My Wireless Edition XS Setup: Qudelix 5K, Comfort Strap, and Custom Cable : headphones

[–] TransducerBot@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Your image post is currently hidden from other redditors.

To complete the submission processes, please respond to your post with a 55+ word comment in the next hour or two. This message will disappear shortly after your comment has been added.

Rule 3: Image posts must be accompanied by a comment with impressions or details that add value to the post. The comment does not need to be exhaustive, but should strive to give enough information to start the discussion.

Need some more ideas?

How is the sound, fit, or build quality?
How does it compare to what you've owned or used before?
Were there any surprises or lessons learned that you'd like to share?
What components are in your system and how did you come to own them?
What's up next for your rig?
Anything else that you think others might find interesting?

Is your post flair correct?

If not, submit a new post and be sure to choose the appropriate flair before clicking submit

Just want to share photos?

Check out r/headphoneporn

Why so much work?

The r/headphones community really appreciates a good discussion

[–] Civilian8@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm very happy with the headphones. They sound great and EQ extremely well. To my ears, the Oratory EQ profile for them is perfect. They have an excellent soundstage and are capable of lower, more punchy bass than other headphones I've used. Plus, the discounted price of $380 is a lot more reasonable than their MSRP.

I wanted them to be a fully contained unit, so I could put them on and take them off without having to deal with the cable and I accomplished that with the custom cable shown here.

It was my first time making an audio cable, and, in my opinion, it turned out well. I used these connectors, 30 guage wires, and Paracord 550 sleeving. I chose to make an unbalanced cable, instead of a balanced cable, because the Qudelix is more than powerful enough to drive them unbalanced, and according to Qudelix, unbalanced cables have a lower noise floor.

As far as how I could improve it, the paracord I used is a lot bigger than it needs to be. I probably could've used smaller paracord and achieved better results. I'm also not a fan of the zip ties. They look kind of bad and aren't easily removable or reusable. Let me know if you have any ideas for better cable management.

[–] guesswhochickenpoo@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I just posted a very similar build for the 6XX here. It’s so freeing to not have to deal with wires. Being able to enjoy music while you wanna round the house and not worry about snagging cables or hitting buttons while it’s in your pocket is fantastic.

[–] Civilian8@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

It really is, and that setup looks nice. I did something similar with my 598s before I got my Edition XS, but those headphones only have one connector, so I could just use a short 3.5mm cable and didnt have to mess with soldering in order to receive nice results.

I was initially not going to use sleeving and just have the wires kind of seperate like that, but I was concerned about durability, especially with the very thin wires I used. At least with sleeving it's harder to pull on an individual wire.

[–] sebQbe@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Makes me want to post my same but different HD560S with Q5K and suspension strap. Just a single 20cm cable on one side, it’s great

[–] guesswhochickenpoo@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Would be interested to see which cable you used and how you mounted it for the 560s. I've been wanting to do it for those too but I can't come up with a solution that's as clear as the 6XX. They're almost made for it with the way the 5K can clip right onto the band cleanly, etc. I'd rather not use adhesive or velcro or bands, etc to hold it onto the 560s.

[–] sebQbe@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

https://i.imgur.com/Of6gBXK.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pBIuBC9.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fb25cMx.jpg

True, I have to use velcro but I do prefer having the cable from the Qudelix pointing down so it’s fine with me.

This is the cable I use. TRRS so I get sound from both channels. I had to cut the plastic down around the 2.5mm plug to make it fit in the HD560S port. Between the cable I need a male to male adapter.

A perfect cable would be a bit shorter, male (angled maybe?) 3.5mm to slim male 2.5mm TRRS but I don’t think such a cable exists.

Also, the suspension strap is actually just a third party Apple Watch nylon solo loop. It’s elastic and works surprisingly well, did it as an experiment but have kept it because of how well it works.

These are probably my most used headphones, despite owning a pair of HE1000 Stealth. They are just so convenient and comfortable, weighing just 277 g.

[–] guesswhochickenpoo@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks I’ll see if I can use some of these ideas.

[–] guesswhochickenpoo@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Would be interested to see which cable you used and how you mounted it for the 560s. I've been wanting to do it for those too but I can't come up with a solution that's as clear as the 6XX. They're almost made for it with the way the 5K can clip right onto the band cleanly, etc. I'd rather not use adhesive or velcro or bands, etc to hold it onto the 560s.

[–] what_that_thaaang_do@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

That actually looks dope

[–] eatingdonuts44@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

That looks very cool lol

[–] ArnaudBgln@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Simply put, wow! The XS is definitely one to be remembered.

[–] Additional-Basil-893@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

I've always thought of this idea, very cool to see someone put it in action!

Headphones