Balanced Cable Types: Explained! - 2.5mm, 4.4mm & XLR.

Periapt Cables - periaptcables....
XLR to 2.5MM - amzn.to/2ClGMCk
XLR to 4.4MM - amzn.to/3gLniFX
Schiit Heresy - amzn.to/31JlAyv
THX 789 - amzn.to/2ClsnGc
Topping A90 - amzn.to/3adZHLC
Monoprice Balanced Dac Amp - amzn.to/3gO5n1y
Woo Audio - WA11 - wooaudio.com/a...
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 LCD X - amzn.to/3cB0AyV
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer....
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer....
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.c...
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer....
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
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#Balanced #Cable #Explained
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[@mdfrick]

I'm a big fan of Hart Audio cables after spending a bunch of money on cables to get various combos like all the ends you speak of to terminate into Sennheiser, ZMF's mini-XLR, DCA's Hirose, etc. I do like the Periapt cables well enough, but they were a little on the stiff side and had some annoying microphonics to which I'm sensitive. The Hart Audio cables saved the day with one set of source terminations no matter the device (desktop vs portable), and then unique cables per headphone termination that are themselves on the cheap side for the great quality - good feel, no microphonics, drapes nicely without memory... love them, never going back.

[@Admajors]

Just got my first set of cables from Hart! The only downside I see is that the black coatings on the connectors seems like it chips easily. Mine came in a bag with a few chips already present. Otherwise they look, feel, and function great.

[@theovonskeletor3709]

Love mine. Dunu makes some awesome iem cables that are similar

[@RhubarbSenpai]

Currently waiting on my purple custom order to arrive; definitely looking forward to setting them up! Between my Elex, DT 177X, and 6XX, I switch headphones pretty often, especially during longer gaming / editing sessions.

[@mdfrick]

@@RhubarbSenpai you'll love the ease of switching between these. I switch sources and headphones a fair amount and it's great to mix and match with minimal cabling investment!

[@mdfrick]

@@HarveyDent523 the adapter is the best part for me! Being able to switch between the 4 connectors I use for various devices (2.5mm, 3.5mm, 1/4", and XLR) while only paying for one cable terminated in Hirose for example saves on the number of cables I have to buy or at least standardizes the types of adapters I need to care about. And the mini-XLR is quite sturdy without a noticeable heft 6" from the end. Now multiply that by other types of cable terminations for other headphones and it increases the versatility on the cheap. I can't say it's for everyone, but I'm 100% sold for my use cases.

[@FredBKevinn]

Only finding utility out of this video now , 5 months later , thank you Joshua for all the videos you made over the last year. Really enjoy your content. Regards Fred from South Africa

[@MiloTheFirst1]

cool video. here is my two cents, one reason to choose 3-pin XLR is that it is still the industry standard fro pro audio equipment, if you want your headphones or studio monitors to be compatible with professional tier analog equalizers, DSPs, mixing consoles etc, most of the time you can only go 3-pin XLR for balanced connection

[@sleepinglysithia]

4.4 can be easily used on most gear compared to the other types. I wish 4.4 was the standard.

[@eat_ze_bugs]

4.4mm is extremely fragile on the inside. One small yank on the cable and you'll likely dislodge and short the connection.

[@Volucrum]

2.5 is more likely if we go to an ideal ISH future. But the future likely lays in portable dacs with usb 3 or Bluetooth. Just as a replacement for the 3.5 mm.

[@oxyoxi3213]

4.4 also has 5 connectors and not 4. I believe this can be used for shielding?

[@daycmetrollingdeihatin5100]

Bro om replying hoping for help.... Cant find anyone to answer a basic question.... Can i use any 4.4 cable on any headphone or is there a reason for specific 4.4 caboes on specific devices

[@sleepinglysithia]

@@daycmetrollingdeihatin5100 it will depend on your headphone connection type and the output of your audio device. If your audio device has a 4.4 output and as long as you get the right connection type for your headphones then any cable meeting that criteria will work. Just a FYI I would stay away from Corpse Cable. They refused to honor their warranty claiming I purposefully damaged my cable even though I didn’t. I never even coiled up the cable or took it outside or anything. They have inferior construction and very poor customer service.

