SA5000 Owners: Bad build quality on plug???

[Zuerst]

Recieved a brand new SA5000 and right out of the box I noticed the gold tip/plug have signs of wear including dents and surface that is not shiny smooth. When I un-screw the silver part on the plug it seems the red plastic wire was melted a little due to solder? The two solder join also have some grey area on top (shouldn't a good solder job be shiny and luster?). And somehow there is glue used along with a zip-tie? Did I recieve a used/customer returned phone that the store send to me and claim as new or is this the usual case for SA5000?

Also are the earcups off-colored compared to the metal headband? IE does the earcups' silver paint job seems darker/yellower than the metal headband?

See pic below for what I'm talking about...

 

[Canman]

My plug looked brand new, at least when I lent it out about a month ago.

 

[xluben]

Isn't the glue just an insulator to prevent a short?

I don't know what to say about a zip-tie, though.

 

[EdipisReks]

the zip tie is definitely weird.

 

[fureshi]

i wasn't able to unscrew the plug on my sa5000 so i can't verify the solder joints or the zip tie. a dull looking solder joint doesn't necessarily mean a bad solder and as long as it has a good bond, i think you're alright. as for the zip tie, it's probably there for strain relief. it's easy and fast for manufacturing purposes and it's a simple effective method. the cover for my plug has been screwed on very tightly so if i can get it apart, i'll let you know if mine is similar to your's.

 

[Edwood]

Yikes, nice solder blobs.

QA at Sony need to take a lesson in soldering 101 again....

As for the zip ties, believe it or not, even the legendary R10's have zip ties used in the cables.

But, I'm sure they are exotic headphones made by sherpas in the Himalayas...........

-Ed

 

[EdipisReks]

strangely, my CD3k's do NOT have the zip tie...

 

[jjcha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood As for the zip ties, believe it or not, even the legendary R10's have zip ties used in the cables.

Anyone look into a zip tie upgrade? Maybe a military or police-grade (the ones they use instead of handcuffs sometimes.)

Might result in a tighter sound.

(Sorry couldn't resist...)

Best regards,

-Jason

 

[Edwood]

That is because the zip tie is there to prevent the cloth like tech flex from fraying. The "tech flex" of the R10's is made from silk.

Not sure what the SA5000's is made from, but it is very similar to the Qualia's. It's rather stiff compared to the silk on the R10's.

Anyone open up their Qualia 010's plug to have a looksy? It should be quite easy, since it's just a Neutrilk 1/4" plug.

-Ed

 

[EdipisReks]

i haven't noticed any problems with fraying, but i think i'll put a zip tie on my cd3k's when i find my bag [of zip ties].

[edit: CD3k's now zipped. yay?]

 

[Zuerst]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fureshi i wasn't able to unscrew the plug on my sa5000 so i can't verify the solder joints or the zip tie. a dull looking solder joint doesn't necessarily mean a bad solder and as long as it has a good bond, i think you're alright. as for the zip tie, it's probably there for strain relief. it's easy and fast for manufacturing purposes and it's a simple effective method. the cover for my plug has been screwed on very tightly so if i can get it apart, i'll let you know if mine is similar to your's.

I didn't know it can be unscrewed to begin with. I found out when I was treating the tip with Caig ProGold, and while wiping off the excess treament solution with a glass cleaning cloth in a circular motion I unscrewed it and in curiosity I unscrewed it all the way.

 

[Wmcmanus]

My plug is screwed on as tight as a drum. It won't budge! If ever it does, I'll let you know.

I've also looked for discoloration where you've described, and I don't see anything unusual. Mine are brand new for sure.

 

[akwok]

Me too. I tried unscrewing the plug but it won't budge; I don't want to exert any more pressure than I am exerting right now (which is a lot), for fears of breaking a $400 headphone.

 

[Sovkiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks strangely, my CD3k's do NOT have the zip tie...

Really, just open the left cup and look inside....they use one black tie to hold the twist on the cable...LOL...nothing wron on that that is what the ties are for...to hold cables....