[creyc]

I owned a pair of UE Super.fi 5 pro's for 8 months, they of course had the thin lightweight cord on them.

I heard many people saying they were far too thin, yet VERY few reports of the cables actually snapping. UE moved to a thick cable to hush this possible complaint.

Now they're thicker, and probably a lot more durable than needed. I feel like I could stop an F-18 on a carrier with this cable.

It's quite a bit heavier than the old one and puts more weight on the seals. They also seem to have more overall "memory", showing the kinks and bends from original packaging. They're just TOO thick, where the old wires were ultra flexible, these are like metal poles going to each ear. :\

But the worst part is the microphonics. These UE's used to be the best in this category but have now joined Shure in terms of picking up sound with the cable.

Anyone know if UE still sells their old thin cables? It looks like the same fitting where it plugs in.

 

[sisenor]

I didn't really have a problem with the old ones either. But, I can't say I've ever experienced microphonics with the new cord.

 

[oldspice]

Good thing I have a spare black cable I got awhile back, before UE "upgraded" to the thicker cable. I just may have to put the old cable on my Triple.fi's when they come in!

 

[rhythmicmoose]

I never tried the new cables, but the microphonics on the old thin cables were awful. I can't imagine that the added bulk would make them even worse.

 

[nsjong]

Isn't it that thicker the cable, the LESS microphonics there are?

 

[creyc]

Perhaps the the general idea, but these large cables are so stiff that any movement in the cable is translated directly to the ear. Maybe this isn't the traditional definition of microphonic, but it's most definitely unwanted audio as a result of the cord.

The old thin cables were like strings going to each earpiece, nicely laying flat and conforming to your clothing where the thick cables kind of do their own thing, staying kinked and bent and being a total pain.

 

[plywood99]

I agree with creyc. The new cables are much too thick, and do not unkink themselves so to speak. Even after having them for over a week they still had the same kinks as when they came from the package. The cables are one of my main complaints with the UE 5 pros...


Ply

 

[redshifter]

i've also never heard of ue sf5p cable breaking. maybe it is just a percieved danger.

i've considered the thicker cable, but only because the thin one is too short. also the thin version memory cable creaks and doesn't stay in place.

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by creyc Perhaps the the general idea, but these large cables are so stiff that any movement in the cable is translated directly to the ear. Maybe this isn't the traditional definition of microphonic, but it's most definitely unwanted audio as a result of the cord. The old thin cables were like strings going to each earpiece, nicely laying flat and conforming to your clothing where the thick cables kind of do their own thing, staying kinked and bent and being a total pain.

I haven't noticed any microphonics, but one cable attachment slides into the headphone on one side much more easily than on the other side. I'm worried about this falling out.

However, you all must see my new thread titled:

WARNING: Super.Fi new hard shell case velvet bottom

This is of greater concern to me than the cables.

 

[beedee]

I prefer the new thicker cables. After inserting the IEMS slide the plastic piece (at the intersection of the "Y") up to the back of your head. Also, some sort of clip could be used to keep the cord away from your clothes. No microphonics problems. Have fun

 

[cribeiro]

I completely agree with the OP.
The new cable is a pain, every movement of the head, even chewing results in a movement of the cable and thus of the IEM body, producing very annoying noises. In the end, I have to turn the volume up to muffle the noise.
BTW, the original cable had little to no microphonics, and was very durable. Its only real problem was that it was prone to tangle, and I think I prefer that to the excessive rigidity of the new cable. OK, maybe the memory wire was a bit too rigid, but as long as you don't share them, it is actually an advantage

But the new version is still as good

EDIT: soundwise, I mean...

 

[germanium]

Thick cables are no garrantee of improved durability. Perfect case in point is the Shure E2 cables compared to the Suny EX71's or UE- SF5pro's.

The Shure E2 had a thick cable & was prone to shorting out as the wire would bunch up internally wherever they were ben sharply then other parts of the wire were now tighter than they should be & this caused them to wear through the insulation & short out.

Never had a problem with the SF5pro's or EX71's.

 

[hYdrociTy]

My "thin" version cable broke internall and I just had these iems since august. $20 for a new set of cables? Im glad UE decided to address this issue. I don't think I put my cables through any more stress than average. I just use them, never pull by the cable itself or chew it or whatever, and it still failed on me.
I have the clear version, thus my trouble in getting any replacements. Right now my $250 investement is just sitting on my desk..