My cans died on me :(

[DisgruntledVirus]

Last July I got a set of Steelsound 5h v2's, and they worked great. Not the best sound quality (when compared to HT speakers I've listened to), but much better than 90% of whats out there. They have been great, until a few weeks ago.

The problem started off as I would lose left channel audio unless the cable was at certain angles. Was mildly annoying but not a huge deal. The it progressively got worse to the point where I had to tape the cable in a certain position and stay there so it didn't cut out. Last week it got to the point where I lost all left channel sound, and nothing I could do with the cable would fix that.

Since it is out of the 1 year warranty, I decided to try and fix them. When I cut outer cover to expose the three wires I didn't see anything that would cause only the left channel to drop. After messing with it for a while, I decided to try another male end from Radioshack. So I tried this and got some static when it first connects but no actual audio.

So now I am trying to figure out what to do. Option 1) continue to try to fix the 5h's and try to get them to work (I doubt it at this point), 2) I can just buy new headphones (I had always planned on replacing the 5h's at some point, just not this soon lol).

I am leaning to option 2, and want to get a nice set (~$300 price range) but don't really know what options are. With xmas coming up I don't want to spend it right now unfortunately, and will most likely get some cheap things from BB to last until I decide to drop money on them. That being said what are some good options? The Denon D2000 (would prefer D5000/D7000 but unless it's a gift from somebody doubt that will happen) is what I would most likely get because I need a closed ear design because I listen at work. So I need closed ear design, and would like noise isolation if possible (but that is a secondary concern). So what options are out there? I know I need to go listen, but I need to know what model/brands to look at to be able to do that.

EDIT: After doing some searching I think I am going to be picking up a new pair of cans at some point soonish. I never was satisfied with these, and wanted to always get a better set. Now is as good a time as any.

 

[sdifox]

Why not just resolder the cable? As in open the headphone up and resolder the cable on to the driver. Most likely you got some break in the line. Test with multi-metre to confirm it is indeed the line before going to all the trouble of de-soldering and soldering. Use sandpaper on wire if they are enamel encased.

You could get the DT770 on sale at amazon for 108 if you like them.

PS never mind on the Beyer Dynamics DT770. No longer on sale.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox
Why not just resolder the cable? As in open the headphone up and resolder the cable on to the driver. Most likely you got some break in the line. Test with multi-metre to confirm it is indeed the line before going to all the trouble of de-soldering and soldering. Use sandpaper on wire if they are enamel encased.

You could get the DT770 on sale at amazon for 108 if you like them.

PS never mind on the Beyer Dynamics DT770. No longer on sale.

Yeah I figured I had a break somewhere, but where I could bend the cable to "fix" them short term was after they split to the mic/headphone cables on the headphone end (about 1/4 inch up from where the cable exits the male connection).

That was something I thought was really weird about the wires, was all 3 of them were just in the jacket wrapped together and color coded (gold, red, blue). No insulation for them. So they most be enamel encased then, which would also be why the solder didn't stick to them and could be why the new one from Radioshack didn't work. I don't know if I have sand paper at home, but I do have a dremel with wire wheel attachment (either metal or plastic) would that work (dremel on lowest speed obviously) or would it destroy the wire in the process?

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox
Why not just resolder the cable? As in open the headphone up and resolder the cable on to the driver. Most likely you got some break in the line. Test with multi-metre to confirm it is indeed the line before going to all the trouble of de-soldering and soldering. Use sandpaper on wire if they are enamel encased.

You could get the DT770 on sale at amazon for 108 if you like them.

PS never mind on the Beyer Dynamics DT770. No longer on sale.

Yeah I figured I had a break somewhere, but where I could bend the cable to "fix" them short term was after they split to the mic/headphone cables on the headphone end (about 1/4 inch up from where the cable exits the male connection).

That was something I thought was really weird about the wires, was all 3 of them were just in the jacket wrapped together and color coded (gold, red, blue). No insulation for them. So they most be enamel encased then, which would also be why the solder didn't stick to them and could be why the new one from Radioshack didn't work. I don't know if I have sand paper at home, but I do have a dremel with wire wheel attachment (either metal or plastic) would that work (dremel on lowest speed obviously) or would it destroy the wire in the process?

err, dremel would be overkill. You can also burn it off, but the fume is not pleasant. Just go pick up some find grain sandpaper. A few swipes should do it, it is just a very thin layer of enamel on the strands.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox
Why not just resolder the cable? As in open the headphone up and resolder the cable on to the driver. Most likely you got some break in the line. Test with multi-metre to confirm it is indeed the line before going to all the trouble of de-soldering and soldering. Use sandpaper on wire if they are enamel encased.

