[AlexDingDong]

i couldn't find any threads on head-fi regarding this but...

my headphones have intermittent audio reception because of the plug(or at least the cord connecting to the plug). when i don't touch the cord, and plug in the grados to an audio source, only 1 side of the drivers play. i have to bend and/or push the cord in order to get sound on the other side. i don't want to send this thing to grado because it'll take too long and i believe my warranty is out(plus it hurts to have them gone for so long). i've read the meier audio site regarding this..but can someone please be kind enough to clarify what i should do? and whle at it...should i replace the cord with something better? much thanks.

alex

 

[Sovkiller]

If is just around the plug area, you can think in replacing the plug for another good one, Neutrik or something like that, if is in another place but the end, the cable should be replace, you have two choices or send it to them, or go DIY, there is a thread regarding a cable replacement in one AT headphone IIRC, and it was done very nice and decent with a Canare StarQuad....just do a search, I suggest you to send it to them if you are in the second case

 

[BoardC3]

same thing happened to me 3 months ago ive just been either bending it under my RA-1 and bringing it out the back or looping it around the belt clip on my iPod case.

 

[AlexDingDong]

is there any specifics to installing a new plug?

i've been bending the plug more and more, and unfortunately, it seems as though the situation gets even worse. i love it when i can tell my friends 'dood, check out these headphones!' but then once they hear the problem with only 1 side coming out, they won't be as enthusiastic as i once was when i first heard the Grados

most likely, sovkiller, i will be doing this DIY, i just want to know if i could get any improved cords and how specifically, could i replace the cord. i am a total newbie at this, but i have the guts to put my investment on the line and try this out.


alex

 

[BoardC3]

alright if you keep it in one position it will get worse, change which side you bend it to every day or so.

 

[AlexDingDong]

hmm...within hours of posting my problem....bending the cord any other way produces no sound. it only responds to one specific position. i think i will need to replace this cord =(

 

[KR...]

Quote:

Originally posted by AlexDingDong hmm...within hours of posting my problem....bending the cord any other way produces no sound. it only responds to one specific position. i think i will need to replace this cord =(

Shoot Grado labs an e-mail about your problem info@gradolabs.com

 

[AlexDingDong]

Already did =)

Just wanted to know what other options i have other than having to part with my beloved phones for an eternity or two.

 

[wallijonn]

on my Grado SR80, the White cord is Right +, the Red cord is Left +, and the Blue cords are negative, - .

on a 1/4" plug, the tip is left +, the middle is right +, and the base is negative.

you can always use a Radio Shack $3 1/4" gold plug. (although nobody takes their quality seriously).

 

[Duncan]

Is this with multiple sources?

Are you sure its not the spring clips broken, inside of the jack?

just a thought

 

[AlexDingDong]

Duncan:

At first, that's what I thought too. I tried this on my home receiver, mp3 player, laptop and walkman just to be sure. Sure enough, it is someting with the cord itself and not the source =(


Wallijohn:

Thanks for that info! now how would i install the plug? do i have to line the cords correctly inside the plug? Thanks so much in advanced!

 

[wallijonn]

Alex,

since you are working with 1/8" plugs (for PCDP), I really can't say as I have never replaced a 1/8" plug. I changed all my 1/8" plugs to 1/4".

i hope your soldering skills are up to snuff. I believe that the blue cable doesn't get split until it hits the "Y" connector. if you cut off the cable at the plug end you should end up with 3 wires, red, white and blue. You will need an ohm meter to verify the pins to the inner plug connectors (or a schematic. hopefully one will be included with the plug). you'll have to ask the guys who have worked with 1/8" plugs.

chances are that you can get a tech to replace it for under $20. a fellow headfi'er in your area may be able to do it gratis.

 

[AlexDingDong]

Thanks to all who's helped me...i got my Grados repaired DIY-style...Grado sent me an email saying it would cost 30 bucks! I got a new plug for only 2 dollars and everything took less than an hour(considering i've never done this before)

wallijohn: thanks a lot for the info! it saved me some time on trying to reinvent the wheel =)

 

[wallijonn]

Alex.

Congratulations!

did you use a 1/8" plug or a 1/4" plug?

i take it that you used a Radio Shack Gold plug. am i right?

so, how long did it take you? i bet you were nervous, right.

is the staging correct? (the left channel plays in the left channel, the right in the right).

that's what is great about the Grado - if it's not right, you just remove the band and put back in where they should be. nice and easy and simple.

 

[AlexDingDong]

I used a 1/8 plug since i use the Grados for portable listening. You are right that it's a radio shack plug(and i don't really know why people diss it, it's just metal..unless i'm wrong(but you can't compare it to Monster plugs)).

The wiring ended up to be 4(2 blue, 1 red/white) at the tip of the plug, perhaps mine are older/newer?

Everything turned out fine in a matter of 1 hour...i just took the existing, damaged plug as an example of how i should re-wire the new plug.

Grados are very well constructed (as i found out from taking it apart) but are relatively simple to modify.

I was afraid I would somehow damage the drivers but I recall that they have a high impendance, as compared to the electrical output of a regular portable audio jack.

Other than that, the experience was enlightening...now if only there were some Cordas for these babies, that would be awesome.

Alex