[wje]

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Where should I buy some high quality XLRs from?

 
What size?  Number of Pins?  XLR plugs come in regular and mini.  Pins can be 3, 4, etc.  Specific color? Neutrik offers nickel / black and a all black option.  Lots of choices, but not all are available from all vendors.  That is, unless,  you look at someone big like Markertek.
 
Here's one such search from Markertek for Neutrik XLR connectors: http://audio-video-supply.markertek.com/search#w=neutrik%20xlr
 
Also, consider the shipping costs, too.  If you're just looking for a pair of XLRs and shipping could be about $10.  Ideally, combining several items in an order (with most companies) is when the savings can be realized.  In these situations, you might be better off using Ebay and find a vendor who has free shipping for the item.  The cost could be a little higher to purchase, but you wouldn't  have to pay a shipping amount equal to the price of 3 connectors either.

 

[wolfetan44]

I got 2 Neutrik 4 pins for $12 including shipping. Anyways, does anyone know what awg cable is in the HD650 and Fostex T50RP? Also, is MCPD-X sleeving or whatever its called good? Thanks.

 

[wje]

Quote:

I got 2 Neutrik 4 pins for $12 including shipping. Anyways, does anyone know what awg cable is in the HD650 and Fostex T50RP? Also, is MCPD-X sleeving or whatever its called good? Thanks.

 
In the cable for the Fostex T50RP, it's actually something closer to 30ga.  Each of the 3 individual wires in the cable are not within their own insulation.  The 3 wires are embedded within the black rubber jacket of the cable.  
 
I opened one up before and posted some pictures in the Fostex thread.  As to the wire inside the headphone, that runs from one cup to the other, seems like 28ga, or so.  However, if you're doing a re-cable job on the inside of the Fostex T50RP, be very, very careful. The solder pads of the drivers are aluminum, as is the solder.  If your iron is too hot, you'll dissipate the whole connection quickly and melt the soldering pad.  Plus, when comes to resoldering fresh wire to the drivers, you have to ensure you have a solder similar to the manufacturer.  For me, it was awfully hard to find a solder that had a very low melting point. But, I did find some, at a cost.
 
I think when doing a recable job on the Fostex (if redoing the inside wiring), the risk is much higher than the reward.

 

[wolfetan44]

I'm just recabling the plug with a 4 pin XLR, is that possible? And its 30 awg?

I got 2 Neutrik 4 pins for $12 including shipping. Anyways, does anyone know what awg cable is in the HD650 and Fostex T50RP? Also, is MCPD-X sleeving or whatever its called good? Thanks.

In the cable for the Fostex T50RP, it's actually something closer to 30ga.  Each of the 3 individual wires in the cable are not within their own insulation.  The 3 wires are embedded within the black rubber jacket of the cable.  

I opened one up before and posted some pictures in the Fostex thread.  As to the wire inside the headphone, that runs from one cup to the other, seems like 28ga, or so.  However, if you're doing a re-cable job on the inside of the Fostex T50RP, be very, very careful. The solder pads of the drivers are aluminum, as is the solder.  If your iron is too hot, you'll dissipate the whole connection quickly and melt the soldering pad.  Plus, when comes to resoldering fresh wire to the drivers, you have to ensure you have a solder similar to the manufacturer.  For me, it was awfully hard to find a solder that had a very low melting point. But, I did find some, at a cost.

I think when doing a recable job on the Fostex (if redoing the inside wiring), the risk is much higher than the reward.

 

[PXSS]

Quote:

I'm just recabling the plug with a 4 pin XLR, is that possible? And its 30 awg?

If you're just reterminating, you don't really need any information on the awg of the wires...

 

[wolfetan44]

To strip it??

I'm just recabling the plug with a 4 pin XLR, is that possible? And its 30 awg?

If you're just reterminating, you don't really need any information on the awg of the wires...

 

[wolfetan44]

http://en.mdpc-x.com/
Is this stuff high quality? Also, what is it made out of?

 

[TrollDragon]

Quote:

http://en.mdpc-x.com/
Is this stuff high quality? Also, what is it made out of?

That stuff would be great for Power Supplies and PC cables... RCA Interconnects would be good with it too, I would not use it on headphone cables as it looks to be some seriously stiff ***** nylon.

 

[wolfetan44]

Ohh, thanks. What about that soft filament from DHC? The black sleeving?

http://en.mdpc-x.com/

Is this stuff high quality? Also, what is it made out of?

That stuff would be great for Power Supplies and PC cables... RCA Interconnects would be good with it too, I would not use it on headphone cables as it looks to be some seriously stiff ***** nylon.

 

[PXSS]

Quote:

That stuff would be great for Power Supplies and PC cables... RCA Interconnects would be good with it too, I would not use it on headphone cables as it looks to be some seriously stiff ***** nylon.

Have you actually used it yourself? I have seen several headphone cables sleeved with it. That's why I'm looking for someone with first hand experience with it.

 

[crazyg0od33]

Mdpc is by far the most high quality sleeving I've ever seen. However it is very stiff so I would also suggest not using it for headphones

 

[Zashoomin]

Quote:

What awg cable is inside the HD650?

Not sure but get some 26 or 24 awg for that.  
 
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No idea about sleeving yet- how about this stuff for $1/ft :

[size=1.4em] Soft black multifilament sleeve for DIY[/size]

http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28
 
I've been looking for quality right-angle plugs for a BH Crack kit that's on the way (it comes with a top-mounted Neutrik 1/4" jack), but nothing in the 1/4" variety looks good to me. I found Switchcraft and Oyaide 1/8"/3.5 mm right-angle plugs, tho', and the Switchcraft unit looks really well made for not a lot of money:

Honestly the microfillament that DHC sells is the more expensive version of paracord.  I mean it is a bit nicer looking but if you want to save some money buy paracord it looks almost identical.  Also it is a bit smaller if you get type I instead of type III.  
 
I would go Neutrik.  Switchcraft stuff isn't even close in quality in my opinion.  In that price range honestly Neutrik trumps all in build quality and how solid the connector is.  (that is an opinion so don't bite my head off.)
 
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Partsconnexion has a large selection of XLRs. From Neutrik to the more expensive Xhadow and NeoTech.
AVOutlet can get you Viablue XLRs too if you contact them directly.
I like using VALabs from ebay due to their looks and reasonable price.

If you want Neutrik I would go with Redco...better prices.  But otherwise +1.  

 

[wolfetan44]

I don't have the money to do a full recable, I'm just going to contact sennheiser.

 

[PXSS]

Quote:

I don't have the money to do a full recable, I'm just going to contact sennheiser.

Just go bigger with the strippers 

 (Pun totally intended)
You could use calipers to measure the diameter of the wires and figure out which stripping hole to use (hahaha)
I usually just wing it and as long as you're careful, you shouldn't have any problem stripping without knowing the actual awg of the wires.
 
Cheers

 

[wolfetan44]

Gotcha. I'll probably start with 24 awg and move down from there. Do you guys recommend DHC wire?

I don't have the money to do a full recable, I'm just going to contact sennheiser.

Just go bigger with the strippers 

 (Pun totally intended)
You could use calipers to measure the diameter of the wires and figure out which stripping hole to use (hahaha)
I usually just wing it and as long as you're careful, you shouldn't have any problem stripping without knowing the actual awg of the wires.

Cheers