I'm really interested in a closed phone in this price range and think the sound signature would appeal to me. The only thing putting me off is the non-standard connection of the cord to the phone. Just how bad is it? Assuming I just connect the cord and never disconnect, is it likely I will have a problem just from usage and handling, or can I expect reasonable durability if I don't cable swap and handle gently, only to be used at home.
I'm really interested in a closed phone in this price range and think the sound signature would appeal to me. The only thing putting me off is the non-standard connection of the cord to the phone. Just how bad is it? Assuming I just connect the cord and never disconnect, is it likely I will have a problem just from usage and handling, or can I expect reasonable durability if I don't cable swap and handle gently, only to be used at home.
I have these headphones and they sound amazing. They do however not get the exposure and praise they deserve, not sure why. They are on Tyll's Wall of Fame for a reason. I can recommend them hands down.
Two things:
1) having a detachable cable is already quite something in this price range.
2) The cable is very much standard, it's pretty much the gold standard for IEM connectors. MMCX it's called. So you could use Shure, JVC, UE900, and countless other brands cables. It's not commonly used for "normal" headphones but still a widely used cable connector for earphones.
If you handle it gently you won't even know that the cables are detachable. They only come off with quite some effort.
What I'm most concerned is that I've heard these types of connectors specifically (the part of the connector on the phone itself) are easily damaged, thus the recommendation that the cables not be frequently removed. But it sounds like with a little care, they should be OK. I doubt that I'll be swapping cables much, if at all.
What I'm most concerned is that I've heard these types of connectors specifically (the part of the connector on the phone itself) are easily damaged, thus the recommendation that the cables not be frequently removed. But it sounds like with a little care, they should be OK. I doubt that I'll be swapping cables much, if at all.
They can be damaged, no question. But with normal care they should last many many hundreds (if not more) of detach - re-attach cycles. But with brute force, they can be damaged. I only detached the cables once, and I have the phones for more than a year.
Whilst these are absolutely outstanding headphones for the price, the connectors are definitely an issue. I've had these for less than a year and I'm already on to my 3rd cable due to the connector on the left hand side coming loose which causes it to cut in and out intermittently.
Whilst these are absolutely outstanding headphones for the price, the connectors are definitely an issue. I've had these for less than a year and I'm already on to my 3rd cable due to the connector on the left hand side coming loose which causes it to cut in and out intermittently.
I used DeOXitLiquid for these issues. Maybe you can give it a try. It was supplied in the box of my UE900s and you can buy it on Amazon. Most of the times I found that the cable is just fine but that the very small contact area oxidizes - a drop of this liquid, wait a few minutes brush off residue put cables on and rotate a bit - done. Ultimate Ears recommends doing that every two or three months (which coincides with your replacement frequency funnily) or if you have dropouts in sound or weak bass response).
It's definitely cheaper than replacing the cables all the time.
Unfortunately this doesn't appear to be an oxidation issue. Over time the left side becomes quite noticeably looser to the point where gradually it starts cutting in and out with any sort of movement. My distributor sends me a new cable (no charge btw!) and the issue goes away and the connection is much tighter. Then gradually the same thing happens again. It is definitely design fault with these headphones and I'll probably return them if this cable fails in the same way. I would however be interested to know if anybody has had better luck with the HF cable or a 3rd party replacement cable?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
I can recommend them hands down.
