[Razor512]

I have an old Sony MDR-XD400 (decent pair of headphones, especially after taking them apart and making a small hole in the paper thing over the magnet.
 
Anyway, after a few years of use, the audio cable is starting to mess up (basically a bad section of cable about 2 feet long (intentional design flaw; when testing with a multimeter the wire is actually shorting out since sony decided that it would be a good idea to put all 3 wires into 1 insulator and using some kind of paint to keep the wires from shorting (until the paint rubs off)
 
Anyway, I would like to replace the cable but cant find a decent audio cable that will be more durable than the stock cable, and has all 3 wires in their own individual insulator
 
(old photo sry)
 

 
 
I also recently ordered a sennheiser hd555 (in which I will take apart and remove the 2 foam pads), Are there any other recommended mods?

 

[faileas]

The best bet for that is to use a 4 wire mini microphone cable - if you don't want something exotic, canare starquad is a good bet - you can either use a single cable for both grounds, or seperate the grounds.

 

[Razor512]

I have done a lot of searching around and the canare starquad seems good but I cant seem to find a store that sells it that accepts paypal or is confirmed trustworthy, does anyone have any recommends on where to buy the audio cable?
 
I would also like some 1/8 inch male stereo connectors
I have found a pack of 6 on amazon.com but am not sure of the quality http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MNWFY2/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=A2ZOB6MAVGYP99
 
 
 
http://www.markertek.com/Cables/Bulk-Wire-Cable/Bulk-Audio-Cable/Canare-Corporation-Of-America/L-4E6S-BK.xhtml
 
hopefully it also fits

 
the opening has space for a slightly thicker cable  (could make the hole larger but then it would mean losing the strain relief.

 

[blouis79]

Have two pairs of these for occasional use. ear pads covers now disintegrating and will get replacements.
 
If I needed to replace the cable, I would use the existing extension cable or source a spare extension cable.
 
Looking at a parts source http://www.encompassparts.com/model/SONMDRXD400/_/_/Sony/MDRXD400/
Original cable priced at $60 vs extension cable for $20. I think the fabric coated cable is worth it for low handling noise. Can't recall seeing fabric coated cables from other manufacturers.
 
For DIY connectors, consider Neutrik http://www.neutrik.com/en/audio/plugs-and-jacks/35-mm-right-angle-stereo-plug/