You could get the DT770 on sale at amazon for 108 if you like them.

PS never mind on the Beyer Dynamics DT770. No longer on sale.

Yeah I figured I had a break somewhere, but where I could bend the cable to "fix" them short term was after they split to the mic/headphone cables on the headphone end (about 1/4 inch up from where the cable exits the male connection).

That was something I thought was really weird about the wires, was all 3 of them were just in the jacket wrapped together and color coded (gold, red, blue). No insulation for them. So they most be enamel encased then, which would also be why the solder didn't stick to them and could be why the new one from Radioshack didn't work. I don't know if I have sand paper at home, but I do have a dremel with wire wheel attachment (either metal or plastic) would that work (dremel on lowest speed obviously) or would it destroy the wire in the process?

err, dremel would be overkill. You can also burn it off, but the fume is not pleasant. Just go pick up some find grain sandpaper. A few swipes should do it, it is just a very thin layer of enamel on the strands.

Burn it with just a lighter I assume?

I think I'll pick up some sand paper omw home tonight after work.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Burn it with just a lighter I assume?

I think I'll pick up some sand paper omw home tonight after work.

I would go with sandpaper. A little healthier, maybe. The micro particle of enamel will get into you

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Burn it with just a lighter I assume?

I think I'll pick up some sand paper omw home tonight after work.

I would go with sandpaper. A little healthier, maybe. The micro particle of enamel will get into you

Any specific grit? Would 200+ work or still too rough?

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Burn it with just a lighter I assume?

I think I'll pick up some sand paper omw home tonight after work.

I would go with sandpaper. A little healthier, maybe. The micro particle of enamel will get into you

Any specific grit? Would 200+ work or still too rough?

Go for like 1000. You just want to get the paint and not the copper.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Burn it with just a lighter I assume?

I think I'll pick up some sand paper omw home tonight after work.

I would go with sandpaper. A little healthier, maybe. The micro particle of enamel will get into you

Any specific grit? Would 200+ work or still too rough?

Go for like 1000. You just want to get the paint and not the copper.

Yeah, wasn't sure how fine a grit would be needed to actually remove the coating.

Also does it matter if I use a 100 watt soldering iron I have at home, or should I get a 15-30 watt one?

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Yeah, wasn't sure how fine a grit would be needed to actually remove the coating.

Also does it matter if I use a 100 watt soldering iron I have at home, or should I get a 15-30 watt one?

Depends on where you are soldering. You have to be good if you are going to try the 100w near plastic/ the driver. If you are just joining wires, no problem.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Yeah, wasn't sure how fine a grit would be needed to actually remove the coating.

Also does it matter if I use a 100 watt soldering iron I have at home, or should I get a 15-30 watt one?

Depends on where you are soldering. You have to be good if you are going to try the 100w near plastic/ the driver. If you are just joining wires, no problem.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/fi...ed_headphone_cable.jpg

It's at that end of the cable. The drivers/plastic won't be near it.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Well I think I am still going to buy some new cans, even if these can be repaired. The only question is as to when I would buy them, obviously sooner if I can't repair my current ones. So I have spent most of the day researching over at Head-fi forums and reviews online.

I need closed ear cans. I understand that it's difficult to make these sound as good as open air designs, but I have to have closed due to work. Noise isolation is a big plus, but not required. Noise leaking on the other hand has to be kept to a minimum (my cube mate is about 3 ft away, and my manager is on the other side of my cube wall).

I don't have an amp currently, but will most likely end up getting one soonish as well.

My main question is where can I go to audition? I can't seem to find any in my area. I have Guitar Center and chains like that who focus on musicians, but prefer smaller shops if possible. Unfortunately none of the ones in my area sell anything other then Senheiser. I don't know if the big chains do any kind of auditioning or not, or even if they sell some of the "smaller" headphone companies in stores (or its just online sale). So anybody able to help me find stores in my area (rather what searches I can do to find them)?

