Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10 Thread

[yugopotamia]

or you can resolder the joint. that's usually the joint problem on the cable.

 

[Shawn71]

Hi guys,

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but I have a problem with all the replacement cables I have for my triple fi 10s. I've had the triple fis for about 2 years and have had to replace the cables 3 times already. The sound keeps on cutting out of one side or both.  The first cable was the Logitech replacement one ($20) and the sound cut out after about 4 months, the second was an OEM cable sold by some japanese company ($40) and the sound cut out of that one after 3 months? the last one was recommended by another thread here (Dark Lord Teflon Silver Plated wire) and it's been less than a month and the sound cut out again!  

I don't think I abuse the cables. I use them regularly during my commute and when I'm not using them I roll them up into an Altoid tin. Am I doing something wrong here? I've never had this problem with other headphones before! Please help!

"welcome to headfi,sorry about your wallet"

It seems to me the cables...because you run into issue after 3-4 months of use (tho no abuse).....those 2 last cables by DL and japanese.....
Also the channel is cut evident on one or both but nothing particular,so the earpieces are ok.....but still I wld chk for 2 other points....

1) look for any wax clogged/deposited (I know the issue just disappears when you get the new cable,still...)
2) if you have multimeter,check for the continuity test using beeper(pisition the knob), for 3 points,L+,R+ & ground...see if it beeps continuosly or cuts out while you check the respective end-to-end....

 

[olddude]

Don't roll custom cables up.  I used to hang my Ted's on a hook.
 
Cables were always a problem for me with UE products.

 

[Hijodelbrx]

I've read about cable failure so often with the TF10's (happened to me also with the Fiio).  I've come to the conclusion that 99% of the time it's due to mishandling by the user.  Trying to stuff the cable into that 'cool' metal box that comes with the TF10's, or people just tugging and pulling on the IEM like it was an iPod bud (as horrible as the buds sound, they sure stand up to rough treatment!).  To me it's simple, treat them with care and there'll be no problem.  I'm wondering though, are cables this problematic with ALL IEM's?  BTW, I've had HPL cables on my TF10's for over a year without a problem.  I STOPPED using the fukakta metal case to store them. 

 

[Gilly87]

Cables : IEMs :: glass screens : smartphones
 
Definitely the easiest way to break; hence replaceable cables on so many upper-end models.
 
Quote:

  I've read about cable failure so often with the TF10's (happened to me also with the Fiio).  I've come to the conclusion that 99% of the time it's due to mishandling by the user.  Trying to stuff the cable into that 'cool' metal box that comes with the TF10's, or people just tugging and pulling on the IEM like it was an iPod bud (as horrible as the buds sound, they sure stand up to rough treatment!).  To me it's simple, treat them with care and there'll be no problem.  I'm wondering though, are cables this problematic with ALL IEM's?  BTW, I've had HPL cables on my TF10's for over a year without a problem.  I STOPPED using the fukakta metal case to store them. 

 

[starkim]

But if I can't roll up the cables then how can I safely store them when I'm not using them? e.g. when traveling. Do they need to be permanently draped on my body? 

 

[Shawn71]

Ordered an rc-ue2 from mp4 2 days ago and they shipped out early today their local time.....this time I plan to coil it to little bigger than using our 3 fingers dia, keep them in a little larger pouch/plastic box,just to see how this works.....as most of the time the cable break happens at 3.5mm jack end.....plugging/unplugging,jean pocket inserts,bend when we replace them in the pouch etc....

 

[olddude]

Jeans pocket is a red flag, an easy carry but the plug end tends to get crimped.  That's why I bought a carry bag.

 

[Shawn71]

Yeah thats why I never keep my rigs inside my jeans pocket,but said so,being another reason(wld say a major culprit of any jeans style,like straight,tight,loose fits etc) but formal pants ok as it has side cuts for pocket pouch....and I use my tf10s mostly,sry ONLY @home....

Btw, how does the rc-ue2 cable's durability to the stock UE cables? Anyone?

I might also buy some tf10 cables from lunashops along with some hd600s and IC cables.....

 

[starkim]

It's definitely the cable because before it dies completely the sound fades in a out depending on the angle at which I'm holding the cable. It works like this for a few days and then dies. 

 

[Shawn71]

If you have any of the cables thats not totally dead, just try again at the 3.5mm jack end by rotating it (plugged in) and/or wiggle near the strain relief and see....instead of just cable....its the place of origin in question....

 

[dosley01]

I've had my current pair of TF10s for just about 3 years.  I've accepted the fact that a cable lasts me about a year.  I have only used the UE VI cable with the mic and button.  I'm pretty careful with them but it only takes one wrong move to kill the cable.  At least I have not had any issues with the sockets or the shells breaking.  If I did, I would most likely get them reshelled.  I've had at least 5-6 more expensive IEMS and I just keep coming back to them.  (last being the UE900)

 

[olddude]

Cables are the weak area of UE products.  I've had several go out (the dread 1-channel effect) on different models, not just the TF10s, UE used to replace them for free until Logitech bought them up.  

 

[Shawn71]

At least I have not had any issues with the sockets or the shells breaking.

oh hell yeah,thats the worst part and end of the road....read somewhere even the pin sockets getting free and shell coming apart...another possibilty, the female sockets in the earpieces came apart while unplugging the cable.... extra care really needed while unplugging and pluggin the cable....BUT its still an ultimate IEM...

 

[davidcotton]

oh hell yeah,thats the worst part and end of the road....read somewhere even the pin sockets getting free and shell coming apart...another possibilty, the female sockets in the earpieces came apart while unplugging the cable.... extra care really needed while unplugging and pluggin the cable....BUT its still an ultimate IEM...

Just a pause in the story when that happens.  As long as the BA's work you can send them off for a reshell and breath new life into them.