[Romano2K]

Hi Head-Fi members!

I've read Head-Fi reviews and posts for years but I've just subscribed to ask for recommandations for a replacement cable for my Sennheiser HD 700.

I was happy with the sound quality and design of the original cable, but it just broke. I'd like to take the opportunity to buy a shorter cable, as I'm using these headphones only at my desk, connected to an audio interface sitting on my desk.

Here are my criterias:

• 1.2 to 1.5 meter / 4 to 5 feet cable
• 6.3 mm / 1/4 inch jack or 3.5 mm jack with screw on adapter to 6.3 mm, preferably angled (like Sennheiser HD 25)
• minimalist design
• original cable is sold 100 €, so more or less 100 € budget

I've looked for previous posts on the forum but found nothing relevant in 2020/2021.

Do you have any recommendation?

Thank you very much for your answer!

 

[jonathan c]

I recommend Custom Cans (U.K.) for a replacement / upgrade cable for your 700s. Custom Cans specialises in modifying / upgrading Sennheisers (and Beyerdynamics) and has an inventory of spare parts.

 

[Romano2K]

Thank you for the suggestion, but I really don't like the braided look. The same thing without a braided cable would be perfect! Do you have an alternative to suggest?

https://customcans.co.uk/s/s/index.php/cables/hd700-cables/2-5mm-unbalanced-cable.html

 

[pbui44]

If you need cheaper cables, here is a single-ended one:

https://www.amazon.fr/FeiYen-rempla...=1&keywords=hd700+cable&qid=1609259411&sr=8-5

and a balanced one:

https://www.amazon.fr/Broches-Compa...=1&keywords=hd700+cable&qid=1609259557&sr=8-8

 

[pbui44]

Also, a cheaper copper/silver-mixed balanced cable:

https://www.amazon.fr/Geekria-Singl...1&keywords=hd700+cable&qid=1609259602&sr=8-35

 

[Romano2K]

I don't need balanced cables and I don't like the looks of the 2 later, but the first one meets all of my criterias. But do you know the brand, FeiYen? Do you know if they are as good as the original cable?

I've just discovered Hart Audio Cables, I like their "philosophy" and their products look good (aesthetics and quality), but I'm afraid their HC-7 cable won't fit my Sennheiser HD 700, as it lacks the cutout, won't it?
https://hartaudiocables.com/collections/headphone-cables/products/hc-7-dual-2-5mm-mono-ts

Are you aware of something similar?

 

[pbui44]

Feiyen has high overall ratings for their Steelseries Arctic Cables:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Replacement-Steelseries-Arctis-Wireless-Headset/dp/B07G5XXT7D

https://www.amazon.es/FeiYen-Repuesto-Auriculares-inalámbricos-SteelSeries/dp/B07G5XXT7D

As for Hart Audio Cables...you will have to ask them directly about HD700 compatibility with their products and THEIR RETURN POLICY (all caps, as it is important) because it is not stated on their website.

 

[Romano2K]

I had never heard of FeiYen, but the fact that their products are sold directly by Amazon (as opposed to the marketplace) is reassuring on its own. Your comments too. So I've ordered the cable you suggested as a quick fix, so thank you.

But I'm still looking for a better one now that I've discovered brands like Custom Cans and Hart Audio Cables. What's your opinion about Hart Audio?

Do you have an opinion about Luna Shops?

I've already asked them if they can do a custom cable for HD 700, I'm waiting for their answer.

By the way, can you suggest a logical upgrade from the HD 700, if I'd wanted newer/better headphones?

 

[pbui44]

The next best thing that I could find is a stock HD700 cable here:

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/official-sennheiser-hd700-replacement-lead-cable.html

After that, the Custom Cans one above. As for a logical upgrade, the HD800, which you can now find used and cheaper these days, as the HD800S is the one still in production.

 

[Romano2K]

I've just cut my broken original cable to see if by any chance I would be able to make a quick fix myself (I'm not). I'm no expert in cabling, but it seems to me that 100 € for these very cheap cables isn't very competitive. And as they are too long for my use, I'd rather find an alternative.

My question about a "logical upgrade" was a separate question about an headphones upgrade, not about an upgrade versus the original cable. On that subject, aren't the newer HD 600s better than the HD 700?

Regarding replacement cables for the Sennheiser HD 700, anyone feel free to share your opinion about Hart Audio Cables and Luna Shops!

 

[pbui44]

A logical upgrade would be an HD800...but it looks like you don’t have enough money. The HD600 has better tonality, a more neutral sound signature, scales better with higher quality equipment, and slightly has more mids, but all of this does not necessarily make the HD600 an upgrade from the HD700. The HD700 has better comfort, more details across the entire spectrum, a slightly larger soundstage or larger, more treble sparkle, and plays more smoothly overall with more efficient equipment.

If you want a real upgrade (most improvement in sound), get this DAC/amp, which name is not the most reputable, but has great reviews and has everything you need in one package for a great price:

https://www.amazon.fr/Fosi-Audio-Am...M7GBW8PWEF4&psc=1&refRID=GXDBK3SADAF40APDB9J3

 

[Romano2K]

Regarding the HD 800, it's not only a matter of budget, it's also the fact that I'm not sure to enjoy the gain in quality to the point where I can pay this much more. I've had the opportunity to listen to the 60 000 € Sennheiser HE 1 (Orpheus) at a press event, sure it was the best headphones I've ever heard, but I'm not sure that I was enjoying the experience very much more than with my HD 700.

You raise my curiosity about the HD 600 series. I'll investigate about the differences between the HD 600, 650 and 660S, and I'll try to listen to them sometime.

Thanks for suggesting the DAC/amp, I'll have a look at reviews.

I've just received the FeiYen cable. I'm not able to compare it to the original cable as it's now totally broken on the right channel. But it comes with a 3.5 mm jack and 3.5 to 6.3 mm adapter. So I took the opportunity to plug my HD 700 to a "regular" 3.5 mm device for the first time, namely a 2018 iPad Pro 10.5", and I'm not sure if I can hear a stark difference with my (not audiophile) MOTU MicroBook II "pro" audio interface. Granted I have no equipment to switch between both devices in an instant, there are several seconds between unplugging, putting/removing the adapter and replugging.

I still should try a proper audiophile DAC+amp to see how much I can ear a difference and enjoy the better quality. If I do, I could replace my MicroBook with two dedicated devices for my headphones and my XLR microphone.

Lastly, I still haven't heard from Hart Audio Cables, I guess they're on holidays, even though they haven't set an auto-responder. I'll report back asap about this.

In the meantime, I've someone has opinions about Hart Audio and/or Luna Shops, or any recommendation for another replacement cable for Sennheiser HD 700, I'm still interested!

 

[pbui44]

One example of a cheaper proper audiophile DAC/Amp would be this one:

https://www.amazon.it/Topping-Bluet...ild=1&keywords=topping&qid=1609432322&sr=8-16

I have not heard the Sennheiser Orpheus HE-1 (lucky you) l, but I do have to say that the HD800 is definitely a “logical” upgrade over the HD700. In your case, it is just whether you can find it used or not.

However, the HD600 can complement your HD700 very well, provided that you can actually find decent use out of the HD600 strengths. Any less, and you will just hear too many similarities.