A comprehensive guide to choosing the best headphone cables!

When you purchase high-end headphones or earphones, have you ever heard the term " re-cabling (cable replacement) "?

In many cases, headphones come with a cable when you purchase them, and simply changing this cable can dramatically change the sound quality , making it seem like a completely different product.

The headphone cable is the final path that transmits the music signal processed by the amplifier (DAP, DAC, etc.) to the headphone driver unit. The quality of this path determines the clarity, resolution, and impact of the sound.

This article provides comprehensive information on how to choose the right headphone cable (re-cable), the types of connection terminals, and recommended products for those who want the best sound quality. Upgrade your beloved headphones for ultimate sound with a simple cable change!

The role and importance of headphone cables (re-cabling)

There are two main reasons why headphone cables affect sound quality:

1. Signal transmission loss and noise resistance

The electrical resistance of the music signal changes depending on the cable's conductor (material and thickness), resulting in loss of signal transmission. In addition, the performance of the shielding that covers the cable affects its susceptibility to external noise (such as electromagnetic waves).

High-quality cables have low resistance and are resistant to noise , allowing them to transmit clearer signals to the driver that are closer to the original sound.

2. Cable-specific acoustic characteristics (character)

The cable's material, braiding method, and thickness affect the transmission characteristics of specific frequency bands. This is what is called the cable's "tone" or "character."

• Copper wire type: Tends to produce a thick, voluminous, and warm sound in the low range.

• Silver wire type: High extension and resolution in the high range, and tends to produce a clear, delicate sound.

Re-cabling takes advantage of this characteristic to compensate for weaknesses in the headphones themselves or to further enhance their strengths .

Don't go wrong! 3 points to consider when choosing a headphone cable

Here are three points you should definitely check before attempting re-cabling.

1. Check the connector specifications

The cable must have matching terminals on both ends : the headphone end and the player end (DAP/DAC).

🔹 Headphone terminal (also compatible with earphones)

This is the terminal that connects to the headphones. The main specifications are as follows:

standard	Main manufacturers and models used	Features
MMCX	Shure, Campfire Audio, some Sonys, etc.	It has a locking mechanism and can be rotated. It is convenient to have a special tool (MMCX opener) for attachment and removal.
2Pin (0.78mm)	JVC, Noble Audio, Chinese earphones, etc.	It is secured with two pins. It is more stable than MMCX, but requires careful insertion and removal.
2.5mm / 3.5mm	AKG, beyerdynamic, etc.	Used in detachable headphones with 3.5mm/2.5mm connectors on both ends.

🔹 Player side terminal (output terminal)

This is the terminal for connecting to a DAP or amplifier.

standard	Connection Method	Features
3.5mm stereo mini	Imbalance	Most common. Used on smartphones, PCs, and many DAPs.
4.4mm Pentaconn (5 poles)	balance	Led by Sony and others. High output and noise resistance . Increasingly adopted in the latest DAP/DAC.
2.5mm 4 poles	balance	Previously the mainstream balanced standard. Used by some DAPs.

2. Conductor material and structure

This is an important factor that determines the tone quality.

3. Cable structure and thickness

• Single wire/Litz wire: The "Litz wire" structure, which is made by weaving multiple thin wires, prevents current interference between conductors and suppresses noise.

• Number of cores (number of braids): The more conductors there are, such as 4, 8, or 16, the less electrical resistance there is, and the more information there is and the more powerful the sound tends to be. However, the cable will be thicker and harder to handle.

The pitfalls of re-cabling: Why you might feel the sound remains the same

It is true that some people feel that "even though I changed to an expensive cable, the sound has hardly changed at all." One of the main reasons for this is that they are not using "sufficient output equipment to bring out the capabilities of the cable."

The output device determines the effectiveness of re-cabling

This phenomenon is particularly noticeable when using the AUX output (headphone jack) of a computer or smartphone directly.

1. Insufficient power: The headphone jacks on most computers and smartphones are designed to provide a weak power supply. No matter how high-quality the cable or how low-resistance it is, if the amplifier does not provide sufficient power, the headphones/earphones will not be able to achieve their full potential.

2. High noise floor: The inside of a PC is a treasure trove of noise sources. Built-in DACs (D/A converters) and amplifier circuits are easily affected by electromagnetic waves, which tends to raise the noise floor , which is the "foundation" of sound. In this case, even if you change the cable, it will be buried in noise and it will be difficult to detect subtle changes in sound quality.

Conclusion: To maximize your effectiveness

To fully experience the benefits of re-cabling, it is important to use high-quality audio equipment such as a headphone amplifier or a dedicated DAP (digital audio player) with high output and noise suppression.

A cable is merely a "pathway for the signal," and if the signal itself that travels through that path is weak or contains noise, it will be difficult to make the most of the cable's performance . Ensure the driving force with a high-quality amplifier and make the most of the cable's inherent characteristics.

Recommended headphone cables

We have carefully selected popular cables for everyone from those trying re-cabling for the first time to those who want to pursue sound quality.