[@tubelab194]

Thanks Josh for a great informative video. I would say though there is a strong counter argument to even using balanced equipment in the first place. To make a true balanced preamp/amp requires basically building double the circuitry. And to make your balanced signal, requires splitting the signal into a positive and negative waveform (180deg out of phase with each other), then recombining them at a later stage. IMO as a tube amp designer, this makes absolutely no (zero) sense for hime audio. Yes a balanced signal/cable has less noise (common mode rejection) and slightly higher gain and yes the connectors are more robust than unbalanced (rca/3.5/6.3mm). But and here's the Big but, unbalanced signals in home audio gear are already very quiet and by staying unbalanced you keep the signal in an orignal state as it is played back from vinyl, tape or digital. As a designer I avoid altering the phase/timing of an orignal audio signal at all costs, creating preamps and amps that run in Pure Class A. This makes for amazing clarity. Using a balanced signal interferes with the audio signal in so many ways, I'm always wondering who is pushing this? Now in a recording studio environment balanced cables make perfect sense for long runs back to the booth. This was the origins of the technology and IMO where it should stay.

[@DoingEvil01]

THANK YOU for this! So may KZbinrs, so many reviews, so little "how-to"!

[@MrGone60]

Thank you these types of videos would be wonderful for you to do, you can create a series out of this.As a beginner I’ve been looking for weeks for something like this.

[@jesseyturner3503]

The Video ist Like 8min Out. You responded after 4min. Wtf?

[@MrGone60]

I heard exactly what I needed too within the first 4 mins.

[@greymatterstome]

A very needed video and discussion. It's a detail that often gets overlooked. thanks Josh!

[@keithjones1924]

Good Lord man... I have only seen you like this today, two in a row.... Hart Audio Cables for every single wire I buy.

[@manikdesilva1]

Was hoping for more of an education on balanced output .

[@JSym92]

Unless you have no other way of overcoming ground loop noise, or use cable runs longer than 10 metres, balanced output is pointless. Expensive, because a balanced circuit is more complex and you'll need aftermarket balanced cables for your headphones too, but it's pointless. You can get a Schiit Asgard 3 if you need a powerful and great sounding amp, sounds better than any amp that was built to perform best on a measurement rig imo, like the THX/Topping stuff, or even Schiit's own measurements-first amps like the Magni Heresy and Magnius, which they're perfectly clear about in their advertising.

[@Oleg-oe1rc]

@@JSym92 if your headphones are hard to drive (very high impedance or very low sensitivity), it also lets you send twice as much power compared to a single ended connection. iFi makes really great budget options with balanced outputs if you do want/need them. $129 for the Zen Dac desk unit, $149 for the Hip-Dac portable unit with built in battery. Comes with both balanced and single ended outputs, and even the portable Hip-Dac has enough power to drive Fostex T50RPs properly on the single ended connection, and those are infamous for being hard to drive, even with pretty expensive units. They both even support native DSD 512 and MQA playback. They also have the Zen Can if you just need an amp for $169

[@JSym92]

@@Oleg-oe1rc It's a design decision. They can absolutely make fully single-ended amps with just as much power. Cheaper to build, easier to optimize in performance, saves the consumer the expense of aftermarket balanced cables. I have yet to hear a better sounding

[@Oleg-oe1rc]

@@JSym92 they can design it to overcome that, but that's not my point. And Schiit makes balanced gear too... Personally I make my own cables, so doesn't really cost me anymore than making a single ended one, maybe a dollar or two more for the connectors.

[@JSym92]

@@Oleg-oe1rc Yes, Schiit listens to the market demand, but if you read through their product descriptions and FAQ's you'll see what I mean. The "why" is because people want it. It's great that it doesn't make a difference for you whether you need balanced or single-ended cables, and you shouldn't replace your gear if you're happy with it. I'm just sharing my thoughts on what I think is wrong with the glorification of balanced outputs on everything.

