Initial impressions of HD650 with Zu Mobius

[sclamb]

Hi

Just wanted to share some initial impressions of fitting and listening to the Zu Mobius cables on my HD650s.

First, the fitting and a word of warning! These cables are a TIGHT fit, or at least mine were. I don't think it was the fault of the Zu cable connectors, as I had already noticed that the right connector on the stock cables came out pretty easily but the left one needed a very big pull, almost enough to make me think I was going to detach the bottom of the pivoting frame

With the Zu cables, the right connector snapped in pretty easily but the left one was very hard. At one point I heard a bit of a crunching sound and decided to stop pushing and see what was happening. I couldn't see anything amiss so I decided to go for it and give one last big push, and I mean big. With a very loud click the cable seated and it was secure. The unfortunate side effect of the pushing is that I now have a slight squeak in the pivoting joint of the left phone when I move it, which isn't a big deal one they are on. I will definitely not be removing these cables ever again! There seem to be some HD650s with tight connector holes and some not so tight. If you are faint hearted, please be warned, fitting the cables can be a nerve racking experience

Two quick notes about the cables before listening to any music. These cables produce some microphonics (if that is the correct expression). If the cable rubs against itself you hear it through the phones, a bit like wearing big Ety's in that respect, although the noise is much less and with music playing unnoticeable. What you will notice with music playing is the noise of hitting the cable, which is transmitted through the phones and into your ears. Easy to solve, don't tap the cables

Second quick note - these are heavy cables so be prepared for a bit more downward pressure on your head.

So, was it all worth it? WOW, WAS IT EVER

I have said on these forums before that I do not regard myself as an audiophile, but even to my relatively untrained ear the differences are significant, even from day one.

The music just opens up so much more with the Zu cables. Instruments seem more separated and there seems to be nuances to the music that I have never noticed before, such as the faint sound of a string being brushed before a note is played, or some resonance in a note as it decays that just seems more full and more rounded. There is almost a delicacy to the music that was missing before, and now I have heard it I know it is how the music is supposed to sound.

The bass is not noticeably less than with the stock cable, and I am happy with the sound now, so if it improves with more hours then so much the better.

Sorry I cannot be more informative from an audiophile perspective, but I just wanted to share some fitting and listening experiences.

Simon

 

[mikeg]

The only way that I could plug in the Mobius connectors into the 650 was by using small pliers. No harm done to the headphone, but I'll never remove the cable again. As for the sound, the Mobius makes the 650 sound like a much better headphone.

 

[sclamb]

Quick update, squeak in left pivot joint now gone. WD40 is great, isn't it

Just kidding, I think the crunch I heard was me compressing the pivot joint through pushing so hard. A bit of manipulation seems to have loosened it up again.

And yes, the Zu cable is not leaving my 650s either, even if I could remove it

Simon

 

[raif]

less bass? Could you explain?

 

[sclamb]

Some have mentioned that the bass with the Zu cable is reduced initially but does seem to come back after hours of burn-in.

I was commenting that I did not perceive any noticeable reduction in bass response from the outset. I only have about forty hours on the cable and I have not heard any major change in the sound.

Perhaps it might be better to leave them running for another fifty hours and then listen again. Gradual changes never have the same impact as a big change, and I am listening to the 650s all the time so I may not be noticing any changes in the sound as much as others that wait many hours between listening sessions.

Simon

 

[Edwood]

The problem with looser cable connectors is that they cause the internal springs to get spread apart, and then the connection goes intermittent. The tight Zu connectors are much better in this regard. You never want to continually remove the headphone cable, it will deform those connector spring s far more quickly.

I have never been a fan of Sennheiser's HD580/600/650 connectors. There really could be a better way.

-Ed