Sennheiser PC37X randomly goes bad after disconnecting the cable ?
Greetings, Yesterday I was using my headset like normal with my macbook, just listening to music and on a call with people like usual, and the headset was perfectly fine. The stock wire that came with the headset is extremely long and yesterday it annoyed me very much that it kept getting tangled with itself, so I decided to see if the cable is replaceable. I pulled out the cable from the headset and saw the adapter, and looked online for a replacement. Upon plugging it back in, the audio sounded extremely muffled and washed out. Im not sure what I did wrong to make it mess up like that as I've always taken good care of it, ive had it for about 2 years and its always just been chilling on my desk, but anywho I thought the cable just went bad and ordered a replacement. The replacement came, and the issue is still persistant, so I am not sure what the issue is I've tried multiple different headsets and the issue is not with the port, and I also tried it with my windows laptop and...
Apr 23, 2024
Here is my stack. I researched the hell out of the pieces and I honestly could not be any happier. DAC: Topping D50 AMP: Aune X7S (Class A Amp)
Look here for quality reviews: Topping D50 - https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-dac.2403/
And the Anue X7S: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLpI5Ui7TsY
If you don't own any DAC or amp or DAC/amp, I'd go for X1S. It's great value IMHO, good starting point, and good as a reference for when upgrading in the future.
Or you could do what @PorchSong did and research like hell - good on him. I have a different preference for amp, but Topping D50 is a good choice in my opinion.
The X7S power in balanced mode provides a full, detailed and wide sound to the 6xx. To my ear many of the critiques (veil, darkness, lack of low end, etc) of the 6xx go away when the headset is driven with enough power. Low end is robust, mids are wonderful as always and the highs are just right for my tastes.
My primary basis for comparison is th X1S which I had before the X7S and use as th DAC for my X7S. The X1S is a solid device and performs well with the 6xx, but sound thin when compared to the X7S when it comes to driving the 6xx. For my less demanding headphones, the X1S gets the job done.
I really enjoy my X1S/X7S stack and have no regrets. However, if I had it to do again and budget was a big concern I’d get the X7S and a cheaper DAC and save $50 - $100. Or, do like @PorchSong and get a higher end DAC like the D50 or JDS Labs - EL DAC.
As for the 58X. I think they sound a bit more lively compared to the 6XX. Its a bit more of a v-shape sound signature. I don’t mind having both.
It’s not cheap, but the cables are unique and of quality and I’m very happy with them.
https://periaptcables.com/collections/frontpage/products/professional-xlr-pro-xlr?variant=31412790098
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1027091-REG/sennheiser_505634_4_pin_balanced_cable_for.html?ap=y&gclid=CjwKCAjws8vaBRBFEiwAQfhs-O1BPnhkY1bsoF7nDG-HhV5_EBI4M_j2vuBTf9UDQZ72aPwF891rLBoCN9EQAvD_BwE&smp=y
With more demanding headphones like the 6xx and DT880 600ohm I find the extra power from the X7S add more depth to the sound vs the X1S which sounds thinner by comparison. With the X7S the bass is more fleshed out and the drums hit harder. I also don't get the sense of veiled mids and highs that I have noticed when driving the 6xx with less powerful amps.
In Balanced mode the soundstage of the 6xx widens. These differences are subtle but noticeable to me. Had I never used the X7S I'd be content with the X1S which I heartily recommend. That said, if I had to choose between the 2 I'd go with the X7S.
If I needed a DAC I'd pick up a Topping D10 or D30 or a JDS Labs OL DAC to pair with it.
IMO, the X1S is a very good DAC and an OK Amp. The X1S as a DAC is also very good with my DarkVoice amp and Audyssey LES desktop speakers.
I'm not familiar with the mica origen amp, but you maybe good to go. My curiosity about balanced output is what drove me to pickup the X7S.
If you are interested in Balanced output the DX7s looks like a solid option.
The tube rolling can get pricey. All told I have spent about $200 on additional tubes. The most expensive being the Shanguang Treasure pre-amp tube for $100. That tube stays in my DarkVoice along with an RCA NOS Power tube. It's an awesome combo for my tastes. This combo is smooth (but not gooey) , detailed, wide, punchy sound that I have yet to tire of.
In addition to the stock tubes which are OK I have a couple of Tung Sol tubes for Power and Pre-Amp. These sound really good as well and provide a brighter sound signature than the RCA/Treasure combo.
Resistance is futile. Let us know how you like the DarkVocie .
XLR 4 pin male plug ($4.37 delivered): https://www.markertek.com/product/nc4mxx-b/neutrik-nc4mxx-b-4-pin-xlr-m-cable-connector-black-shell-gold-contacts?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided
Sennheiser Replacement Cord ($22.98 delivered with Amazon Prime): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028PGXRE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got in on the and X1S drop for the 6xx, Then saw a good deal on the 400i and picked those up. They seemed under powered from my phone so I picked up the Topping NX4 to use with the 400i. I liked the 400i and then the yolk broke. The same day I was returning the 400i the 4xx dropped and I ordered them (How did Massdrop know?). The X1S was delivered but I still had a month before 6xx delivery and ordered a set of Mayflower T50rp MkIII. They were awful and I returned them and bought a set V-Moda m100 which I love and really don't need an amp. Finally the 6xx arrived and then I ordered the DarkVoice. When my wife realized what was going on she said this had to count as my midlife crisis.
It's been fun.