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

Just ordered a 2.5 balanced cable that fits with the amp I’m using. Wanted to learn more about them in general, thanks for a good introduction!

[@aceofspades6667]

I like that way Hart Audio builds their setup.. you can basically get a kit that has all customer inputs to the headphone, then a 3-5 foot cable extension then a standard adapter terminated in whatever your amp provides.

[@hartaudiocables]

[@hunterscars01]

DUUUUUUUUUUUDE do you know how long i've been looking for a company that will make headphone cables like that? FUCKING MONTHS!!!!!! i had to cancel my periapt order because they couldn't tell me when they would be able to ship (had already been a 4 month wait from purchase date). im gonna hit these guys up and see how long it will take them to ship to AUS.

[@blackdragon44]

They call it the multi kit. I have it & I have to say that it's a godsend

[@BoBo_huh]

Can never forget the ifi 3.5mm balanced. 4.4mm is actually a bit different from all the other balanced plugs on paper, it's a 5 pole connection which is L+, L-, R+, R-, Ground*. It has a extra connection for a separate grounding. Im not sure how it works and how it's wired internally inside a amp, tho not all amps or plugs supports the actual extra grounding pole so there's that

[@thefritz1]

I think 4.4mm is superior: The separate ground of the 4.4mm 5pole is not really important for headphone cables but it is mandatory if you want to use 4.4mm-cables as interconnects between balanced out- and inputs of active components (like from the ifi ZEN-DAC to the newly released ifi ZEN-CAN amp I own). It is also possible to use 4.4mm balanced out to fully connected (i.e. +/-/GRD) 2x 3pole-XLRs (e.g. from the ZenDAC or the ZenCAN balanced output to the balanced XLR inputs of another amp ). This is NOT possible with the other 4-pole-only connectors (2.5mm or 4p-XLR) without the risk of frying your DAC or amp or at least introduce ground loop issues. As such, the 4.4mm is much more versatile as the other connectors. Additionally, many newer devices (those ZEN ones, the Fiio DACs/DAPs or the Looto Paw S1, ...) are adopting the 4.4mm headphone outputs as standard.

[@kiasohc]

Awesome videos you have especially this one... quick to the point, concise and very well explained. Definitely helps viewers seeking information on these topics. Hats off to you!

[@malek8736]

This is very helpful for beginners who are new to the hobby. Thank you!

[@rustyshackleford4117]

Awesome thank you for the great video! I’m familiar with using XLR for hifi speakers but just got into the world of hifi phones and was insanely confused by all the different connector options. This all makes so much more sense now!

[@ThayneHardy]

I’ve really enjoyed my custom made Periapt Cables (purple) with Amphenol Audio XLR connectors. Both for Sennheiser and Audeze headphones inputs. I’m also using a Schiit Jotunheim Dac/Amp.

[@nickpelayo3172]

I want everything to be 4.4. My fiio m11 and m15 both have 4.4 and my Daart yulong aquilla 2 dac amp has a xlr and 4.4 and it is easier to just have everything be 4.4

[@danthemanwhocancan]

Hi Nick, I just bought a new M11 Pro and love the UI but it doesn't sound much better than my old cowon plenue d with Audio Technica ATH40X. Will I get a better listening experience with 4.4 balanced? There is a Company in the UK called custom cans that can mod a beyerdynamic dt770 with a 4.4mm cable. I'm just trying to get some info before purchase. Thanks

[@nickpelayo3172]

@@danthemanwhocancan hey so i know for certain that my m11 does sound different depending on whether i use the 3.5 or the balanced connections. it seems the device was built for balanced. i have not gone back using the single ended port of my m11 since week 1 and have no regrets

[@danthemanwhocancan]

@@nickpelayo3172 thanks Nick for the advice. Much appreciated

[@krypto_9872]

@@danthemanwhocancan my m11 sounds better with balanced, tone is exactly the same but it delivers more power which high impedance headphones will benefit from. I do not use balanced with my IEMs however because it just sounds way too loud even at 10%. Only if I need to power my HD660s

[@rodrig0pinto]

Can a 3.5mm iem connect to a 4.4mm port?

