Hifi Sundar broke, considering options

[Saxi]

I have a pair of Hifi Sundara I use for my PC w/ a mod mic for gaming and music/video.
Today, the left speaker stopped working. I tired switching left and right and other troubleshooting and I am 100% sure it is no longer working.
I took apart the left speaker, and it doesn't look like the obvious problem of a cable coming loose. Everything seems to be firmly in place, both cables work in the right speaker.

It doesn't look like it is something I can fix, I have had to fix some Beyer speakers in the past, so I am not against taking them apart to fix them, but this looks beyond just soldering in a cable.

So it looks like I am going to have to find a new set of headphones. I play games and listen to music quite a bit.
I use my motherboard amp, which can be found here:

The ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of 112db DNR /-94dB THD+N for superior front-panel output.

I'm not opposed to getting a dac/amp, I just never could get a answer if it would affect FPS gaming.

I did just buy sheepskin replacement muffs for this set, so it sucks having to replace them, so I was considering the same thing, I believe they were refreshed in 2023, I am not sure if Amazon is selling the newer ones and if there is much difference.

I don't really have a budget limitation, but unless it will blow my mind, I'd like to keep it $500 or less.
If there is a way to fix these, that would be best or just buy the left speaker cheap.

I'd love to get a step up, but only if it is significant.

EDIT: Further experimentation, it seems the problem is the connector. If I try to push the cable tip to the opposite end of the exposed connector where the wires are exposed, I get audio. So it seems the female socket is defective.

 

[dunring]

That happened with an HE4xx so I took the cup apart and it was the ground screw that vibrated loose. Just tightening it up with some thread locker did the trick. If the design is the same it's worth popping the pads off to check for it. Hifiman has them refurbished at a good discount on their web site. Also even out of warranty they'll usually offer a 20 percent off discount if you contact support about it.

 

[Saxi]

That happened with an HE4xx so I took the cup apart and it was the ground screw that vibrated loose. Just tightening it up with some thread locker did the trick. If the design is the same it's worth popping the pads off to check for it. Hifiman has them refurbished at a good discount on their web site. Also even out of warranty they'll usually offer a 20 percent off discount if you contact support about it.

This is the $0.50 2.5mm socket that is defective.

 

[WILLJS]

This is the $0.50 2.5mm socket that is defective.

yes they’re infamous for it, mine used to cut in and out with the stock cable so i tinned the ground on the jack and it stays tight now

 

[plmon]

I have a pair of Hifi Sundara I use for my PC w/ a mod mic for gaming and music/video.
Today, the left speaker stopped working. I tired switching left and right and other troubleshooting and I am 100% sure it is no longer working.
I took apart the left speaker, and it doesn't look like the obvious problem of a cable coming loose. Everything seems to be firmly in place, both cables work in the right speaker.

It doesn't look like it is something I can fix, I have had to fix some Beyer speakers in the past, so I am not against taking them apart to fix them, but this looks beyond just soldering in a cable.

So it looks like I am going to have to find a new set of headphones. I play games and listen to music quite a bit.
I use my motherboard amp, which can be found here:

The ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of 112db DNR /-94dB THD+N for superior front-panel output.

I'm not opposed to getting a dac/amp, I just never could get a answer if it would affect FPS gaming.

I did just buy sheepskin replacement muffs for this set, so it sucks having to replace them, so I was considering the same thing, I believe they were refreshed in 2023, I am not sure if Amazon is selling the newer ones and if there is much difference.

I don't really have a budget limitation, but unless it will blow my mind, I'd like to keep it $500 or less.
If there is a way to fix these, that would be best or just buy the left speaker cheap.

I'd love to get a step up, but only if it is significant.

EDIT: Further experimentation, it seems the problem is the connector. If I try to push the cable tip to the opposite end of the exposed connector where the wires are exposed, I get audio. So it seems the female socket is defective.

If you're still looking to replace it, my recommendation would be the Aune AR5000 as a sidegrade. Better built and more comfortable imo, trades off a little technical performance for a warmer tonality and a stronger center image. Easy to power as well.

 

[Saxi]

If you're still looking to replace it, my recommendation would be the Aune AR5000 as a sidegrade. Better built and more comfortable imo, trades off a little technical performance for a warmer tonality and a stronger center image. Easy to power as well.

I ended up getting a pair of Ayra Organics, which came in yesterday and I am happy with them. I would still like to fix the Sundara as I don't want to throw them out over a 50 cent connector. Going to try a generic 2.5mm socket and see if I can get it to fit.