3.5mm TRRS plugs have the two grounds adjacent. If you plug them into a single-ended headphone out that doesn't support mic/controls, the two grounds will both connect to the jack's ground. If the device supports controls (like an iDevice or android phone) then one pole will be for the controls and you will only get one channel. I have tried many DAPs and amps that don't support controls and they usually work with balanced 3.5mm TRRS headphones. This is not true for the AK 2.5mm TRRS because it orders the signals differently.
Having a TRRS fit a TRS jack so that the second ring and the sleeve both connect to ground is more luck than anything else I'd say: just take a look at the numerous reports on TRRS headphones (with mic) giving problems with some players. But nice if you were lucky in that regard... I'd just not take it for granted.
Plus you're correct that this lucky case can only happen if the balanced TRRS headphone is wired with the two grounds on the second ring and the sleeve.
Having a TRRS fit a TRS jack so that the second ring and the sleeve both connect to ground is more luck than anything else I'd say: just take a look at the numerous reports on TRRS headphones (with mic) giving problems with some players. But nice if you were lucky in that regard... I'd just not take it for granted.
Plus you're correct that this lucky case can only happen if the balanced TRRS headphone is wired with the two grounds on the second ring and the sleeve.
I never even thought about this until I ordered a 3.5mm balanced TRRS to 3.5mm TRS adapter from Double Helix Cables. Peter wrote back and said that I didn't need an adapter. So I tested all of my equipment and that was true for my amps and some DAPs that didn't support controls on the cable. I report this to him and he agreed that he wasn't even thinking about devices with controls on their TRRS jacks, like the iPhone. You are right that it is hit and miss with smart devices, but most standalone amps or dac/amp combos are OK.
The opposite is also true. Some amps freak out if you plug in an iCable with controls, so I use an adapter that converts those to TRS. This is one reason that I never bought the AKG K3003 - I could only find the "i" version and most of my listening is from devices that don't support controls.
I never even thought about this until I ordered a 3.5mm balanced TRRS to 3.5mm TRS adapter from Double Helix Cables. Peter wrote back and said that I didn't need an adapter. So I tested all of my equipment and that was true for my amps and some DAPs that didn't support controls on the cable. I report this to him and he agreed that he wasn't even thinking about devices with controls on their TRRS jacks, like the iPhone. You are right that it is hit and miss with smart devices, but most standalone amps or dac/amp combos are OK.
The opposite is also true. Some amps freak out if you plug in an iCable with controls, so I use an adapter that converts those to TRS. This is one reason that I never bought the AKG K3003 - I could only find the "i" version and most of my listening is from devices that don't support controls.
It is really depending on the amplifier end. The ZX2 just have a separate ground for left & right, while the PHA3 is truly balanced in nature. The PHA3 is definitely better sound wise but compared ZX2 output (not true balanced) to PHA-3 in single-end is quite comparable with efficient headphones. The PHA3 pulls away quickly on difficult loads.
It is really depending on the amplifier end. The ZX2 just have a separate ground for left & right, while the PHA3 is truly balanced in nature. The PHA3 is definitely better sound wise but compared ZX2 output (not true balanced) to PHA-3 in single-end is quite comparable with efficient headphones. The PHA3 pulls away quickly on difficult loads.
Nice rig! I had an A17/PHA3/Z7 combination (but no stands or Kimber cable). That would be a great rig for somebody who had a small space, or needed solid portability. Man I love the look of that. Makes me wish I hadn't sold all of my Sony gear (I did keep my MDR 1As).
Input welcomed please. My Ether C order is on the way, but want to upgrade my portable rig. I've both the Sony ZX2 and AK120 II. Currently I've got the ZX2 rigged with ALO MK3-B balanced to Headphone. I'm considering getting either the Sony PHA-3 or Cord Mojo and wondering which will give better bass slam/impact to the Ether-C?
I got mine via Amazon.com from a Japanese dealer btw. So that might be an option as well.
It's really a shame that Sony decided to cut out the battery for Europe... but maybe the sales volume does in fact make the necessary changes/tests too expensive. Still I think mobility is a main point with a product of this size... I'll just grab mine and sit outside in the sun now
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