LC-2.5BS 45cm MMCX Balanced Earphone Cable specs: balanced, 8 strands of 24 0.05mm high-purity copper-plated silver wires, gold-plated MMCX and 2.5mm plug.
Recently I bought the FH5 earphones from FiiO in hope to enjoy by a special pleasure when I'm listening music. I listen for several hours per day when I'm working, so I tried to get a better sound quality, to transform my working hours into a real pleasure...
Because the quality of sounds emitted by earphones depends a lot the source of music, I bought the FiiO BTR5 - it's a portable headphones amplifier with two incorporated DAC. And because the BTR5 offers a 2.5mm balanced output, I took the decision to buy a 2.5mm balanced cable.
The main purpose was to enjoy by a high quality sound, but also to get the freedom of mobility. So, I tried to transform the FH5 earphones into wireless earphones (FH5 + portable amplifier + balanced cable).
So, after a few calls and talking with a few sales representatives from a regional audio store I have chosen to buy the FiiO LC-2.5BS 45cm MMCX Balanced Earphone Cable. It's a high-purity copper-plated silver cable, with gold-plated MMCX and also gold-plated plug connector. It has 8 strands of 24 0.05mm wires, that are encased withing a sheath. Because the wires are twisted, the external interferences are minimized.
Also, the quality of wires will provide a better sound with lower distortions and microphonics.The 45cm length is perfect for connecting your earphones to a portable wireless DAC & amplifier - you'll avoid the mess that joins the long wires. Even a 1.2m earphone wire can create a discomfort.
Also, I had in mind the LC-3.5BS 45cm MMCX earphone balanced cable from FiiO. I'm so glad I hadn't chosen it... I thought that I'll earn a little more autonomy for my portable DAC, but for it I would had to make a high compromise to the quality of sound and soundstage.
The built of cable is relative solid but it's also a little delicate: it feels so soft... Anyway, it looks and feels luxury.
Balanced versus single-ended (non-balanced) cable
First of all, you need a device (source of music) that provides a balanced 2.5mm output. Else you don't need a balanced cable. In my case, the portable wireless DAC provides a balanced 2.5mm output and a 3.5mm non-balanced output.With a balanced cable the autonomy of a portable device drops a little. But you get a better sound... The tracks sound more "opened", the soundstage is improved. I made a comparison with the original cable of FH5 earphones (3.5mm plug, 1.2m length). The difference is significant...
Ups... I almost forgot to mention that the FiiO LC-2.5BS 45cm MMCX Balanced Cable is compatible with FiiO F9 Balanced Edition, F9 PRO, FH1, FA1, FH5, FA7 and FH7 earphones.
