Help with cables

[alm958]

Hello I am new to higher end audio. I need to find the right cables to use in my new system. Musical Fidelity MX-HPA fully balanced headphone amp with left and right channel 3-pin XLR. HIFIman Arya Stealth Magnet with 3.5mm jacks on each side, Any recommendations and how much I should expect to pay for quality cables is appreciated. Thx

 

[alm958]

well I found what I needed already I think. A bit steep...

 

[amzconsultant]

Hello I am new to higher end audio. I need to find the right cables to use in my new system. Musical Fidelity MX-HPA fully balanced headphone amp with left and right channel 3-pin XLR. HIFIman Arya Stealth Magnet with 3.5mm jacks on each side, Any recommendations and how much I should expect to pay for quality cables is appreciated. Thx

Hello! When selecting cables for your audio setup, it's essential to consider the connectors on your devices and the overall quality of the cables. Here are some recommendations for your specific setup:

1. Headphone Cable:
   • Since your HIFIman Arya Stealth has 3.5mm jacks on each side, you'll need a headphone cable with a 3.5mm termination on one end and the appropriate connectors for your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA on the other end.
   • Consider high-quality cables with robust construction and shielding to minimize interference.
2. Interconnect Cable:
   • For the connection between your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA and the source (assuming you have a source component), you may need an interconnect cable.
   • Since your MX-HPA uses 3-pin XLR connections, you'll need an interconnect with 3-pin XLR on one end and the appropriate termination for your source on the other end.
3. Pricing:
   • Cable prices can vary widely based on factors like length, materials, and brand. Entry-level cables may start around $20-$50, while high-end cables can go into the hundreds or more.
   • It's important to find a balance between your budget and the level of performance you're seeking. Keep in mind that the impact of cables on sound quality can be subjective.
4. Brands to Consider:
   • Some reputable cable brands include AudioQuest, Nordost, Mogami, and Canare. However, there are many boutique cable manufacturers that offer quality products as well.
5. Length:
   • Choose cable lengths that suit your setup. Longer cables may introduce more signal degradation, so keep the lengths reasonable for your specific needs.
6. Try Before You Buy:
   • If possible, try different cables in your setup to determine if you can discern any noticeable differences in sound quality. Some audiophiles have strong preferences, while others may not perceive significant changes.

Remember that opinions on cables can vary, and some audiophiles prioritize certain characteristics over others. It's often recommended to listen and make decisions based on your personal preferences. Additionally, consider seeking advice from local audio retailers or audiophile communities for more tailored recommendations.

 

[Trell]

Another cable dude recommending "listening" to cables.

 

[TLS Guy]

Another cable dude recommending "listening" to cables.

I think we are being attacked by these nutters at the moment.

 

[TLS Guy]

well I found what I needed already I think. A bit steep...
View attachment 65010

Wire is Wire, and wasting money on expensive cables is just that, a waste of money.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hello! When selecting cables for your audio setup, it's essential to consider the connectors on your devices and the overall quality of the cables. Here are some recommendations for your specific setup:

1. Headphone Cable:
   • Since your HIFIman Arya Stealth has 3.5mm jacks on each side, you'll need a headphone cable with a 3.5mm termination on one end and the appropriate connectors for your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA on the other end.
   • Consider high-quality cables with robust construction and shielding to minimize interference.
2. Interconnect Cable:
   • For the connection between your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA and the source (assuming you have a source component), you may need an interconnect cable.
   • Since your MX-HPA uses 3-pin XLR connections, you'll need an interconnect with 3-pin XLR on one end and the appropriate termination for your source on the other end.
3. Pricing:
   • Cable prices can vary widely based on factors like length, materials, and brand. Entry-level cables may start around $20-$50, while high-end cables can go into the hundreds or more.
   • It's important to find a balance between your budget and the level of performance you're seeking. Keep in mind that the impact of cables on sound quality can be subjective.
4. Brands to Consider:
   • Some reputable cable brands include AudioQuest, Nordost, Mogami, and Canare. However, there are many boutique cable manufacturers that offer quality products as well.
5. Length:
   • Choose cable lengths that suit your setup. Longer cables may introduce more signal degradation, so keep the lengths reasonable for your specific needs.
6. Try Before You Buy:
   • If possible, try different cables in your setup to determine if you can discern any noticeable differences in sound quality. Some audiophiles have strong preferences, while others may not perceive significant changes.

