What are the common plug and connector types for headphone upgrade cables?

In the previous two articles, we introduced what is a HiFi upgraded headphone cable and its materials. In this article, we will introduce the connector pins and plugs or called terminals of headphone upgraded cables, so that you can quickly understand the common styles and materials.

Headphone Upgraded Cable Connector pins and plugs

Headphone upgraded cable connectors are small plugs used to connect headphones and audio devices. Using better materials can improve sound quality and enhance the details and clarity of the sound. The material and craftsmanship of upgraded cable connectors are usually superior to ordinary headphone cables, thus providing higher quality sound effects.

Using high-quality headphone upgraded cable connectors can improve the sound quality of headphones, making music more delicate and rich. When listening to music, people can better experience the emotion and expression of music. In addition, good terminal plug designs can also reduce problems such as headphone cable breakage or poor contact, extending their lifespan.

Headphone upgraded cable connectors usually refer to the terminals and connectors on the signal source player end, with many types including 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. Among them, 3.5mm is the most commonly used connector specification. The shape of headphone upgraded cable connectors also varies, including L-shaped, straight, and curved.

In short, headphone upgraded cable connectors are good tools for improving sound quality and are indispensable for those who pursue high-quality music. OC Studio also provides high-quality terminals in common 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm sizes to help you effectively improve sound.Many users of non-removable wired earphones also send us their headphones for upgrading the connector to improve the audio quality!

Common Balanced and Unbalanced Connectors

Mobile Unbalanced Connectors

• 3.5mm TRS (three-pole, almost all devices have at least this interface)

Mobile Balanced Connectors

• 3.5mm TRRS (four-pole, more commonly used by Chinese brands)
• 2.5mm (four-pole, used by most brand players)
• 4.4mm (five-pole, Sony's exclusive style)

Home Balanced Connectors

• Dual 3pin-XLR
• 4pin XLR

The advantage of balanced connectors is that they can eliminate many noises and interferences while providing better audio quality. In addition, it can extend the transmission distance of audio signals. This makes balanced connectors widely used in the fields of audio and recording.
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Connector pins

The plug of the headphone upgraded cable is also a critical part, which generally refers to the plug used on the headphone end. As mentioned earlier, the material and craftsmanship of the plug will also affect the sound quality. The shape of the plug also varies, such as thick needles, thin needles, long needles, short needles, double needles, concentric circular structures, etc. This depends on the different styles adopted by different brands. OC Studio provides many special plugs of various brands to choose from, with dozens of common styles available, and rare plugs can also be specially sought from cooperative manufacturers or prepared by customers for us to process.
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Common headphone upgraded cable connector pins
Mmcx
CM0.78mm
CM0.75mm
Shure IE series
HD800 series
HD650 series
And so on... There are many and complicated pin styles that cannot be listed.

Summary

In short, choosing the appropriate high-quality headphone upgraded cable pin and plug is necessary because it needs to be compatible with your headphones. High-quality plugs and terminals can also make your headphones perform better and enjoy music better.

​This article quickly introduces you to the differences in styles between connector pins and plugs. The next article will delve deeper into the processes and materials of plugs and terminals, which greatly affect sound quality!
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FAQ about Headphone Upgraded Cable Connectors and Plugs

1. Are connector pins and plugs universal?

When purchasing headphone upgraded cables, we often encounter a problem, which is whether the plug and terminal connector are universal. In short, the answer is not necessarily. Generally, the plug and terminal of headphone upgraded cables will vary depending on the headphone brand, model, and player brand. Therefore, before purchasing a headphone upgraded cable, we need to confirm whether the plug and terminal are compatible with the headphones. If unsure, it is best to contact OC Studio first to avoid buying the wrong one.

2. Will the quality of the pin and plug affect the sound?

Yes, the quality and materials will not only affect the sound but also the price. The next article will share with you in detail how the material and produce process of pin and plug affect the sound.

3. Are connector pins and plugs connectors consumables?

Strictly speaking, they are consumables, but their lifespan is usually long, and if they are only oxidized or dirty, they can be cleaned by themselves.

4. Can plugs and terminal connectors be modified or upgraded?

Yes,OC Studio provides modification and upgrade services for both the brand's HiFi upgraded headphone cables and other brands' cables. In most cases, they can be modified without any problems, but some special situations may not allow modification, such as wires that are too thick or other reasons. Please feel free to consult us for any specific situation.

5. Can all cables be modified or use balanced connectors?

The answer is no. This question is often asked when modifying or upgrading the plug and terminal connectors. Generally, a good upgraded cable will not have this problem, as a good upgraded cable usually uses a number of signal wires that are multiples of four, making it compatible with four-pole balanced plugs. This problem exists in some cables that use only three signal wires in the main line to save costs or due to process problems, which corresponds to the aforementioned non-balanced three-pole, making it impossible to modify it into a balanced connector.

6.Can the non-replaceable wired earphones have their connectors replaced?

Yes, it's possible. Many users of non-replaceable wired earphones will send their earphones to us to change the connectors, in order to improve the sound quality. Based on previous modification cases, some earphones can achieve significant improvements in sound quality through connector modification.