Headphone Cables - All Our Models | Audiohum

Headphone/ Earphone cables

Headphone cables are similar in concept to speaker cables. As with speaker cables, the correct synergy of the headphone - cable - amplifier assembly is essential to obtain maximum performance from the equipment.

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  • Brand: Audeze

What is a headphone cable?

Headphone cables are similar in concept to speaker cables. As with speaker cables, the correct synergy of the headphone - cable - amplifier assembly is essential to get the best performance from the equipment.

The analogue audio connector (plug to denote the male connector, or jack to denote the female connector of this type) for analogue signals is used to connect microphones, headphones and other analogue signal systems to electronic devices, but mostly audio.

Types of headphone cable connectors

The connector of a headphone may be different depending on the device to which it is to be connected, for example to connect our headphones to a smartphone, the connector type is most likely to be 3.5 mm, while a headset for a game console may be connected via USB.

The most common connections found on today's headphones are:

USB connection

Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is a very common connector and is used in all kinds of products. It was developed by 7 companies (NEC, Microsoft, Intel, Nortel, Compaq, DEC and IBM) in the 1990s, and is an industry standard. It was designed to create a standard connector for computer accessories such as headphones and keyboards.

3.5 mm connection

The 3.5 mm jack is the miniature version of the phone jack, which is 6.35 mm in diameter, and is used with all types of headphones. It is not only used for audio, but also for video and stereo audio.

This type of connector is used for most headsets, as it works with many devices, such as mobile phones and computers. It is small and portable. This aspect of portability makes it ideal for most headphones.

2.5 mm connection

These are the mini version of the phone jack, and a variation of the 3.5mm. They are mainly used for single-ear headphones. They are better in this respect as they can be smaller, which is good for a small headset. And while 3.5 mm connectors also allow a microphone to be connected, a 2.5 mm jack cannot.

RJ9, RJ10 and RJ22 connections

These 3 RJ connectors are the same. RJ stands for Registered Jack, and they have a standardised telecommunications network connector. They are mainly used to connect telecommunication equipment, e.g. domestic fixed lines to a local exchange and then to your service provider.

RJ9s are 4P4C connectors that are used in headsets. The most common are on landline telephones. RJ11s are similar, although these are used on modems, and have 6 positions. RJ9 is a standard connector and they even offer adapters to convert to a 2.5/3.5mm connection.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment contact us without obligation.

Headphone Cable Buying Guide

What to consider when choosing a headphone cable?

Considerations when choosing a headphone cable:

Opt for cables that offer high-quality audio transmission, minimising signal loss and distortion.

Look for cables made of strong, durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Flexible cables are easier to handle and less likely to tangle or break.

Some cables may have built-in playback controls, built-in microphones, or other additional features. Consider whether these features are important to you.

Length and Thickness of Headphone Cable

Determine the appropriate length for your particular use. If you will be using the headphones while on the move, make sure the cable is long enough to allow you to move comfortably. If you plan to use them near a device, a shorter cable may be sufficient.

In general, thicker cables tend to be more durable and may offer better audio quality by reducing signal loss. However, be aware that thicker cables may also be less flexible and heavier.

Compatibility with Devices and Headphone Brands

Check the compatibility of the cable with the devices you plan to use. Make sure the cable has the right connector for your headphones and playback device (e.g. 3.5mm jack, Lightning, USB-C).

Some brands of headphones may have specific cables designed for their models. If you are using a particular brand of headphones, check to see if they have replacement cables or specific cables recommended by the manufacturer.

Headphone Cable Material and Construction

Headset cables may have copper conductors, silver-plated copper, or other materials. Copper conductors are usually a reliable choice in terms of sound quality and durability.

Look for cables with tough, flexible jackets, such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or braided cables, which offer greater protection against wear and tear.

Make sure connectors are well constructed, robust and have a good fit to avoid loose connections or connection problems.

Advantages of Quality Headphone Cables

Quality headphone cables offer several advantages over lower quality cables.

Improved Sound Quality and Clarity

High quality cables are designed to minimise signal loss and interference, resulting in audio reproduction that is more accurate and faithful to the original source. This translates into better sound quality, sharper detail and a more immersive listening experience.

Durability and Wear Resistance

Quality headphone cables are typically made of durable and resistant materials, such as braided cables or TPE coatings. These materials offer increased wear resistance, which means the cables are less likely to break, peel or develop loose connections over time. This results in longer cable life and less need for frequent replacement.

Greater Flexibility and Mobility

Quality cables are often more flexible and manageable, making them easier to use and preventing tangles. A flexible cable allows for greater mobility when using the headset, resulting in a more comfortable and unrestricted experience.

Quality cables usually have well-constructed and tight-fitting connectors, ensuring a stable and secure connection between the headphones and the playback device. This prevents loose or intermittent connections that can negatively affect sound quality and the listening experience.

Quality cables are designed to minimise electromagnetic interference and other unwanted noise, helping to maintain a clean, distortion-free audio signal.

Investing in quality headphone cables can significantly improve your listening experience by providing better sound quality, durability, flexibility and reliable connections. These benefits add to the overall satisfaction of using your headphones and can extend the life of your audio devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 3.5mm jack, lightning and USB-C headphone cables?

The main difference between these types of cables lies in the connector used and compatibility with different devices.

3.5mm Jack Connector: This is a standard audio connector that is widely used in devices such as mobile phones, portable music players, computers and other audio devices. It is compatible with a wide range of devices and headphones.

Lightning connector: A proprietary connector designed by Apple and found on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads and iPods. Cables with a Lightning connector are used to connect headphones directly to compatible Apple devices.

USB-C connector: A versatile connector used in devices that support the USB-C standard, such as some Android phones, tablets and laptops. Cables with USB-C connectors can transmit audio and other data over a single cable. Some headsets and adapters can use the USB-C connector to connect to compatible devices.

What is the recommended length of a headphone cable?

The recommended length of a headphone cable depends on your personal needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include where you plan to use the headphones and the distance between the playback device and your ears.

If you plan to use the headphones near a device, such as a mobile phone or laptop, a standard length cable of around 1 to 1.5 metres is usually sufficient. This allows you to move around comfortably without the cable becoming too long or tangled.

If you need more freedom of movement, you can opt for longer cables, such as 2 metres or more. However, be aware that longer cables can be more prone to tangling and can be uncomfortable to handle.

Are headphone cables compatible with all headphone models?

In general, headphone cables with standard connectors, such as the 3.5mm jack plug, are compatible with most headphone models that use the same type of connector. However, it is important to check the compatibility of the connector and make sure it matches the connection port of your headphones.

It is advisable to check the specifications and recommendations of the headphone and playback device manufacturer to make sure you are using compatible cables.

Are there cables for wireless headphones?

Some wireless headphone models include a 3.5mm jack input for use with specific headphone audio cables as well.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment, please contact us without obligation.