[@davdidit6]

Although I wish I saw this sooner, I am all it on balanced. I have Hifiman Anandas balanced 4.4 from Ifi Zen Dan. For mobility I have the Hip Dac and BLon-03 and Tin T2 with balanced 2.5 cables. Going balanced, to me, just opens up the sound at all levels. Might be getting a headphone amp with XLR output soon. Thank you for the great information.

[@Snidel]

i use XLR on desktop, but 4.4mm on mobile setup (with a ifi hip dac) and i also would like everything to migrate for 4.4.mm

[@theodorezurla496]

I recently got the Sennheiser 58x and a hip DAC I'm wondering if I should get it balanced cable ,or does it not make a difference?

[@Snidel]

@@theodorezurla496 Yes you will feel a difference, mainly in volume i can't tell if there is a difference in sound quality, but i do not regret buying a balanced cable of 8 cores on aliexpress for like 25 bucks. I wouldn't spend much more. The cable i feels also better than the original one, so it isn't just about sound, but also about how the cables externally feels.

[@theodorezurla496]

@@Snidel the only ones I can find are like 50 bucks and above, where did you find one for 25?

[@Snidel]

@@theodorezurla496 Sorry I paste you the link, but looks like youtube blocks it since its a store link... send me a dm over instagram at snidel337

[@Snidel]

@@theodorezurla496 IDk why my messages aren't posted, you can send me an instagram DM and i send you a direct link on aliexpress. Maybe you dont fond, because you search by HD58X and you need to search by the connector type. Maybe try on aliexpress to search for "LN007038" the one i got costs 24.88 (4.4mm and 1.25m length)

[@SilverDetroit]

As for me the perfect setup is, having a XLR to 2.5mm adapter from Drop (doesn't have a cable between XLR and 2.5mm). Like you said most amps come with XLR, so all my cables for all my headphones, including IEMs are 2.5mm (so I have the ability to use them portable should I want to. And then connect to the adapter if st my desk. Whole using a FiiO dac/Amp that has 2.5mm for portable use.

[@tazeru]

I think first of all 4.4 plug going into XLR adapter looks so much better. Also this way you have a cable that can be connected into portable device without adding more cable length what usually is the idea, and for desktop amp XLR adapter will be easier to manage, that is if you need it in the first place. But "luckily" I don't need to worry about it as I don't have balanced amps in the first place and likely I won't need then anytime soon :D

[@Lonestar166]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@fisch1139]

Thanks Josh for the info.Just getting into this hobby and it can be a little overwhelming at times.Your videos are extremely helpful.

[@dovibricker3864]

Duel 3 pin XLRs are very often used in the live audio/production industry and basically all high end production gear uses duel 3 pins for balanced stereo audio, so would be very suitable for connecting headphones to a mixing desk as a stereo mix out

[@Tracker5111]

The best thing about creating "standards" is that there are so many to choose from!!!

[@sardine158]

Great explanation and reasoning Josh. I use hart cables to overcome the issues you talk about. It is a good system.

[@alexyleigh]

If all these connectors do the exact same thing, how come they have different numbers of channels of signaling? A 4-pin XLR supports 4 channels of signals, a 4.4mm Pentaconn has 5 channels, and dual 3-pin XLR has a combined 6 channels. What do you get with the extra channels?

[@joaopina5156]

Also, it's very common to see balanced connections on amplifiers to provide more power...now I am confused

[@mindbendernine]

Thank you for this video. I have no 2.5mm or 4.4mm jacks (only balanced), but this was informative. And agreed on the Periapt cables. Great quality for the price.

