Modding Headphone Cable

[StopSign]

I have the Sony MDR-XD200 headphones attached to my soundcard along with my speakers. For some reason my soundcard (Realtek ALC888) outputs really loud volume even with the volume all the way down. At the lowest volume my headphones are at a decent level but my speakers need to be cranked up quite a bit.

I'm just wondering if it's possible to add a volume knob to the cable so I can increase the volume on the soundcard while keeping the headphones at a comfortable level. Since it's probably not very economical to find and buy one of those "volume dials," I'm thinking it's probably best to salvage one from an old lamp or something.

Is this a wise thing to do? Is there anything I should be aware of? Is a lamp switch okay for this or should I look into more "sensitive" devices?

 

[potato28]

Check head-fi.org. They might have a tutorial, and a parts list where you can buy it all

 

[PurdueRy]

just add a inline variable resistor...or create a voltage divider circuit that takes each of the channels and connects it with a variable resistance to the ground wire

 

[SilentRunning]

Or you could just go with something like the Koss VC-20

...or available at Amazon

 

[StopSign]

I'm thinking of just buying a pair of cheap headphones and snipping off the volume control.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: StopSign
I'm thinking of just buying a pair of cheap headphones and snipping off the volume control.

Have fun. The soldering for that will be unbearably difficult. You're much better off making a volume control or just getting one like Koss'.

 

[StopSign]

There's a similar volume control thing at The Source for $5. I didn't go take a look so I don't know how long it is. My headphones are plugged into the back panel, not the front (because I don't have front audio ports). Do you know how long the Koss volume control cable is?

 

[43st]

Originally posted by: StopSign
There's a similar volume control thing at The Source for $5. I didn't go take a look so I don't know how long it is. My headphones are plugged into the back panel, not the front (because I don't have front audio ports). Do you know how long the Koss volume control cable is?

3' according to the comments on the Amazon link.

The only way you'll solder that cheap sony cable is to completely remove it and use something with a thicker gauge. Those conductors are as thin as hairs. On the plus side you could get a nice soft or braided Mogami cable and totally bling out your headphones.