Now the cans I have looked at online are:
AKG 271/240 MK II- These are the most likely option at this point, but will do more research. I can't tell the real difference between the 271 and 240 though. Spec wise they look the exact same, the only difference is $70 or so. Anybody know what's the difference is?

Denon 2000's- These were the initial ones I wanted (partially based off the thread in here), but some things over at Head-fi have made me rethink that. Also more expensive than the AKG's by $100 or so.

Beyerdynamic DT150- Head-fi seems to like these overall, especially for the price. The cheap price worries me, along with not a huge fan of the design aesthetically. Cheapest option though by far.

Beyerdynamic DT770pro-Seem to be well liked at Head-fi as well. Priced about same as the K 271's. Don't like as much as the 271's because of lack of other things the 271's have (namely detachable cable).

Audio-technica ATH-A700- Generally well liked from everything I've seen. Priced 2nd highest, but like from everything I have read/seen (aesthetics and review wise) tied for second with the Denon's.

Now I am mainly listening to rock, strings, orchestral, female vocal, and some metal. The band Within Temptation has some good songs that are a sample of what I like.

Anybody have any comments/suggestions?

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Yeah, wasn't sure how fine a grit would be needed to actually remove the coating.

Also does it matter if I use a 100 watt soldering iron I have at home, or should I get a 15-30 watt one?

Depends on where you are soldering. You have to be good if you are going to try the 100w near plastic/ the driver. If you are just joining wires, no problem.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/fi...ed_headphone_cable.jpg

It's at that end of the cable. The drivers/plastic won't be near it.

You should be fine then. Burning a plug is cheap

Any reason why you don't like the Sennheisers? Being able to audition gears is a plus if you are picky. I bought the DT770 because they were a good value and the opinions were it's a good pair of cans. I just need them for the few hours I play late night game. Other times I am blasting my HT.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Yeah, wasn't sure how fine a grit would be needed to actually remove the coating.

Also does it matter if I use a 100 watt soldering iron I have at home, or should I get a 15-30 watt one?

Depends on where you are soldering. You have to be good if you are going to try the 100w near plastic/ the driver. If you are just joining wires, no problem.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/fi...ed_headphone_cable.jpg

It's at that end of the cable. The drivers/plastic won't be near it.

You should be fine then. Burning a plug is cheap

Any reason why you don't like the Sennheisers? Being able to audition gears is a plus if you are picky. I bought the DT770 because they were a good value and the opinions were it's a good pair of cans. I just need them for the few hours I play late night game. Other times I am blasting my HT.

Blind buying audio equipment means I can't compare it obviously. With that I can only compare to my 5H's, which are lacking in SQ so new cans will sound better I'm sure. I would rather be able to audition, because I can be very picky. I like speakers to be neutral, not add any kind of coloration, have crisp highs (I would rather have a harsher high, than a more laid back high), and love transparent speakers. My favorite HT speaker is from Focal, from the 837's to the 1037's (which are the highest I've been able to audition). Paradigm speakers I like as well, and B&W's sound great but don't like the design and gave me listener fatigue.

Sennheiser has primarily open air designs, and the closed designs they do aren't rated very highly it seems. I really just need to find a store that sells various headphones so I can audition them, but can't seem to find any in my area. How do you like your DT770's? I placed them just behind the Denon and Audio-Technica's (which are tied for second behind the AKG). All 4 of them though are very close and I would most likely be happy with any of them. I don't want a bassy set, and would prefer something "lighter" on the bass vs "heavier" on the bass. My car has been running without a sub for 2 years, and only the front end components I got (although I wish I had the Focal K2P's instead, but live and learn).

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Blind buying audio equipment means I can't compare it obviously. With that I can only compare to my 5H's, which are lacking in SQ so new cans will sound better I'm sure. I would rather be able to audition, because I can be very picky. I like speakers to be neutral, not add any kind of coloration, have crisp highs (I would rather have a harsher high, than a more laid back high), and love transparent speakers. My favorite HT speaker is from Focal, from the 837's to the 1037's (which are the highest I've been able to audition). Paradigm speakers I like as well, and B&W's sound great but don't like the design and gave me listener fatigue.

