I was REALLY upset, even after I spoke with Zach and heard as well from Bevin. If anything their “no worries” attitude helped talk me off the ledge. But this was NOT how I wanted delivery day to go!
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Zach’s hand doesn’t shake. Good luck.
I’m probably going to have nightmares about this.
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That’s OK - I have you covered on that front.
Hopefully it’s a quick fix, and back to you in no time.
I do have nightmares of breaking the housing of my Verite and Aeolus by pulling out and re-inserting my custom cables. I’ve been thinking of buying some mini-XLR to mini-XLR “pigtails” which will be permanently plugged into the headphones, and then I can attach the custom cables to those, in order to reduce the wear and tear on the headphones. I didn’t do it because it seemed ridiculous, but your story is pushing me back in that direction.
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Yep, me too. I’m keeping all my cables plugged in at all times. Lol. I’ve done that for awhile already because one mini xlr got stuck in the female slot and I panicked. The metal part that bends on the mini xlr if gets bent makes it really hard to pull out. I’ve sat down and tried to think how to make a mini xlr without this one metal piece. I have not seen a company yet build a super robust one yet as they all have the same downfall.
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That’s actually a great idea.
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I’ll keep my cables attached. The trick, of course, is to attach them without breaking them that first time. Sheesh.
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What I do is check the mini xlr before plugging in and check to make sure when you press the button, the two metal pieces make a big enough gap to allow it to go in and out very easily
I’ve gotten a few mini xlr’s that did not make a big enough gap and they were harder to get in and out.
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I also second the notion of keeping the cables attached. I dont disconnect for fear of potentially breaking them or wearing out the connection. I think keeping them connected is the way to go if you are okiay with it.
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That’s not ridiculous at all…
But here’s ridiculous:
- I have 4 headphones that matter to me these days–ZMF blackwood Aeolus; ZMF silkwood VO; ZMF ormosia henryi Ori; and DCA AFO. I have 2 small metal adapters that let me use my ZMF balanced silver cable w/the AFO
- My favorite cable for the 3 ZMFs is ForzaAudioWorks’ TOTL copper cable, HCP Noir (I have a 2M length)
- To avoid frequently unplugging/re-plugging that FAW cable for the 3 ZMFs, I just bought a 2nd HCP Noir, this one 2.5M
- I also juar ordered a Norne Audio Drausk 7 ft balanced cable (Norne’s new TOTL copper design)
When the Drausk shows up, it will mean no more unplugging of cables for me unless I happen to want to try this or that HP w/the Drausk.
I’m not just doing this because of audio OCD. I can see pretty clearly that the mini-XLR, while an ingenious, compact connection standard, can be damaged by excessive wear on the insertion jack mechanism, misalignment of pins, or pulling the jack right out of earcup. I intend to avoid all 3 such mishaps…
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I have 4 headphones as well. I actually use Hart Audio Cables. Their modular interconnect system is pretty nice. And good quality too. I have an end in each of my amps, and every headset has it’s own cable that never is unplugged from the headset. Easy to move between the Echo and/or Soloist 3 as needed.
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What type of headphone amp were you using?
Was going to plug it into my Chord Hugo TT2 and, ultimately, also, an ampsandsound Kenzie Ovation (still being built), but the Aeolus didn’t even get plugged into any amp. I did all the damage in attaching the cable to the Aeolus.
Glad to hear Zach and Bevin are going to fix you up. I have two pairs of Aeolus. You’ll be in for a treat once you get to listen to them. They pair well with the Kenzie.
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Thanks - they were incredibly kind and accommodating. And I can’t wait to get the Aeolus, get the Kenzie and live happily ever after.
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Simple upgrade of the input tube is a Raytheon 2C52.
Cheers…—Robert
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Norne Audio makes some cable conversion adapters. I have three pairs for different types of cables. One of them is Focal 3.5 to ZMF. The Focal 3.5 is a simple plug and play.
Cheaper than repurchasing high end cables.
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Feb 16th this year I bought myself a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) hand Chery Eikon. It’s been perfect for me. It could be my end game. However, tonight, curiosity has brought me a Sapele Aeolus.
It’s not as energetic as the Eikon. My first thought on the first song I played was “nope, not better than the Eikon.”
Well, a couple hours later and after a few glasses of Rye Whiskey… I get it. So smooth, such a relaxing sound. I’ve smiled quite a bit tonight. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to do nothing but listen. Wow!
Eikon still caters to my preferences, but this Aeolus is a damn fine headphone.
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I had a gently used padauk Eikon for 1-2 years: a very pretty headphone. Finally sold it (with regret) because like most closed backs, it could aggravate my migraines & tinnitus. I still have fond memories of the Eikon.
Since then I got a blackwood Aeolus & silkwood VO, two of the finest headphones I’ve ever heard. What one doesn’t do extremely well, the other does. IMO they’re both endgame, but in different ways.
The Aeolus has that smooth, musical & inviting sound. It really casts a spell.
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