[hagatha]

Greetings,

In several post I've read references to re-cabling a quality set of cans as kind of an upgrade?

Is this a DIY thing or is there an aftermarket selection?

hagatha

 

[jcw122]

It can be easily done DIY. There are also people that will do it (but pricing is typically extremely high).

 

[dorkvader]

Some headphones (AKG K-702; Sennheiser HD580,600,650,800; etc.) have detachable cables. As such, it's relatively simple to find an upgrade or replacement. Headroom have some, I'm sure. Other headphones have a more difficult process, you'd have to take them apart, and solder a new cord to the drivers. I'm pretty sure most of the headphile modifications involve this.

It's really not too difficult (I'd say) to do it yourself, though. There will likely be a disassembly guide and maybe a recable guide for your headphone, if it's popular.

So in reality, my answer is a "both" or a "depends" depending on how your read the situation. Whether or not such a change is an upgrade or not is up to you. People have argued either way, and I've not tried it myself, so more I cannot say.

 

[momomo6789]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcw122 /img/forum/go_quote.gif It can be easily done DIY. There are also people that will do it (but pricing is typically extremely high).

what he said ^_^ you could also post in f/s for it to be done

 

[gav007]

I think it really depends on the cable and your ears, some people can hear differences with recabled headphones and some don't hear any. What headphones do you plan on recabling?

 

[hagatha]

I still have my SA5000's doing a burn-in... Just wondering...

thanks
hagatha

 

[KingStyles]

I think you should spend the money on your source, transport, and amp first. When your satisfied with those then move on to tweaks such as recabling your cans. Having a better transport, source, and amp will get you a better quality of sound for your money than a recable. If you know how to solder it isnt to bad unless you damage the speaker when soldering on the connection.

 

[BIG POPPA]

Go to a meet and check out a some recabled cans. I know at the Seattle area meets they are always some to audition. Never know for sure if it is an upgrade until you listen to it.

 

[KingStyles]

Quote:

Go to a meet and check out a some recabled cans. I know at the Seattle area meets they are always some to audition. Never know for sure if it is an upgrade until you listen to it.

Wise words. I think it is a upgrade in a lot of instances, but to the level of interconnects, power cords, isolation feet etc. There is a lot of things I would consider more important, not that those things dont make a difference. If you go balanced than naturally a recable is in order.

 

[BIG POPPA]

Don't get me started on cables. Done too much R and D on my rigs. IC's, Power Cables, Headphone Cables. The only thing I haven't made are Digital Cables. Don't need them yet.

 

[KingStyles]

Quote:

Don't get me started on cables

or fuses

 

[BIG POPPA]

LOL. Almost forgot.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I've tried a few and found no difference. I'd only "upgrade" a broken or damaged cable in need of replacement.

Otherwise, your money is better put towards better recordings, an amp or another pair of headphones.

 

[hagatha]

Great feed back everyone... I know that cableing is an option... I agree the source and amp are probably the priority right now...

I've got what I consider a good set of speaker, Logitech Z5500 5.1, and a set of 4 JBL bookshelf speakers... the room is small about 12x12... and the nice thing is I have large rugs hanging on opposite walls of the room. They do wonders for the soundstage in the room.

Now with the computer I have now, (see signature) a good Denon USB turntable, Would I benefit more from a headphone amp or a Receiver, and run my speakers and headphone from it. using the turntable and sound card as a source???

Thanks again for all the great feedback!
hagatha

 

[pyramid6]

I would think you'd only need a receiver if you have need of multiple inputs and/or multiple outputs. Maybe if you need some decoding for surround sound.

If you get a headphone amp with a pre-amp, you can then get a power amp later, and have a really great sounding system. At least in theory that is how it should work.

Edit: a receiver would probably have a DAC, and that might be better than the one in your computer.