[@drittz5470]

Fantastic explanation of the cables Josh🤙

[@DevangOnline]

2 decades ago, you never needed a balanced output other than being in a studio since they have cables going everywhere and need to stop interference from seeping in. The regular audiophile in their day-to-day use doesn't need a balanced output. The only reason why people nowadays are noticing the difference is because companies have become super greedy. Geez, how can we make exorbitant amounts of profit from the common masses. We know, lets introduce recording studio standards to the common audiophile community who don't need, so we can mark up our dacs & amps, make them pay for different cables that are grossly overcharged. The companies are purposely holding back the signal on a regular 3.5 / 6.5 mm jack just to create an artificial "difference" for the end user.

[@edwardgreenberg8298]

Enjoy yor videos Josh. But I have what mignt seem a naive question. You explained how you connect baplanced wiresto the amplifier but how do you connect the balanced cable to a standard 35 or 3.5 mm regular headphone? Or do you need headphones that are made specifically to handle balanced cables? Thanks.

[@soundar_n8742]

This video is very much needed!!!

[@AlexLopez-wi7vy]

Which 4.4mm balanced cable would you recommend to be used with Sundara Hifiman ?

[@rohanvimal2972]

Thought you'd discuss mini xlrs too, most people, that stuff is unheard of

[@kopiluwak_kayubakar]

thank you captain, your explanation easy to understand.

[@ClownOnVacation]

Very informative! Thank you for suggesting the cable + adapter.

[@urbenkam]

Hey Joshua. I have recently ordered Schiit Magnius & Modius combo. Forgive my ignorance. I wanted to get a balanced XLR cable to go with these and most importantly a 4 pin xlr cable to go with my Sennheiser 660s headphones (2 pin design) . I noticed in the review you have on of those on the table :) I was wondering where you got these from? do you think they will be better option than Brand's own CH 650s cables. Hopefully they deliver it in Australia. Thank you for your insight.

[@caminglis53]

In pro audio (stereo consoles) it’s always 2 x Xlr but this is more portable pro audio so 1 x 4 pin Xlr 💯 I must say seems like pentaconn is the future including patchbays and even possibly smart devices

[@71775926]

Thank you for this video, been wanting to know about the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables since I got the THX AAA 789 amps. You mentioned the Periapt cable didn't sound better than the stock HD6xx cable, so a balanced output is mainly for the benefit of better power output? Wanna know if it's worth getting Periapt balanced cables for my Fostex TR-X00 Ebony and DT 1990 PRO for better sound.

[@haukionkannel]

71775926 mostly power. If you have long cables, the balanced get less distortion because the sound signal move with two different wires that Are in opposite phase. And in the other end the difference is taken away when those signals combines.

[@clickbaitpro]

I use dual TRS balanced cable (1/4 inch) with my studio monitors, it is one of the best in terms of durability. The have 3 inputs RCA which is unbalanced and XLR (Balanced) is an option too

[@b.lemaitre8343]

Nice video ! If I may ask, what brand is that 4.4 cable with sennheiser end ? I've been looking for exactly that kind of cable but could not find anything but the aliexpress ones

[@laika25]

Are there balanced (exclusively) headphones??

[@monochromios]

Very useful intro to balanced options. Thank you for sharing.

[@humanbass]

4.4mm is the sweet spot.

[@GinsuSher]

I know this video is already 1 year old, but over the past year many 4.4mm compatible devices came out including budget ones.... So I think 4.4 is the better way to go now.

[@crhistian12871]

Hi bro, can you pls recommend me a 4.4mm balanced cable for IEMs, 2 pin QDC.

[@unseen6131]

Does 3.5 vs 4.4mm cable make any difference in sound quality in an iem. Will mainly use iem through smartphone with a type c dac to 3.5 or 4.4mm.

[@kappkappa]

Hi! What do you know about ground connection not used. There's 5 port, 2L+2R and one connections GROUND not used. I don't understand, is not useful ground connection such time hi end amplifier have ground connections active?

[@g3neralcross911]

What was the purple cable from ?

[@laika25]

And they all work with all kinds of headphones?

