Which R10 should be recabled with a balanced cable?

[Edwood]

Ask, no, demand Multifilament Nylon Techflex, not the craptastic standard PE Techflex. The only thing softer than the stock silk would be kevlar, but that stuff frays if you stare at it too long. Also, that bright yellow is not so fashion friendly.

Mikhail has a good deal experience recabling R10's. In fact he says he can preserve the stock cable and reverse the operation at a later point if need be.

-Ed

[Elephas]

Here's the L3000 with the balanced APureSound cable, and a buddy.

[APureSound]

Looks great! I hope you enjoy them. I am sad to hear they couldn't do the install on the R10's.

-Alex-

[purk]

Elephas,

Nice very nice. When will you get your Supra XLR? Your headphones look great. BTW, send over your e-mail address and I will forward you a copy of the R10 Service Manual.

[Elephas]

Thanks, purk. I don't expect to receive the Supra XLR anytime soon. It's OK, I don't mind waiting.

I really like the feel and usage of the APureSound V3 cable. It is not too stiff, keeps its shape well without being difficult to handle, and is flexible and lightweight enough to keep out of the way.

The stock R10 cable has to be one of the softest, most flexible, and easiest to handle headphone cables. The stock L3000 cable isn't as easy to handle.

I don't recommend using the velcro-closure cord storage bag that comes with the L3000. The velcro can damage the cloth cover of the cable and cause fraying.

[Edwood]

Unfortunately the R10's cable is merely a rubber tube with loose wires inside it. And the yoke where the two sides meet is secured inside with, get this, only zip ties. You would think with how overboard Sony went with the materials they could've spent a few cents on epoxy or a better solution. Either way, take care when rolling up the R10's cables. Notice how when you twist them, they kind of resist a bit in certain directions?

-Ed

[Icarium]

These Furutech connectors are so badass. I thought the housing was plastic but nope its sexy, sexy metal.

[Elephas]

Yeah, did yours come with foam cut-outs for each of the connectors?

I've decided to send an R10 to APureSound and have it recabled with the same balanced V3 cable with Furutech connectors. Can't have the Furutechs on the L3000 and not on the R10. Oh, man, the ol' wallet is taking a beating with all this recabling.

Ed, that's good info on the stock cable, thanks.

[Icarium]

Yeah. I figured it was original packaging that AK[Zip] included. Or he made it himself just for the connectors which wouldn't surprise me either. Either way great packaging.

Yeah the connectors weren't cheap. It was a tough decision for me between those and the Xhadow. But I think I made the right choice.

Definitely can't have it on the L3000 and not the R10 :/

[PFKMan23]

Icarium,

What made you choose the Furutech over the Xhadow?

[Icarium]

It was a tough choice. Silver plating over pure copper pins versus Rhodium over phosphor'd bronze. In the end I figured the Rhodium might matter more than the bronze and I think I was going to go with a solder connection rather than screws which [AK]Zip told me had to be removed or disabled to do soldering with the Xhadow. Screws I figured might gouge through the wire over time. Removing screws sounded like to solder we were somewhat leaving the designed usage... which in my mind means potential for unreliability....

Yes everything I said factored into the decision... but 90 percent of why I went Furutech? Because it's more expensive and I like wasting money. If I am getting ridiculously expensive connectors that probably won't even noticeably influence the sound... why not go all the way for like 40-50 bucks more. Plus Elephas was doing it too!

[PFKMan23]

If I wanted to waste money, I would have just commissioned my own custom connectors

[Icarium]

I'm not made out of money ;p So its easier to stomach 50 extra bucks.

[PFKMan23]

I wonder why the Furutechs are that much more than the Xhadows, from what I've seen the cost difference seems to be about 2-30 dollars maximum for the pair, unless I'm looking at the wrong connectors.

[Spectator]

Furutech Rhodium Male XLR pairs retail for around $150 USD. Xhadow Male XLR pairs retail for $110 to $120 USD.

[Elephas]

Plus Elephas was doing it too!

Now that... is the best reason to do something.

It might become dangerous if I follow your lead and you follow mine. Mix in some guys who are completely bonkers, like purk, and we'll all be in trouble.

[Elephas]

Actually, I already think Icarium is completely bonkers.

Me, I'm well-grounded and practical, with good judgement.

[Nanoha]

Hehe, I gotta admit... those Furutech plugs are beautiful!

[Icarium]

Furutech Rhodium Male XLR pairs retail for around $150 USD. Xhadow Male XLR pairs retail for $110 to $120 USD.

I've found the Xhadow for 100 which is why I quoted a 50 dollar difference.

[Nanoha]

I wonder where Tiberian is. I remember he has tried a number of different XLR plugs before. Hmm, I wonder what he thinks.