be removed, as indicated by the red marking.

The trick here is not only to attach the BT20 to the KSC75, but also attach the KSC75 onto the headband upside-down.

This is the final product: KSC75 Pro TWS.

Here is how it look when used. Take that, Koss!

Afterthought: Dare I said I have done a better job than Koss?

 

[HungryPanda]

Awesome build @ClieOS

 

[iFi audio]

Agreed, great clever little build!

 

[JaiSAn]

If only we all had friends with 3D printers.
Cost of printing the MMCX socket alone is well above the purchase price of $17 for a KSC75 from MassDrop which makes this mod a no_go. If the cable breaks simply buy another, or purchase a couple for spares as future replacements.
https://drop.com/?origin=/buy/massdrop-x-koss-ksc75x-on-ear-headphones

If cost is not an issue then this is a great mod.
Thank you for the informative read.

 

[iFi audio]

Cost of printing the MMCX socket alone is well above the purchase price of $17 for a KSC75 from MassDrop which makes this mod a no_go. If the cable breaks simply buy another, or purchase a couple for spares as future replacements.

In the future this tech should be more accessible and in general better. We imagine 3D printing houses as common and affordable as regular printing comapnies today are. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking of ours...

 

[ClieOS]

If only we all had friends with 3D printers.
Cost of printing the MMCX socket alone is well above the purchase price of $17 for a KSC75 from MassDrop which makes this mod a no_go. If the cable breaks simply buy another, or purchase a couple for spares as future replacements.
https://drop.com/?origin=/buy/massdrop-x-koss-ksc75x-on-ear-headphones

If cost is not an issue then this is a great mod.
Thank you for the informative read.

Well, the guy is not a friend per se. He just offer 3D printing service on a local online marketplace. I got 4 pairs from him for about $6. While the 3D adapter does help, you don't need it to do the mod. You can just glue the MMCX socket onto the stock bracket (*UV glue will probably be the best here). It won't look as nice but it should still work just as well.

 

[JaiSAn]

Greetings all, I'm back again......after been chastised by a moderator for swearing at two idiot Trolls who were taking the 'biscuit'.

At first I gave up the idea of doing this mod after seeing the purchase price of the MMCX Female sockets (had to buy in bulk) then found a seller for a pair at a insignificant price.
(B) should be the correct MMCX Female sockets and nuts..... https://tinyurl.com/yyvqkps2
It took 32 days to arrive from Hong Kong ... talk about slow boat from China, literally speaking.
After ordering the sockets, I then ordered MMCX copper cables which arrived in less than two Weeks from a location not to my knowledge... https://tinyurl.com/y3agew6k
So probably half way......the cable's ear hooks may need hair dryer straightening.
Off Topic: Purchased a USB-3 to 3.5mm (DAC) adapter after flimsy original broke. Am surprisingly please that it did actually made a difference to the output quality as I only purchased it for its build quality https://tinyurl.com/y44qpfn4

After checking the original bracket, it seem to have insufficient interior space to fit the MMCX sockets with the nuts......I'll sort that in time somehow, probable pay to print brackets, grudgingly (as it has a minimum costs).

@ClieOS One question, I measured the two 'spindles/protrusions' of the original brackets to be M2 x 5mm so am curious as to whether the M2 x 3mm bolts would be sufficiently long enough to secure the printed bracket to the driver housing efficiently ?

 

[ClieOS]

@ClieOS One question, I measured the two 'spindles/protrusions' of the original brackets to be M2 x 5mm so am curious as to whether the M2 x 3mm bolts would be sufficiently long enough to secure the printed bracket to the driver housing efficiently ?

I followed the brackets' designer advice and used the M2x3, it works just fine. It won't have much grip on its own though, as you are meant to put just a tiny bit on glue on the hole to affix the screw.

 

[JaiSAn]

I followed the brackets' designer advice and used the M2x3, it works just fine. It won't have much grip on its own though, as you are meant to put just a tiny bit on glue on the hole to affix the screw.

Then I too will follow suit....
Thank you for the most prompt reply.

 

[JaiSAn]

While searching for a local 3D print service, I came across this....3D printed headphone to house KOSS KSC75 drivers.
For those who doesn't like the ear-hooks or the openness of the Porta Pro, this may serve well especially if you own a 3D printer.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3502396

 

[iFi audio]

For those who doesn't like the ear-hooks or the openness of the Porta Pro, this may serve well especially if you own a 3D printer.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3502396

Ulala, looks hot! In a good way!

 

[JaiSAn]

Ulala, looks hot! In a good way!

......better be in a good way, otherwise I'll get the hose out.

 

[iFi audio]

......better be in a good way, otherwise I'll get the hose out.

But of course!

 

[JaiSAn]

Found a Site where where I believe regular people with 3D printers register and print items for other people.
It loads the files to be printed and finds a Local partner to print it at low cost.
Mainstream 3D printing services charge a minimum fee with high postage costs which make them not feasible.

6 connector brackets & 6 grills for $12 all inclusive seems more than reasonable.
https://www.treatstock.com