[@Rumeel12708]

Great video 👌🏻. I want to try playing music on my surround sound using a 4.4 balanced to RCA cable. Right now I have tried it with a 3.4 cable. I am using my phone (Tidal) and a Questyle M15 DAC. Would the balanced 4.4 to RCA on back of Bluray player make a big difference?

[@arev2485]

Hart Audio Cables system is the go to now.

[@DJaquithFL]

I'm confused. The professional audio engineers are 100% for balanced in their use case which is often 100 ft cabled but ask them about a 2 ft or 3 ft cable for your headphones or shorter ones for connecting devices and they think that you're smoking crack.

[@daretobe957]

Why there are 5 pins in the 4.4 Pentaconn connector? Is there any value from the grounding termination in that 5-pin 4.4?

[@dixter1652]

Gnd, R+,R-,L+,L- www.reichelt.com/de/pl/przejsci-wka-stereo-jack-4-4-mm-5-pin-stereo-jack-2-5-mm-4-pin-delock-65897-p241512.html

[@erenteria303]

@joshua hey im getting the sennheiser 800s , i already have the shiit modi stack ,no xlr input, do you recommend a xlr to 6.55 mm? or stick with the 6.55mm jack alone?

[@CharlieThePug]

Will 4.4 work with the magni? Trying use sundaras and a magni will a 4.4 cable work with these?

[@BxrHavik]

Hey Josh decided to go with your recommendation of getting a Periapt XLR cable and then getting an adapter for other connection types. I was wanting to be able to use this with my phone (LG V30S, considered an audiophile phone) too which has a 3.5mm jack. However I can't find a KK Cable adapter for this like you linked in the description for 2.5mm and 4.4mm adapters. If KK Cable doesn't have a 3.5mm adapter, can you tell me of a product to use instead? I know there are countless products on amazon for this but I want a good quality one. Also I was wondering about cable length for the Periapt cables. There is an option for 5, 7, and 10 feet for the Sennheiser cables. What do you think is the right cable length? I read a reddit post about this but there was no conclusive answer. Some said 5ft and some said 3 meters, which is basically 10 feet. www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/8w74s6/whats_your_ideal_headphone_cable_length/ You always give great advice and explain very well why we should or shouldn't get something, so I believe your opinion matters a lot and would love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks (:

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

Summarily, is the main argument against 2.5mm that it breaks more easily than bigger jacks? Because if so, I'm fine with that.

[@fondoo]

thank you for the video. it was SUPER helpful for me.

[@shovon64]

Is there any benefit of balanced cable if the ITEM is sensitive?

[@thelonepainter4760]

What cable do you recommend for the hd800?? Also what about xlr to quarter inch adapter?

[@zionrobotikz3841]

Which xlr cable should I use with thx 789 I’m so confused

[@TheZedex87]

Do all 4.4 cables are balanced cables? Because I saw some earphone mentioned their 4.4 is balanced while others dont. Also, can I use the (not mentioned to be balanced) 4.4 cables with balanced dac?

[@theodorezurla496]

I bought the sennheiser 58x and a hip dac ..that being said should I get a balanced cable?

[@larsandersen9134]

How are the balanced cables terminated in the plug that goes into the headphones? There has to be some kinda ciruitry in there that does the magic of removing noise and other stuff.

[@volthndsa2005]

I have Fiio btr5 dac and Philips X2hr headphones, can this combo run balanced? what cable/adapter do i need to buy? is it worth it?? Thanks

[@kennyq45]

Thanks Josh. This was helpful

[@j.d.4697]

Can't believe my HD 560S is actually balanced and one of the ideal DAC/amp combo units also is, the Zen Dac V2.

[@laika25]

So, wait a cable sec here... Any headset (provided cables are detachable on such headset) can be fitted with balanced cables? Are there balanced-specific headsets?

[@mehutolkki3232]

Are you going to do a review off of Topping A90?

[@Onibaka]

Sundara cable replacement other than Periapt ?

[@kaz8297]

Would love to see more closed back options in the hall of fame, as the two options aren't really interesting and I'm looking for slightly more expensive headphones. and then the Z1r lol. Also, how did you get your foobar2000 to get like that from start to finish? Lastly, your editing is amazing. you should make a course in your free time, sell it, and make a lot of money. I know I would sign up!

