Most real industry standards I know are covered by multiple patents and subject to fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms (FRAND) licensing, until the patents expire. What is "reasonable" in FRAND has been highly disputed in patent courts.
"Bad" is not the relevant criterion. Large companies like Sony and Sennheiser have different criteria for what works for them than small independent companies like Schiit. I had a quick look and I could not find any conclusive info about the JEITA RC-8141C standard with respect to patents or licensing.
I hear you. Balanced connectors are the bomb. But why not look at what this connector can do first before we start trashing it. It could offer something that the large XLR connector doesn’t. I just thought it would be cool to first see what this new connector can bring to the table. Jude (our beloved leader and headphone God) likes it. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so dismissive and flippant on something just because it’s new and different.
REMINDER : This new connector was developed by Nippon Dics Co.
Naturally, Jason's not gonna give two Schiits about a connector that has no real benefit per se for desktop applications, as that is his bread and butter. For portable use though, it makes more sense than having the relative boat anchor that is a 4-pin XLR connector attached to a pair of IEMs. Sure, there's the mini XLR, but desktop stuff doesn't tend to have that connector. I can understand where ModiHiFi is coming from. If you don't, that's fine.
Naturally, Jason's not gonna give two Schiits about a connector that has no real benefit per se for desktop applications, as that is his bread and butter. For portable use though, it makes more sense than having the relative boat anchor that is a 4-pin XLR connector attached to a pair of IEMs. Sure, there's the mini XLR, but desktop stuff doesn't tend to have that connector. I can understand where ModiHiFi is coming from. If you don't, that's fine.
I hear you. Balanced connectors are the bomb. But why not look at what this connector can do first before we start trashing it. It could offer something that the large XLR connector doesn’t.
Here’s a thought (and remember I’m all about finding solutions to problems - i.e. having multiple types of headphone connectors)…
I could be wrong (and if I am, someone please correct me), but can a Pentaconn connector accommodate single ended cables, single ended cables with a built-in microphone, balanced cables and balanced cables with a built- in microphone? If this is true then all of these types of cables with a sturdier Pentaconn jack can be used with just the one plug on an amp.
Financially, if the Pentaconn plug can serve as a “one plug does it all” solution for headphones then Jason wouldn’t have to worry about buying, designing and putting in separate ¼” plug and XLR plug into his amps. Would Jason mind if the cost to supply and install 2 different connectors into every Jotenheim, Mjolnir 2 and Ragnarok unit he makes were to cost more than just supplying and installing the one Pentaconn connector?
Technically, if the Pentaconn plug can at the least equal the capability of a XRL plug then wouldn’t this type of connector be better solution to the problem of having multiple types of connectors? I’m not too sure if the Pentaconn connector is equal in its capability to a XRL connector (only someone who can actually test this can only answer this one), but it would be fun to find out.
REMINDER : The Pentaconn connector was designed by Nippon Dics Co. and is a standard connector set by JEITA.
Here’s a thought (and remember I’m all about finding solutions to problems - i.e. having multiple types of headphone connectors)…
....
Technically, if the Pentaconn plug can at the least equal the capability of a XRL plug then wouldn’t this type of connector be better solution to the problem of having multiple types of connectors? I’m not too sure if the Pentaconn connector is equal in its capability to a XRL connector (only someone who can actually test this can only answer this one), but it would be fun to find out.
Pretty sure that wouldn't work for technical reasons. Balances amplifiers have been separate sections for each channel and need to be summed for the single ended output. There need to be two separate jacks to accommodate the that. Also, tip ring sleeve style plugs short when being inserted, which really isn't desirable, thus the advantage of XLR.
Whether a summer is required depends on the topology, but the Mjolnir 2 or Ragnarok for example do actively sum their balanced outputs into single ended, and thus need a separate jack. So, two Pentaconns? Or the tried and true 1/4 inch and 4 pin XLR
Also when you say that the Pentaconn is sturdier, that may be true compared to a 2.5mm or 3.5mm but clearly isn't when compared to 6.3mm or XLR, so there goes another way suggested reason fit switching on desktop products.
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