Long Headphone Cables?

[ABuilder]

I want a long pair of headphone cables that will reach from my desk to a chair I sit and read in across the room. It is probably around 14 feet between my desk and the listening position. Having a little trouble finding many options that make sense with the level of gear I have (I don't want to spend $800 for a cable when my headphones cost $1,200).

I have come across Heart Audio Cables custom option which would allow me to go up to 15 feet for about $120 which is fine budget wise. I also like the interchangeable interconnect options they have. However, 15 feet is probably just a bit short. I think they might be able to do longer lengths by request, but I thought I should check if there was anything else people would recommend that I'm not aware of. I'm new to cables and don't really know what is out there.

 

[Alcophone]

I'd use an extension cable instead of a custom headphone cable. Blue Jeans built me a 15 ft 4-pin XLR extension cable for $51.75 in 2019. Just contact them, but note that it'll be non-refundable.

 

[jclyle]

I had Audio Ninja build me a 18' extension cord a month ago. Pretty quick turnaround for a custom cable and was about $120. I highly recommend them and have bought other cables from them in the past. Email Jeremy and he'll give you a quote.

And get a cable a few feet longer than you think you'll need to account for the height from the amp to the floor, and the floor to your ears..

https://www.audiophileninja.com/

 

[breathwatcher]

Question for those using long (>10 foot) headphone cables or long extension cables:

Any noticeable impact on SQ vs shorter length cable?

For those with more technical knowledge:

Will longer cables or extensions negatively affect impedance (or other) relationships between amp and HP? Does this change if using balanced vs single ended cables, cable conductor diameter/material, connectors etc.?

If one were to diy a long cable or extension, any recommendations for how to do it “right”?

 

[MisterDoItNice]

Really glad I found this thread. Had no idea extensions were an option.

 

[Mofankri]

Question for those using long (>10 foot) headphone cables or long extension cables:

Any noticeable impact on SQ vs shorter length cable?

For those with more technical knowledge:

Will longer cables or extensions negatively affect impedance (or other) relationships between amp and HP? Does this change if using balanced vs single ended cables, cable conductor diameter/material, connectors etc.?

If one were to diy a long cable or extension, any recommendations for how to do it “right”?

Technically speaking, it might affect the signal transmitted by the means of attenuation. The recommendation is to use coaxial cable or a decent power amp. The coaxial cable is preferred since by the architecture, coaxial cable is more resistant to signal quality degradation in the longer cable. But how much the sound degrades, it is back to the user tho. If the user don't mind a bit of degradation it should be fine

 

[g4ndr1k]

Question for those using long (>10 foot) headphone cables or long extension cables:

Any noticeable impact on SQ vs shorter length cable?

Based on my experience and what I hear using my system, I don’t notice a significant impact on sound quality (1.5m vs 5m). I’m using balanced XLR, by the way, which is better for long distances than single-ended connections due to better resistance to interference and other noise.