[@joaopina5156]

Agree, check the Stellia or a little lower price the ZMFs, they have some mean closed back

[@kaz8297]

@@joaopina5156 haha thanks, but I realized that being an audiophile was maybe not the best option for a 14 year old boy

[@martinfox2244]

So for a truly balanced headphone cable would the, say 3.5mm, connection at the earpiece have to be TRRS? Do any headphones have TRRS at the earpieces?

[@jiajieguo7322]

This is a stupid question, would a USB to 4.4mm female jack adapter work with Hifiman Sundara with a balanced cable? I want to try it without a amp or dac

[@headphonecable]

Great video, thank you!

[@Onibaka]

Where can I get that Purple Periapt cable ? I have been checking their website for almost a year now and haven't seen it, the closest thing is the "Navy" color but even that isn't close to this.

[@SameerGurung1975]

My HD599 cable has a 2.5 mm connector that goes into the headphone and a 3.5mm connector that goes into the source. The 2.5mm side has 3 black rings while the 3.5mm side has 2 rings. Is this a balanced cable?

[@edwardgreenberg8298]

I have a 2.5 female balance cable coming from my Senheisser 6xx. What is the best type of connector to use to connect to my drop THX 789 amp. I got the 2.5 cable for my ear studio es100. I also noticed that there are not many cables longer than 1.5 meters. Why is that?

[@MrGrosMamouth]

I love 4.mm since you can use it with portable devices and desktop without adaptor!

[@TheSteve57]

Can the Sundara be run balanced, also HD 600 and 660s ????

[@cheukkou]

you missed the sony dual 3.5 balanced

[@filovirus1]

I get the balanced cable types and balanced output from amp gives you more power but my question is this: how is the balanced sound different from single ended out of amps? does it give you bigger soundstage or higher resolution? bigger sound at same volume level? I don't know whether I should invest in these higher cost balanced amps or just buy Magni+Modi stack.

[@haukionkannel]

filovirus1 balanced reduces noice In long cables because there Are two hot wires with opposite phases and you can remove noise by combining those two signals. In short range cables you only get more power.

[@shakilmohammad9731]

Be happy in what you have. Road to madness is never ending. Concentrate more on your music. My personal experience

[@gogoawy]

The funny thing is that if you can (and I think you should) spend some times and money to buy materials and tools you can hand make 4,4mm cable and adapters which will make it the ultimate choice. It is not that hard once you understand the principle speaking from my experience of balancing my SPH9500, HD660S, Blon B03 and soon Senheiser IE80.

[@jollyrioger2572]

Hi Josh, Quick question. I got the Arya as per your glowing review and I love them. I pair them with my Topping DX7 Pro and it drives it to my listening level with about -15dB overhead on its single ended port. Would the Arya benefit if I invest in a balanced cable? I read a lot that balanced output more current, which Arya can scale to (not just volume but bass and mid presence). The DX7 Pro has output of 1700mW on balanced and half at 840mW on single ended at 32 ohms. Thanks in advance!

[@IsraelCruzJr]

As an Arya owner, using balanced with them is a must. They perform better with more power. Go for it and get a balanced cable.

[@ftlaud911]

@Der Kasse - go balanced. You get more power which can help you not use a higher gain setting. Lower gain equals less noise floor possibility. Would buy the cable your Arya's deserve it.

[@ftlaud911]

@Der Kasse - get one that allows you to change out the part that plugs into the amp. Basically dual 3.5mm for HP side to a mini xlr end. Then get two pigtails (mini xlr to 4 pin XLR and mini xlr to 3.5 with 6.35 adapter). Gives you three possible connections. Then if you buy a headphone that can be run off a DAP or phone your set if it uses 3.5 at the cups. Arya is not mobile friendly. Add in a third pigtail in 4.4 or 2.5 if you get another amp that requires it.

