You’ve described an out-of-spec part. Something is either too big, too small, or a hole is too shallow. Contact ZMF and get it corrected.
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Yeah, get it looked at. I got 3 ZMF cables and none exhibit that behaviour. All of mine require minimal force to engage.
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I might be able to push/bend the metal part back so it opens and closes better and that should do the trick.
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This happens when the black piece with the female pins gets twisted inside the housing of the connector, it could be assembled incorrectly or get that way from jiggling the connector to get it out of the headphone.
What you’ll want to do is pull out the soldered female connector from the metal housing, and then reinsert it and make sure it is straight. The tiny xlr should kind of click in nicely and show that it’s inserted completely when you have it straight.
Then hold the button down as you screw the metal barrel back on the jack.
I’ll try to make a video of this soon but don’t worry, it will nothing is the wrong size or anything things just need to be unscrewed and rescrewed back together.
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Thanks for the response. A video would be nice to see. I’ve had a bunch of these connectors before with only two not being the easiest to get in and out.
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Zach,
Do you suggest installing and removing the Mini XLRs to a minimum? Durability? Usually I remove the headphone cable and put the headphones back in the protective Seahorse case, and wrap the cable and replace it in the velvet bag. Maybe I should leave the cable attached. Your thoughts?
My ZMFs are not my daily drivers, so I always store them in the case when not in use…
----Robert
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Seriously though, I think you’re doing the right thing detaching the cables if you’re going to put the headphones back in the case, because you’re removing a point of tension between the headphones and the cable at that connection point, which could cause damage if the headphones were jostled within the case. But I’m curious to hear what others think.
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Thanks for the reply. That’s my thought process, although I guess I could remove some safety foam from inside the case. I’d be interested in @zach915m spin on this.
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The connectors seem pretty solid to me. As long as you make sure to press the button fully before pulling on them, I would think they’d be OK.
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Yeah for sure - the only times I’ve seen issues with the connectors is when there’s been stress put on them from a ton of wiggling and tension from improper use, but and even in those cases it’s not an issue with tbe longevity of the materials, so plug and unplug away!
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Thanks Zach…
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The time of christmas cards and glühwein is upon us.
I wish you all a very merry ChriZtMaF
and a Happy new Headphone Year
I hope you were all good this year and got rewarded by Santa Zach during ZMF november.
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Cool picture! I like the diversity.
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Mine was the first time I ever used it but I’m not worried anymore after familiarizing myself with mini xlr construction. Beforehand, I was just scared that the connector would be stuck if the locking part malfunctioned but after looking inside I realize that if the small possibility that it happened I could unscrew the mini xlr and pull it out bypassing the locking mechanism totally.
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Merry Christmas @Deepy. I have to say that one of the funniest things I read this year was your post about buying a pair of used ZMF headphones to tide you over while waiting for your new ZMF headphones. That was absolutely classic.
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I thought this was funny/classic also. Another was @MokhaMark already moving on from a Kenzie OG to Ovation in no time.
And then I forgot who said they liked the Pendant so much they quickly moved on to another A&S amp.
Audio.
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I think less than two weeks, and I bought the Kenzie waiting for Schiit to build a Freya+ I eventually cancelled but already had tubes for. I think there are formal medical terms for my issue…
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That’s funny. I forgot about the Freya+ and already purchased tubes. Oolong and green tea to stay centered.
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I’d be interested in your thoughts on the Ovation. I have a Kenzie base 8/300 and an Encore 32/300. The Kenzie base HA was one that Justin had aging on his shelf. I’ve considered the Ovation, and would probably unload the Encore if I were going to upgrade.
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what would be the speaker pair that would come the closest to the ZMF Aeolus? Fankies. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. looking at getting into speakers because im learning to dance
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