fooltoque
100+ Head-Fier
That sounds like a great hack to get things going without buying a full setup.I may add a little 'trick' here. Instead of using some a helping hand, it is easier to use blutack instead sometimes.
That sounds like a great hack to get things going without buying a full setup.I may add a little 'trick' here. Instead of using some a helping hand, it is easier to use blutack instead sometimes.
Actually another advice I can add, if you don't want to maintain your iron tip you should consider using silver containing solder such as the Oyaide SS-47.That sounds like a great hack to get things going without buying a full setup.
That is great - I think the issue is mostly semantic - perhaps what we can do is instead of stating that something is a fact - we could tell people this is an area of debate and suggest they conduct their own research - perhaps we could even make a reference post where relevant studies (with methodological constraints highlighted) can be linked - so both the for and against cases can be presented. Personally, I am a little uneasy when speaking of facts in a subjective context as then it's hard for the word to retain it's intended meaning. I think we can all agree it would be good to do away with the "trust me bro" arguements and everyone can be treated as a grown up to make their own decisions based on the reference studies/ some factual, some based on experience that have convinced either side so completely.This is a topic that has raged on for a very long time, and I respect what others have had to say on the subject either way. I also never "discourage" others from researching information on this topic to form their own beliefs, because there is good information on both sides of this camp (there are always two sides to a coin).
I am (and never have been) one who will argue one way or the other vehemently. I will present my knowledge on the subject, and let others decide whether this is a fact that many say it is, or not a fact that many others say it is not.
I understand - and there are always edge cases - consequently I think this is all relative - I know electricians that have been great and knowledgeable and others that know absolutely nothing technical - same can be said about colleagues I have known in electronic hardware production. Contrarily, I also have friends who are professors or have PHDs in electrical engineering & material sciences, as well as audio/mastering engineerers who whilst not discounting an electrician would not hold them out as having the same knowledge on these subjects as they are not specialists (like using a local garage mechanic on an F1 car - it's just not the same past a certain knowldge level). Likewise,they probably would not hold themselves out as being able to rewire a building.I know a lot of electricians/electronics personnel that don't have a college degree that might offer information to the contrary.
I am not sure I follow the logic here - has anyone posited that audio science is a complete field - if that was the case - there must be someone in this forum that has completed such a degree and could definitively answer questions such as the cable one you posed Sadly I am not sure that the role of experts has that effect with everyone or this debate would have been settled long ago - again the power of psycho acoustics and our own rejection of internal cognitive dissonance - should not be underestimated.having a college degree on this whole subject would mean that there is no real reason to ask questions about it anyhow.
I am not sure where this is coming from - I was not aware that I made any such demands - in fact did I not begin the comment by statingI am sure it wasn't your goal to sound accusatory or insulting, but I wasn't aware that I needed to offer my credentials on the subject in order to help others with the importance of the subject. If I read that wrong, then many apologies to you.
Just because someone offers contrary commentary to your own does not mean it is an attack in any sense - I believe you & I have gone through this before with some technical terms and uses that were being suggested to be used in an unorthodox manner - no need for everything to be taken personally - however neither is anyone above people being allowed to question what they say...I have respect for your standing in the earbud forum and have no desire to argue
Unfortunately his posts get deleted often as he can be slightly combative - I am sure he will join the chat at some point.I tried searching his posts, but can't find a good article on this. Can you suggest a thread?
I makes sense to me that cables would only make a noticeable difference for extreme cases (very low impedance headphones), but it's hard to convince myself with so many different opinions.
Very much so, thanksHope that helps
Downloaded (and very much appreciated)!
Agree - what a fantastic document!!
Downloaded. This is awesome, thanks so much for putting this together! I'm getting excited (a few weeks until everything comes in and I can get to work on it though).
I may add a little 'trick' here. Instead of using some helping hand, it is easier to use blutack instead sometimes.
I'm glad you guys find it useful and not too lacking in details or examples. I think it's a decent soldering primer for guys that need a little helping hand to get started. There's probably some nice YT videos on soldering in general which would enhance your knowledge and skill level as well. Before you know it with some soldering practice you'll find what works best for you. @saldsald, excellent suggestions.Actually another advice I can add, if you don't want to maintain your iron tip you should consider using silver containing solder such as the Oyaide SS-47.
Wait, you mean there are others?If you are talking about IEM/bud cables, especially those made in China or the wires manufactured in China,
I'm with you on this one. My easiest takeaway with all of these is that cables can change the sound, but it's not universal or be very noticeable; it's a case-by-case scenario, but is it worth the price? Seeing people who go nuts on cables spend upwards of 1k USD to tune their IEMs and believe that EQ degrades the SQ (debatable), I personally just focus on getting good gear in the first place to avoid all of these headaches.I makes sense to me that cables would only make a noticeable difference for extreme cases (very low impedance headphones), but it's hard to convince myself with so many different opinions.
