IEMusic
Headphoneus Supremus
Since this is such a common topic of discussion, and can be quite confusing, I though I’d start a thread solely for discussing the differences between the various types of cable connections for IEMs. I’ll start with some information that I’ve accumulated, then let the real experts provide further clarification (or correction if needed). There are quite a few different types that are currently out there, and some companies like to create their own new proprietary connections, for new technology and features, or perhaps just to make extra money, and annoy us in the process.
Note: I compiled photos primarily from Google searches, a few of my own photos, and photos from fellow head-fi members. Since many of the photos are from various random sources, please forgive me if I don’t credit sources for each photo.
The main different types of connections that I know of include:
1. MMCX - one of the most common types of connectors. The IEM can typically spin freely around the connection. The main downsides are difficulty connecting and disconnecting cables, and frequent cable swaps can damage the connector. It is generally not considered as convenient or durable in the long run compared to 2 pin variants.
2. Classic 2 pin - maybe the most common type of connector. Regarding the 2 pin outlet on the IEM, there are recessed outlets (probably the best and most durable), flush mounted outlets, and outlets that stick out (but are not meant to be covered by a sleeve, such as qdc or NX7 outlets). **Note: most 2 pin connections are 0.78mm, however, there are also 0.75mm connections. I’m not sure if the qdc and NX7/TFZ connections are all 0.78mm, or if there are 0.75mm variants of those connections as well.
3. qdc 2 pin - the outlet sticks out from the IEM shell, and has rounded edges. The cable plug has a sleeve that covers the IEM outlet. These types of outlets also accept classic 2 pin plugs, and the connection will not be covered, and it is not ”pretty”.
4. NX7 or TFZ 2 pin - the outlet sticks out from the IEM shell, but has squared off corners. The outlet is designed to be covered by a sleeve on the cable plug, like with qdc cables. The NX7 and TFZ outlets do not stick out much, thus the sleeve is shallow. BLON has the same shaped outlet, but it stick out more, and the cable uses a deeper sleeve. These outlets can all also accept classic 2 pin plugs, but the connection will not be covered. It looks better then using a classic 2 pin plug on a qdc outlet though (the shape matches). The BLON BL03 has a unique characteristic, in that there is a vent adjacent to the outlet. The vent should not be obstructed by the cable plug sleeve.
5. IPX connection, with Linum SuperBaX cable - used on current Ultimate Ears IEMs.
6. 4 pin - used on several JH Audio IEMs, and provide the feature of a bass pot on the cable that you use to adjust the bass level of the IEM.
7. 7 pin - newer connection on select JH Audio IEMs.
This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are many other types of connectors out there that I haven‘t mentioned. Other members will likely provide additional information on them.
Note: I’m not familiar with the polarity of the 2 pins on the classic 2 pin vs qdc vs NX7 / TFZ connections, so any additional information would be appreciated.
Okay, now I’m finished with all of my initial postings. I hope it helps.
Note: I compiled photos primarily from Google searches, a few of my own photos, and photos from fellow head-fi members. Since many of the photos are from various random sources, please forgive me if I don’t credit sources for each photo.
The main different types of connections that I know of include:
1. MMCX - one of the most common types of connectors. The IEM can typically spin freely around the connection. The main downsides are difficulty connecting and disconnecting cables, and frequent cable swaps can damage the connector. It is generally not considered as convenient or durable in the long run compared to 2 pin variants.
2. Classic 2 pin - maybe the most common type of connector. Regarding the 2 pin outlet on the IEM, there are recessed outlets (probably the best and most durable), flush mounted outlets, and outlets that stick out (but are not meant to be covered by a sleeve, such as qdc or NX7 outlets). **Note: most 2 pin connections are 0.78mm, however, there are also 0.75mm connections. I’m not sure if the qdc and NX7/TFZ connections are all 0.78mm, or if there are 0.75mm variants of those connections as well.
3. qdc 2 pin - the outlet sticks out from the IEM shell, and has rounded edges. The cable plug has a sleeve that covers the IEM outlet. These types of outlets also accept classic 2 pin plugs, and the connection will not be covered, and it is not ”pretty”.
4. NX7 or TFZ 2 pin - the outlet sticks out from the IEM shell, but has squared off corners. The outlet is designed to be covered by a sleeve on the cable plug, like with qdc cables. The NX7 and TFZ outlets do not stick out much, thus the sleeve is shallow. BLON has the same shaped outlet, but it stick out more, and the cable uses a deeper sleeve. These outlets can all also accept classic 2 pin plugs, but the connection will not be covered. It looks better then using a classic 2 pin plug on a qdc outlet though (the shape matches). The BLON BL03 has a unique characteristic, in that there is a vent adjacent to the outlet. The vent should not be obstructed by the cable plug sleeve.
5. IPX connection, with Linum SuperBaX cable - used on current Ultimate Ears IEMs.
6. 4 pin - used on several JH Audio IEMs, and provide the feature of a bass pot on the cable that you use to adjust the bass level of the IEM.
7. 7 pin - newer connection on select JH Audio IEMs.
This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are many other types of connectors out there that I haven‘t mentioned. Other members will likely provide additional information on them.
Note: I’m not familiar with the polarity of the 2 pins on the classic 2 pin vs qdc vs NX7 / TFZ connections, so any additional information would be appreciated.
Okay, now I’m finished with all of my initial postings. I hope it helps.
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