HD25-1 cable upgrade

[exmodel]

Okay, I've done a number of searches on this topic but am still slightly confused. I still have yet to purchase the hd25s but have decided that when I do, I'm going to want that cable upgrade as it apparentely improves the sound greatly.

That's why I'm asking, exactly what cable am I looking for, and where can I find it? I'm hoping not to pay any more than 30 dollars for a cable. I'm assuming I get it from Audiophile but I have no idea what to actually purchase.

I'd appreciate any feedback about this topic, or just the headphones in general.

 

[EdipisReks]

you can use the regular HD580/6X0 cables, but you will have to flip one of the cups and you will lose the one sided cable entry.

 

[exmodel]

Um, well, I'm still not sure what this means. Where would I obtain one of those cables? I don't mind losing the one sided cable scheme.

Also, is this cable change really worth the hassle, is the stock cable that bad?

I'm thinking I should just get a pair of hd580 since I can get them cheaper and they have a better cable... Any advice?

 

[Daroid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by exmodel Okay, I've done a number of searches on this topic but am still slightly confused. I still have yet to purchase the hd25s but have decided that when I do, I'm going to want that cable upgrade as it apparentely improves the sound greatly. That's why I'm asking, exactly what cable am I looking for, and where can I find it? I'm hoping not to pay any more than 30 dollars for a cable. I'm assuming I get it from Audiophile but I have no idea what to actually purchase. I'd appreciate any feedback about this topic, or just the headphones in general.

You are in the US or what ?

If you're in the US the best/easiest solution is not really available, but read on since there's a group buy thread somewhere for this.
The best/easiest thing you can do is get the HD25-13 cable, sennheiser part no. 74532. It is a 10 ft. OFC cable with a 1/4" jack. Group buy thread at http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=107572


Headphile offers (or offered?) a custom cable for the HD25 too. ( http://www.headphile.com )

Last but hightly do-able option is the HD580/600/650 replacement cable. But as EdipisReks said, you'll need to rotate the cups.

EDIT:

Quote:

Also, is this cable change really worth the hassle, is the stock cable that bad? I'm thinking I should just get a pair of hd580 since I can get them cheaper and they have a better cable... Any advice?

For the about $20 a new cable costs it really for once IS worth throwing the steel braid cable away. It is "ok" as it is... it is just that the copper is really much better (much larger difference than stock HD650 cable vs. upgrade cable on a HD650).

Well about the HD580 vs. HD25-1. You shouldn't compare the two really. If you're looking for a small headphone that is light and easy to drive from portable devices and such and need the isolation, the HD25-1 is your ticket. HD580 is the exact opposite. Big, open, requires more amplification, no isolation, heavier.

You can buy Sennheiser replacement parts from http://www.sennheiserusa.com

 

[exmodel]

Well, yeah, the portability and isolation factors are nice, but i'm almost willing to sacrifice that for a better sound (and price). I can get the 580s for 150 while the cheapest i've seen the hd25-1s for were 180, with the junk stock cable. Is the sound that comes out of the 580s really that diminished without an amplifier? I really wish these choices weren't made so tough...

I'd like to get that hd25-13 cable, but i'm not pleased with the 1/4" plug on it, as that would hurt the portablity of them. ARG

Should I just say 'ef it' and buy the damn hd25s? This is sort of a large invesment for me, and one I would not like to regret.

 

[Daroid]

Sometimes I think the amplification requirements stated by people here is outrageous. I think HD650 sound much better than HD25-1 on an iRiver IMP-400 portable cd player with no amp, with the HD25-13 cable too. Sure the HD650 benefits from amplification but it isn't bad as it is. I can't guarantee that this wouldn't differ greatly from player to player though...

i think the HD580 is a great universal headphone, I don't know if there are any amplification requirement difference between them and hd650, according to other reviews they are very similar in everything actually.

Will you be using it outside with a portable or at home, are you even talking about using them with portable players ? Not sure..

... The earcups measures roughtly 13 cm X 9 cm. vs. ~6cm diameter for the HD25. if you will be sitting at home, HD580 it is!