Stereo mini - AKG type 3-pin mini XLR terminal

MOGAMI 2944 Headphone Cable, AKG Type (S-Type Stereo Miniphone to 3-Pin Mini XLR)

MOGAMI 2893 Headphone Cable, AKG Type (S-Type Stereo Miniphone to 3-Pin Mini XLR)

Features: This cable uses Mogami's ultra-thin, highly flexible OFC cable 2893 and is equipped with a 3-pin mini XLR connector compatible with AKG K702/Q701 and other devices. The player end uses a standard 3.5mm stereo mini plug (S-type). The thin 26AWG cable and high-performance shielding provide excellent handling and flat, faithful transmission characteristics.

point: This cable is ideal for those who want a clear, unobtrusive sound with easier handling than the original cable when using Mini XLR devices such as AKG. Using Mogami's studio-quality cable delivers faithful sound quality and high noise resistance. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy high-resolution sound without any hassle.

cable : MOGAMI 2893
plug : ONKODO AP3.5-303NG Phosphor Bronze Gold Plated
3-Pin Mini XLR Female : NEUTRIK RT3FC-B (ODM phosphor bronze custom order)
Conductor material : High purity copper (OFC: Oxygen-Free Copper)
Conductor cross-sectional area : 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge)

Price: From 3,900 yen

To product page >>

*The 3-pin mini XLR plug is our proprietary We use a custom-made phosphor bronze model.
For more details, see this blog post.

>> Announcement of minor changes to the mini XLR plug of the finished cable

Stereo mini - AKG type 4-pin mini XLR terminal

MOGAMI 2893 AKG 4-Pin Mini XLR Type Headphone Cable (S-Type Stereo Mini Phone to 4-Pin Mini XLR)

Features: Using Mogami's highly flexible OFC cable 2893, AKG This cable is made with the same 4-pin mini XLR connector used on the K371-BT . The player side uses a standard 3.5mm stereo mini plug. The thin and flexible 26AWG cable provides both durability and clear acoustic characteristics.

point: This cable is ideal for replacing your original AKG cables. Mogami's studio-quality cable significantly improves handling while maintaining a clear, faithful sound quality. Recommended for those who want to use professional models with greater comfort and sound quality.

cable : MOGAMI 2893
plug : ONKODO AP3.5-303NG Phosphor Bronze Gold Plated
4-Pin Mini XLR Female : NEUTRIK RT4FC-B Gold Plated
Conductor material : High purity copper (OFC: Oxygen-Free Copper)
Conductor cross-sectional area : 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge)

Price: From 3,900 yen

To the product page >>

Stereo mini - stereo mini jack

ONKODO 88761 Stereo Mini Cable SS (Headphone Cable)

MOGAMI 2944 Stereo Mini Cable (S-Type to S-Type)

Features: This cable uses MOGAMI's 2944 microphone/line cable. It features high-purity OFC (oxygen-free copper) conductors and a horizontally wound copper shield, making it extremely flexible and easy to handle. It combines flat acoustic characteristics with low noise. Both ends are fitted with straight (S-type) 3.5mm stereo mini plugs.

point: MOGAMI's acoustic characteristics, trusted even in recording studios, deliver clear sound that is faithful to the original. The flexible cable is tangle-resistant, making it ideal for use with portable players or in the car. Its noise-proof design makes it ideal for those seeking clear, stable music playback.

cable : MOGAMI 2944
plug : ONKODO AP3.5-303NG
Conductor material : High purity copper (OFC: Oxygen-Free Copper)
Conductor cross-sectional area : 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge)

Price: From 4,010 yen

To product page >>

Bayonet lock cable

MOGAMI 2893 Headphone Cable, Yamaha Type, etc. [2.5mm Diameter, 3-Pole Bayonet Locking Plug]

Features: This custom cable uses the classic studio cable, MOGAMI 2893. It features high-purity OFC conductors and a unique structure with excellent shielding and flexibility, ensuring clear, noise-free transmission. The headphone end features a 2.5mm diameter, 3-pole bayonet locking plug compatible with Yamaha HPH-MT series headphones.

point: The flat and neutral sound quality maximizes the fidelity of your monitor headphones. Durable, flexible, and easy to handle, this cable is recommended for those seeking a definite improvement in sound quality and durability over the original cable, thanks to MOGAMI's quality, trusted by professionals.

cable : MOGAMI 2893
plug : 2.5φ3-pole bayonet locking plug - ONKODO AP3.5-303NG-L (contacts made of phosphor bronze)
Conductor material : High purity copper (OFC: Oxygen-Free Copper)
Conductor cross-sectional area : 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge)

Price: From 6,800 yen

To product page >>

Compatible with Sennheiser HD580/HD600/HD650

MOGAMI 2947 Sennheiser Headphone Cable for HD580/HD600/HD650

Special orders also accepted

It seems that some audio interfaces are now available with models that can provide fully balanced output for headphones using two 3-pin XLRs.

This can be made to order, so please contact us via chat.

summary

A re-cable is not just a replacement accessory, but a tuning part that adjusts the sound quality of headphones and earphones .

1. Be sure to check the specifications of the terminals (headphone side and player side).

2. Understand the sound quality tendencies of the material (copper or silver) and choose based on how you want to achieve your current sound.

3. If you have a DAP that supports balanced connections (4.4mm/2.5mm), choose a balanced cable to enjoy the benefits of noise immunity and high output.

Finding the perfect cable will unlock your headphones' hidden potential and provide a deeper, richer musical experience. Don't miss this opportunity to step into the world of re-cabling!

>>All headphone cables here