Remember that opinions on cables can vary, and some audiophiles prioritize certain characteristics over others. It's often recommended to listen and make decisions based on your personal preferences. Additionally, consider seeking advice from local audio retailers or audiophile communities for more tailored recommendations.

A nice list of brands to avoid.

 

[lovinthehd]

Hello! When selecting cables for your audio setup, it's essential to consider the connectors on your devices and the overall quality of the cables. Here are some recommendations for your specific setup:

1. Headphone Cable:
   • Since your HIFIman Arya Stealth has 3.5mm jacks on each side, you'll need a headphone cable with a 3.5mm termination on one end and the appropriate connectors for your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA on the other end.
   • Consider high-quality cables with robust construction and shielding to minimize interference.
2. Interconnect Cable:
   • For the connection between your Musical Fidelity MX-HPA and the source (assuming you have a source component), you may need an interconnect cable.
   • Since your MX-HPA uses 3-pin XLR connections, you'll need an interconnect with 3-pin XLR on one end and the appropriate termination for your source on the other end.
3. Pricing:
   • Cable prices can vary widely based on factors like length, materials, and brand. Entry-level cables may start around $20-$50, while high-end cables can go into the hundreds or more.
   • It's important to find a balance between your budget and the level of performance you're seeking. Keep in mind that the impact of cables on sound quality can be subjective.
4. Brands to Consider:
   • Some reputable cable brands include AudioQuest, Nordost, Mogami, and Canare. However, there are many boutique cable manufacturers that offer quality products as well.
5. Length:
   • Choose cable lengths that suit your setup. Longer cables may introduce more signal degradation, so keep the lengths reasonable for your specific needs.
6. Try Before You Buy:
   • If possible, try different cables in your setup to determine if you can discern any noticeable differences in sound quality. Some audiophiles have strong preferences, while others may not perceive significant changes.

Remember that opinions on cables can vary, and some audiophiles prioritize certain characteristics over others. It's often recommended to listen and make decisions based on your personal preferences. Additionally, consider seeking advice from local audio retailers or audiophile communities for more tailored recommendations.

Fraudioquest and Nordost are charlatans, no value there. Mogami, Belden and Canare would be better choices. No need to spend hundreds, tho. "Trying" cables is a silly exercise.

 

[mono-bloc]

Forget all about expensive // costly // over priced cables, after all wire is wire. Twenty dollars should get you all you need, Try Amazon etc

These just listed on Audiogon, they come with a free ticket to the nut house

Nordost Valhalla 2 For Sale | Audiogon

Nordost Valhalla 2 Speaker for sale. Nordost Valhalla 2 Speaker Cables Measures 4.24m (13' 11") long. Condition at least 8/10 see photos. Serial No...

www.audiogon.com

 

[highfigh]

The HiFiMan cables aren't good enough?

Search using 'Youkamoo 4 Pin XLR Balanced Male Compatible for Hifiman HE4XX, HE-400i Headphones 8 Core Braided Silver Plated Replacement Audio Upgrade Cable (2 x 3.5mm Version)'

 

[PhantomGleam]

For your setup, you’ll need a cable that has dual 3.5mm jacks for the HIFIman Arya on one end and dual 3-pin XLR connectors for the Musical Fidelity MX-HPA on the other. Brands like Periapt Cables, Moon Audio, or Hart Audio Cables offer great quality at reasonable prices. Expect to pay around $100–$200 for a well-built cable with quality materials. Avoid spending too much on "audiophile-grade" cables unless you’re looking for aesthetics or specific features, as the differences in sound are typically minimal. Make sure the cable is long enough for your setup and has sturdy connectors to ensure durability.

 

[Bobby Bass]

well I found what I needed already I think. A bit steep...
View attachment 65010

Thanks for asking the question. As you can see you have touched on a polarizing topic with a cable question. To answer your question there is a wide range of cost for the same length of Cable. I would agree that $300 is steep. Agree with trying Amazon and seeing what’s available in your budget.