Sennheiser has primarily open air designs, and the closed designs they do aren't rated very highly it seems. I really just need to find a store that sells various headphones so I can audition them, but can't seem to find any in my area. How do you like your DT770's? I placed them just behind the Denon and Audio-Technica's (which are tied for second behind the AKG). All 4 of them though are very close and I would most likely be happy with any of them. I don't want a bassy set, and would prefer something "lighter" on the bass vs "heavier" on the bass. My car has been running without a sub for 2 years, and only the front end components I got (although I wish I had the Focal K2P's instead, but live and learn).

Don't got the DT770 yet, they were shipped though. I shipped to my friend's parents' place in ny and he brings them over when he visits them. So it takes a while. Amazon doesn't ship electronics across the border

Where do you live? I live in the biggest city in Canada so there is a few places I can go.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Blind buying audio equipment means I can't compare it obviously. With that I can only compare to my 5H's, which are lacking in SQ so new cans will sound better I'm sure. I would rather be able to audition, because I can be very picky. I like speakers to be neutral, not add any kind of coloration, have crisp highs (I would rather have a harsher high, than a more laid back high), and love transparent speakers. My favorite HT speaker is from Focal, from the 837's to the 1037's (which are the highest I've been able to audition). Paradigm speakers I like as well, and B&W's sound great but don't like the design and gave me listener fatigue.

Sennheiser has primarily open air designs, and the closed designs they do aren't rated very highly it seems. I really just need to find a store that sells various headphones so I can audition them, but can't seem to find any in my area. How do you like your DT770's? I placed them just behind the Denon and Audio-Technica's (which are tied for second behind the AKG). All 4 of them though are very close and I would most likely be happy with any of them. I don't want a bassy set, and would prefer something "lighter" on the bass vs "heavier" on the bass. My car has been running without a sub for 2 years, and only the front end components I got (although I wish I had the Focal K2P's instead, but live and learn).

Don't got the DT770 yet, they were shipped though. I shipped to my friend's parents' place in ny and he brings them over when he visits them. So it takes a while. Amazon doesn't ship electronics across the border

Where do you live? I live in the biggest city in Canada so there is a few places I can go.

Ah, well make sure to post a review of what you think of the DT770's when ya get em

I live in NE Ohio (Akron/Canton area, Cleveland is about 45 min north of me, Columbus 2 hours south of me, and Pittsburgh about an hour and 1/2-2 hrs East of me), and am willing to travel a bit (would like to keep it under an hour drive time though if possible lol). In my area there are HT stores that sell a lot of HT speakers, amps, etc and can find most brands if I look. None of them seem to sell headphones though.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Blind buying audio equipment means I can't compare it obviously. With that I can only compare to my 5H's, which are lacking in SQ so new cans will sound better I'm sure. I would rather be able to audition, because I can be very picky. I like speakers to be neutral, not add any kind of coloration, have crisp highs (I would rather have a harsher high, than a more laid back high), and love transparent speakers. My favorite HT speaker is from Focal, from the 837's to the 1037's (which are the highest I've been able to audition). Paradigm speakers I like as well, and B&W's sound great but don't like the design and gave me listener fatigue.

Sennheiser has primarily open air designs, and the closed designs they do aren't rated very highly it seems. I really just need to find a store that sells various headphones so I can audition them, but can't seem to find any in my area. How do you like your DT770's? I placed them just behind the Denon and Audio-Technica's (which are tied for second behind the AKG). All 4 of them though are very close and I would most likely be happy with any of them. I don't want a bassy set, and would prefer something "lighter" on the bass vs "heavier" on the bass. My car has been running without a sub for 2 years, and only the front end components I got (although I wish I had the Focal K2P's instead, but live and learn).

Don't got the DT770 yet, they were shipped though. I shipped to my friend's parents' place in ny and he brings them over when he visits them. So it takes a while. Amazon doesn't ship electronics across the border

Where do you live? I live in the biggest city in Canada so there is a few places I can go.

Ah, well make sure to post a review of what you think of the DT770's when ya get em

I live in NE Ohio (Akron/Canton area, Cleveland is about 45 min north of me, Columbus 2 hours south of me, and Pittsburgh about an hour and 1/2-2 hrs East of me), and am willing to travel a bit (would like to keep it under an hour drive time though if possible lol). In my area there are HT stores that sell a lot of HT speakers, amps, etc and can find most brands if I look. None of them seem to sell headphones though.

Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox


Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

Yeah that's what I figured, I just don't want to make that trip out there lol. I think they might have a Twitter there, which would most likely have a lot of these. I should check out Guitar Center and some DJ type stores in the area though. Some of the phones (like the AKG's) are focused on DJ/pro type enviornments, and HT stores are unlikely to carry (even in Pittsburgh).

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox


Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

Yeah that's what I figured, I just don't want to make that trip out there lol. I think they might have a Twitter there, which would most likely have a lot of these. I should check out Guitar Center and some DJ type stores in the area though. Some of the phones (like the AKG's) are focused on DJ/pro type enviornments, and HT stores are unlikely to carry (even in Pittsburgh).

What about Cleveland? I have no knowledge whatsoever of US geography/city sizes.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox


Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

Yeah that's what I figured, I just don't want to make that trip out there lol. I think they might have a Twitter there, which would most likely have a lot of these. I should check out Guitar Center and some DJ type stores in the area though. Some of the phones (like the AKG's) are focused on DJ/pro type enviornments, and HT stores are unlikely to carry (even in Pittsburgh).

What about Cleveland? I have no knowledge whatsoever of US geography/city sizes.

Well actually after I posted that I was doing research online and started digging through authorized sellers for some brands I didn't look at before (well their seller list). I came across two near me, one kind of out of the way but could stop omw home tomorrow/friday and another that is omw to college so I can stop OMW there or after class. The one by college happens to also sell 3 of the brands I wanted to look at which is about the only brightside to today lol.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox


Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

Yeah that's what I figured, I just don't want to make that trip out there lol. I think they might have a Twitter there, which would most likely have a lot of these. I should check out Guitar Center and some DJ type stores in the area though. Some of the phones (like the AKG's) are focused on DJ/pro type enviornments, and HT stores are unlikely to carry (even in Pittsburgh).

What about Cleveland? I have no knowledge whatsoever of US geography/city sizes.

Well actually after I posted that I was doing research online and started digging through authorized sellers for some brands I didn't look at before (well their seller list). I came across two near me, one kind of out of the way but could stop omw home tomorrow/friday and another that is omw to college so I can stop OMW there or after class. The one by college happens to also sell 3 of the brands I wanted to look at which is about the only brightside to today lol.

So are you going to fix the cable?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: sdifox


Sounds like Pittsburgh is your best bet. I am pretty sure the DT770 are overkill for fps sound

Yeah that's what I figured, I just don't want to make that trip out there lol. I think they might have a Twitter there, which would most likely have a lot of these. I should check out Guitar Center and some DJ type stores in the area though. Some of the phones (like the AKG's) are focused on DJ/pro type enviornments, and HT stores are unlikely to carry (even in Pittsburgh).

What about Cleveland? I have no knowledge whatsoever of US geography/city sizes.

Well actually after I posted that I was doing research online and started digging through authorized sellers for some brands I didn't look at before (well their seller list). I came across two near me, one kind of out of the way but could stop omw home tomorrow/friday and another that is omw to college so I can stop OMW there or after class. The one by college happens to also sell 3 of the brands I wanted to look at which is about the only brightside to today lol.

So are you going to fix the cable?

I'm trying to, and have fixed it kind of. I have hit a few snags on it, because the cable is short and I don't have much play in it. I think I am going to need to add some wire to the cable to be able to solder it.

I am still looking for new cans though, because these are just limping along and were never meant to be good for audio.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I'm trying to, and have fixed it kind of. I have hit a few snags on it, because the cable is short and I don't have much play in it. I think I am going to need to add some wire to the cable to be able to solder it.

I am still looking for new cans though, because these are just limping along and were never meant to be good for audio.

Oh I just meant you fix it well enough to tie you over til you get new ones.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I'm trying to, and have fixed it kind of. I have hit a few snags on it, because the cable is short and I don't have much play in it. I think I am going to need to add some wire to the cable to be able to solder it.

I am still looking for new cans though, because these are just limping along and were never meant to be good for audio.

Oh I just meant you fix it well enough to tie you over til you get new ones.

Yeah I will, just don't know when. Maybe Friday after work, but I am dieing right now without them here. My in-ears suck, make my ears hurt, and make for a long day.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Well tonight after work went to the 2 closest audio stores selling any of those brands, and the first doesn't carry AKG anymore and only has lower end stuff than I am looking for. The second is totally closed. So now I gotta go find another store in my area.