[@jollyrioger2572]

Israel Cruz Jr. thanks for your input! Just ordered one. Now just gotta wait for it to ship from the US to Australia.

[@ftlaud911]

@Der Kasse - your welcome!! Enjoy those amazing cans.

[@duke86fan]

where can i buy a XLR to 4.4mm cable (instead of 4.4 to XLR)

[@christopherna1961]

! Is this 2.5mm trrs balanced is the same as xlr balanced cable because I want to connect 2.5mm trrs to xlr balanced it compatible?

[@suffocated]

Is it possible to use a Cayin RU6 as a mai desktop amp? As in use its balanced 4.4mm to go out to 2 studio monitors (they have both RCA and XLR), so guess I would use a 4.4 to dual XLR or RCA?

[@strikefire2000]

Sorry pretty new here, but just wondering if there's a certain industry standard that sells these balanced cables, or what to look for when buying them? (Unless aliexpress and other online stores are reliable enough) ((thinking of trying out the 4.4 mm balanced w my hd6xxs,wondering about the major differences that would come w it)) cheers!

[@olliemountford8408]

Yo Josh or his fans, I have recently bought KRK's Rokit 5s GP4 and it has a balanced input cable. What do i need to hook it up to my standard vinyl player? Cheers

[@mazel2476]

So to clarify. A balanced cable is referring to the classification of cable you have being able to take advantage of the balanced portion of an amp? And is not indicative of a higher quality of cable/sound?

[@qazxswedcxzaqws]

Unfortunately not quite, an amplifier does not actually need to be balanced internally to output to balanced connectors. The best way to think of it is, single ended signals can be easily converted for balanced headphones/outputs if needed. But balanced outputs cannot be converted for single ended headphones (single ended headphones need to be opened up and re-wired to accept a balanced output, otherwise your amp gets potentially fried). And the cable itself is just stranded metal, unless it's reallly long, way too thin, or just really cheaply made than it should have very little to no perceivable affect on sound.

[@mazel2476]

@@qazxswedcxzaqws Why are they called balanced cables if all the changes are made in the headphones and amp?

[@qazxswedcxzaqws]

@@mazel2476 Balanced cables use two inverse signal wires which makes them much better at rejecting interference. But they are still compatible via conversion from a single ended signal (although you will lose the interference rejection benefits from this unless properly implemented from within the amplifier).

[@haysamd8643]

how can i use DT 990 on balanced AMP/DAC like iFi HipDAC2

[@richardwarner4585]

What are some good DAC/amp that supports 4.4mm balanced output?

[@Edglen]

Ifi Zen DAC or Ifi Zen Can

[@haukionkannel]

Topping d90 topping a90 combo...

[@shakilmohammad9731]

If hip dac

[@raflyakbar7532]

everyone i have a question, if my amp has 2 xlr slot, 1 for mic and it's that possible to used the other one for headphone(xlr)? thanks before.

[@sudheshsankarkk]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@whothoughtthiswasagoodidea]

4.4 pentaconn is the best because it sounds the coolest.

[@kwansheensiow5169]

For a Dap and iem combo, besides power, is there any acoustic benefit to using 4.4mm vs 3.5mm. Using fiio m11 and u12t. But sometimes I use the iem on my phone. Switching 4.4 to 3.5 is anoying even with my modular cable

[@yavorchernaev39]

Let's say I have balanced headphones, what is the connection pathway if I want to listen to balanced audio out of ps4 pro? Thank you.

[@lexx348]

I guess usb-to-balanced-out DAC. For example Fiio BTR3K would probably be cheapest, and works on my PS4

[@antoinep9733]

Massdrop (Drop🤮) should make a Pentacon version of their “DROP 4-PIN XLR-TO-2.5MM TRRS ADAPTER”. Cleaner leaving that permanently plugged into you desktop amp than using a clunky “cabled” adapter.

[@Tsu8787]

Guys, please help a newcomer in terms of audio stuff...I have a FiiO K3 and want to run a pair of HD600 balanced. What cables/adapters do I need to purchase? Thank you kindly.