[Somnar]

Hey there - my beloved (and I mean beloved!) HD800 headphones have developed an issue.

The symptom is a bit of intermittent - but frequent - crackling in one channel, as well as reduced volume (it usually follows) in that same channel. It behaves strangely: I'll start playing something at medium volume and and I'll hear a little bit of crackle or loss of signal in one ear. It's momentary. Then that channel may or may not get softer in volume. I can stop and start again and it'll be fine for a while. No matter how still I sit, there seems to be no way to stop it from happening.

First thing: I've swapped the cable around (L to R) and the problem travels. Which would suggest to me that it's not a driver issue. It would also suggest to me that it's not an issue with the connection socket on the actual headphones. BTW, I've tried other headphones and they're all functioning a-ok.

This would lead me to believe that the problem is in the cable OR the one of the plugs that connects the cable to the headphones (I've futzed with the 1/4" plug and don't believe the problem is there). I have to admit that, as I've used these constantly over the four years I've had them - I haven't always been as careful with the cable as I might've been. So I'm wondering if it's possible that I've somehow damaged the cord or the connector. Is this a problem others have had? I really don't know anything about this stuff...

I don't mind replacing the cable if I need to, but I'd rather not buy one only to discover that that wasn't the issue in the first place.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Somnar]

OK, replying to my own thread.

Ran a sine wave through the phones and was able to make the problem happen by manipulating the bit of cable between the Y connector and the headphone plug. So it's definitely the cable - not the phones, not the plug.

I suppose the only sane solution is a new cable...

 

[Amberlamps]

Yes, and a new cable isn't cheap, I bought a replacement cable because my 800S one split on the rubber top part of the cable, I was £154 for a new cable if I recall.