 

[exmodel]

I'm using an iPod with the headphones and do go around with them, not too many noisy places though (I really don't mind some sound leakage, makes me feel a little safer). But the most important experience i'm looking to get out of the heaphones are when i'm sitting in a quiet room, intimately engaging in my music. So if I have to sacrifice portability and isolation for that, I'm greatly willing (I'd also be saving about $30).

Also, if anyone knows anything about the power requirements of an hd580 please inform me.

 

[exmodel]

Okay, now just needing the answer to this. The 590s use 300 ohms of impedence while the hd 25s only use 70. This seems like a hefty difference. So, without using an amp, would the sound loss be so significant using the 580s that I'd be better of with the hd 25s?

 

[spilner]

There is a huge difference with portables. My iriver 799, despite it's decent power output, is totally unable to drive my 590's to an acceptable volume level; moreover, the sound is light, weak and totally uninvolving.
The same player drives the HD25-1 to almost insane volumes, with great energy, stunning dynamics and gut-shaking bass. The combo sounds so good, that I actually find myself listening to it at home instead of my large rig.

EDIT: and that's with the stock 1,5 m cable and stock pads.
I also tried to run the HD650's out of the headphone socket of the iriver, but the result was rather depressing. Knowing how they both can sound with the right equipment, it was evident that this relationship had no future.

 

[Daroid]

Even though thr HD25-1 is a good headphone, it's really a mystery why it gets more use than the HD590/HD650 ?

. It doesn't have the treble extension to speak of, and is undetailed in the treble even with an OFC cable. Bass is very colored too - but not deafingly of course. Enough to mask tons of informations. Wouldn't you agree ?

Exmodel:

The difference in the listed impedance is not that important. It's the fact that it i very frequency dependant. As it seems now, portables handle this load difference bad or well.

EDIT: So now lets wait fro someone with an American version iPod with HD580/HD600 and no amp to magically see this thread...

 

[spilner]

I agree it's strange, but it's a fact. The HD25 is not as detailed as the 580/600/650 series and not nearly as comfortable. It can also get quite sibilant with some sources. But at the same time it sounds so powerful and enjoyable, that I just put it on all the time to give myself a kick of positive energy and that's exactly what they give me.

Listening to my home rig is like sitting comfortably in a Mercedes S-class; jumping to the HD25s is like switching to a Kawasaki Ninja. This, plus the portability, makes them my ultimate low-impedance cans.

 

[Wolfsbane68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spilner There is a huge difference with portables. My iriver 799, despite it's decent power output, is totally unable to drive my 590's to an acceptable volume level; moreover, the sound is light, weak and totally uninvolving. The same player drives the HD25-1 to almost insane volumes, with great energy, stunning dynamics and gut-shaking bass. The combo sounds so good, that I actually find myself listening to it at home instead of my large rig.

I love the iriver 799/HD25-1 combo too

Got the player last week and still experiment with the EQ. I wonder what's your favorites, spilner? And does your usb hatch open at the slightest provocation as well?

 

[spilner]

It doesn't actually do that yet, but I suppose it's only a matter of weeks (my girlfriend's got a new 795 and its hatch opens totally by itself).

My favourite EQ - I think it's 3D EQ set at +6/0/+3/+3/0, with 3D set to "natural". This sounds good with most of my music, and fully utilizes the HD25's potential in low bass and mids.

Glad you like the setup as much as I do. It actually has a very strong 'wow' factor, and whenever people ask me to let them listen, I know what will follow

 

[Wolfsbane68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spilner IMy favourite EQ - I think it's 3D EQ set at +6/0/+3/+3/0, with 3D set to "natural". This sounds good with most of my music, and fully utilizes the HD25's potential in low bass and mids. Glad you like the setup as much as I do. It actually has a very strong 'wow' factor, and whenever people ask me to let them listen, I know what will follow

Tried your EQ settings. Not half bad

And I liked the setup enough to make an "altoid tin" project of my own (a sturdy leather cellphone case with a cutout for the jog dial). With a puck-shaped hedphone plug, the fit is really snug and a handy belt clip is a plus as well.

 

[Kurt]

How about a ZU Mobius?

Sounds good, esp. driven balanced:

from: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=114993