I know people can be biased by their own beliefs, but it's very nice to see differing opinions to form your own. That's why I appreciate everyone's view point.Very much so, thanks
And to all, sorry for continuing the cable derail of the earbuds thread. I have been around long enough to see this debate come up here every couple months, and I'm sure the old timers are pretty tired of it
I may add a little 'trick' here. Instead of using some helping hand, it is easier to use blutack instead sometimes.
I learned this from SG audiohive YT channel pretty neat little trick lol.That sounds like a great hack to get things going without buying a full setup.
Thanks for links. I frequent ASR when I was in the market for dongles I think their pretty cool but can be a lil too combative sometimes lol.Unfortunately his posts get deleted often as he can be slightly combative - I am sure he will join the chat at some point.
I would suggest looking on AudioScienceReview (please ignore the nerd bickering) rather than Head-fi if you are looking for this type of information as there are many measurements on this topic by people with vastly more experience/knowledge than myself in this particular area - particular commentary by SIY & Solderdude are valuable to make sense of the measurements.
- cables can make measurable differences, same as retests can, but we need to view those differences with materiality/audibility in mind when a minimum cable standard has been set to compare. Though I do seem to recall someone measuring a premium low measuring cable against a ziptie on ASR and the difference at 20khz was <2db (subject to the cable length - I believe this was around 3-5m so far longer than most 1.2m headphone cable...)
Here are a couple of articles/ papers that I can think of off the top of my head but always happy to work with others to compile a list as per my previous post to guide anyone interested.
https://archimago.blogspot.com/2020/02/measurements-archimagos-colorful.html?m=1
I think this is a really good overarching article - Archimago usually also has links to other studies he has used when conducting his research and is a good jumping off point.
http://tmr-audio.de/pdf/kabl_cap.pdf
This is usually behind the AES paywall but it is probably important to have some commentary here as the effects accumulate to under 0.65db @20khz - if anyone can hear that difference - it is unheard of.
Hope that helps
Thats a good idea to preserve this so that people don't have to worry it disappearing, thank you for your efforts!I'm glad you guys find it useful and not too lacking in details or examples. I think it's a decent soldering primer for guys that need a little helping hand to get started. There's probably some nice YT videos on soldering in general which would enhance your knowledge and skill level as well. Before you know it with some soldering practice you'll find what works best for you. @saldsald, excellent suggestions.
I see from the response that many people like the soldering 101, so I added the post link to my signature for easy future reference. I guess I'll find a permanent home for that document so others can download it in the future.
If you have other earbuds, you can form an idea of what will fit you the best. A comfortable fit is the most important factor because it changes the sound a lot. In my opinion, the most versatile and easiest choice would be the MX500. A lot of the drivers synergize very well with it, and it's very customizable. The only problem is the fit for most people.@mt877 after years and years of building tube and solid state amp projects I am kicking myself for not considering a DIY bud project much earlier. Is there a sort of "shell + driver combination 101" guide for different sound types for those of us looking to get into this?
I think the aim (at least for me) is not to open a can of worms and buy a dozen shells and a dozen drivers!!
Either 32BG or 150BG both are very easy to tune and have pretty good technicalities. For the shells, there's an MMCX-ready MX500 shell available in AliX if you want metal shells. I like this open-back shell.Thx mate - I'm typically fairly easy when it comes to fit. Probably the sound profile is more the key. I tend to like neutral (studio style clean bass) with gentle treble that's not too sibilant or bright.
Any drivers come to mind that might be a good start?
In terms of shells, preference would be to use a set that can take detachable cables. Either 2 pin or MMCX is perfect. Assume there might be some options on AliExpress.
Either 32BG or 150BG both are very easy to tune and have pretty good technicalities. For the shells, there's an MMCX-ready MX500 shell available in AliX if you want metal shells. I like this open-back shell.
But unlike the MX500, it's pretty limited in customizability. For more information about drivers and shell types, refer to @Rary DIY WORKROOM
@Kyonnie already gave you the only bud build guide that I know of. I've looked at the guide, but never built any of them. I did read about 2/3 of the DIY Earbuds thread and there is plenty of information to be learned from that thread. It's just that you have to sort what is important need to know stuff from other discussion, but highly recommended to browse that thread.@mt877 after years and years of building tube and solid state amp projects I am kicking myself for not considering a DIY bud project much earlier. Is there a sort of "shell + driver combination 101" guide for different sound types for those of us looking to get into this?
I think the aim (at least for me) is not to open a can of worms and buy a dozen shells and a dozen drivers!!