iBasso balanced out questions.

[nik170]

Hi All,
 
In a whim I bought the PB1 and DB1 combo and now I'm trying to match them with a pair of balanced headphones. I currently have DT 880 pro 250ohms loaned to a friend so trying to budget something out for myself.
 
The problem is - I've not owned balanced headphones before and the little bit I've read has me scratching my head. The output on PB1 looks like this:
http://www.ibasso.com/upimg/201076215247.jpg
But the balanced headphones that get I've seen floating around are terminating in 2 3-pin XLRs - iBasso looks to be accepting a single 6-pin XLR.
 
Also, I've a question on balancing headphones itself. Do the drivers need to be reconfigured or it a simple matter of replacing the cable, e.g. in HD 650 - do I just need to invest in a new cable or does it require switching the internal mechanics also?
 
Lastly, a cable, e.g. - blue dragon terminating in 1/4" - can it be modified to terminate into a single X-pin XLR cable or internally a cable terminating in 1/4" / 1/8" is very different than a balanced cable terminating with XLR outs..
 
 
Appreciate the help..
 
Thanks,
Nik

 

[mrarroyo]

Going balanced can get expensive quickly due to re-cabling and to some the difference is not worth the money/effort and to others it is. Having said that you need to decide up front is you want your headphones to be terminated into a dual XLR or a single 4-Pin like the one used in the AKG K1000. Personally I prefer the 4-Pin due to weight and simplicity. I have included a picture below of what the 4-Pin termination looks like.
 
The cable is the key to going balanced, many headphones like the Senn HD580/600/650 can be converted easily by getting a balanced cable. It does not have to be an expensive cable since the original cable can be re-terminated to balance. If a manufacturer uses two cables all the way from the end that goes to the headphone to the 1/4" jack then they can be re-terminated to 4-Pin by swapping the plug.
 
iBasso sells a cable to convert the Hirose (name for the 6 pin plug in their amp) to 4-Pin (CB11) for $39 plus S&H. It is a nice compromise in cost versus materials (pic below). They also make a Hirose to dual XLR (CB10) for $42 plus S&H (pic below). For the HD600 they sell a Senn modified cable to straight Hirose (CB9) for $50 (pic bellow) which would be the cheapest way to convert the Senn cans to use the iBasso balanced amp.
 
Hope this information helps.
 

 

 

 

 

[nik170]

YES! it does.. many thanks.. I now have a AKG K701 + DT990 Pro with the PB1+DB1 setup..
 
I think I'm going to get another pair down the line and balance that out + get another desktop amp just for the K701s and the DT990s.. I realized I don't need the portability, I'm always listening to music in my office or home or my car.. On the move, walking - I'm just looking around..