 

[highfigh]

Who started the 'balanced headphone cable' BS?

They're not balanced. The L and R drivers may be wired discretely but at some point, the L and R negative are common unless using a tube/mono block amp or if the headphones use a transformer for each channel, like electret or electrostatic headphones.

 

[TLS Guy]

Who started the 'balanced headphone cable' BS?

They're not balanced. The L and R drivers may be wired discretely but at some point, the L and R negative are common unless using a tube/mono block amp or if the headphones use a transformer for each channel, like electret or electrostatic headphones.

You know how it goes. These audiophool wire fanatics, are plain stupid and very ignorant. You know the old saying:- "Fools are easily parted from their money!"

 

[Teetertotter?]

I have laughed so hard, that I fell of my chair..........but I am Okay. Now, my HT room speaker wire is 2 conductor stranded wire, 99.9% pure copper, twisted pair, foil shielded, and jacketed. I am a bit over spec.,...lol but this communications wire is free from my son, who is employed with a large electrical contractor covering 3 states. This wire is FREE from any electrical interference. What do you say about that, folks?

 

[highfigh]

I have laughed so hard, that I fell of my chair..........but I am Okay. Now, my HT room speaker wire is 2 conductor stranded wire, 99.9% pure copper, twisted pair, foil shielded, and jacketed. I am a bit over spec.,...lol but this communications wire is free from my son, who is employed with a large electrical contractor covering 3 states. This wire is FREE from any electrical interference. What do you say about that, folks?

And what gauge is this speaker wire, which DOESN'T need to be shielded?

 

[TLS Guy]

I have laughed so hard, that I fell of my chair..........but I am Okay. Now, my HT room speaker wire is 2 conductor stranded wire, 99.9% pure copper, twisted pair, foil shielded, and jacketed. I am a bit over spec.,...lol but this communications wire is free from my son, who is employed with a large electrical contractor covering 3 states. This wire is FREE from any electrical interference. What do you say about that, folks?

I say that speaker cable should not be shielded ever, as it creates a capacitance effect in the cable. Really the only thing that matters about speaker cable is that it have very low capacitance and low resistance. The required gauge of cable is determined by the length of the cable. The longer the cable the higher gauge of cable you need.
Generally electricians cables are not suitable cables, yours is in that category a it should not be shielded.

 

[Speedskater]

And why should electricians cords & cables not be used as loudspeaker cables?

On large system installer reports that long shielded speaker cables can make a few amplifiers unhappy.

Some legacy and boutique amplifiers may ring or oscillate with high total capacitance speaker cables.

But total capacitance of speaker cables is not a factor in modern systems.

Total inductance of speaker cables is only a factor in a few very low impedance loudspeakers.

 

[highfigh]

And why should electricians cords & cables not be used as loudspeaker cables?

On large system installer reports that long shielded speaker cables can make a few amplifiers unhappy.

Some legacy and boutique amplifiers may ring or oscillate with high total capacitance speaker cables.

But total capacitance of speaker cables is not a factor in modern systems.

Total inductance of speaker cables is only a factor in a few very low impedance loudspeakers.

When an amplifier oscillates, bad things happen- sometimes, to the amp, usually to the tweeters.

Ever hear about the problems caused by braided Kimber Cable? Many amps didn't like that stuff.

 

[highfigh]

I say that speaker cable should not be shielded ever, as it creates a capacitance effect in the cable. Really the only thing that matters about speaker cable is that it have very low capacitance and low resistance. The required gauge of cable is determined by the length of the cable. The longer the cable the higher gauge of cable you need.
Generally electricians cables are not suitable cables, yours is in that category a it should not be shielded.

Yeah, well, some speaker cable IS shielded and it's usually for fixed voltage ysstems- I have seen and installed it when I worked for an audio contractor in the late-'90s. It's used for installations where the areas where the runs are crowded with many types of cables and with different signals- some buildings need cabling but access by human installers is difficult, if not impossible, so it's a matter of "get it in and we'll let shielding be our friend. If a problem occurs, we'll deal with at one end or the other, or both".

Belden makes 12/2 shielded cable that's made for this- I'm going to contact them to get more info.

https://www.showmecables.com/media/specs/Belden5000FE.pdf