Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions about Product Specifications and Compatibility

Q. What types of cable connectors (earphone-side connectors) are available?

Example of 2-pin earphone connectors (adopted by many custom IEMs)
Our recables are compatible with a wide range of major earphone connectors. For example, MMCX (used in many commercial earphones), 2-pin (CIEM standard, custom earphones, etc.), A2DC (mainly Audio-Technica earphones), FitEar 2-pin (FitEar exclusive), and IPX (Ultimate Ears exclusive). We also support special standards such as 4-pin and 7-pin connectors for JH Audio earphones, and proprietary connectors for Sennheiser IE series. If you are unsure about the connector type of your earphones, please check the instruction manual or the manufacturer's website, or feel free to contact us.

 

Q. I don't know which cable fits my earphones. How do I choose?

First, please check the type of connector on your earphones. The shape and name of the connector are usually listed in the earphone's instruction manual or on the manufacturer's official website. For example, earphones from manufacturers like Shure and Westone use MMCX connectors, while many custom IEMs use 2-pin connectors. The connector standard is determined by the earphone manufacturer and model, so please choose a cable that corresponds to it. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will guide you to the appropriate cable.

 

Q. Do you also carry recables for headphones?

Yes, we also offer replacement cables for headphones. Our "ZENITH" series includes models compatible with Sennheiser HD600/650/800 series, Sony MDR-1A, MDR-Z7, and more. You can choose a combination of headphone-side connectors (e.g., HD800 2-pin connectors or dual 3.5mm connectors) and amplifier-side plugs (including balanced terminals like 4-pin XLR). If you have any questions about compatible models, please feel free to contact us.

 

Q. What types of output plugs are available? What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced connections?

You can also choose from several types of player-side plugs for your cable. In addition to the standard 3.5mm stereo mini (3-pole unbalanced) plug, we offer 6.3mm standard plugs for desktop equipment, 2.5mm 4-pole and 4.4mm 5-pole (Pentaconn) plugs for balanced drive, and XLR terminals (4-pin XLR or independent 3-pin x 2 for left and right) for headphones.
Balanced connection is a method where each left and right audio signal has an independent polarity (+/-), and compared to unbalanced (common 3-pole plug), it reduces interference and noise between channels, resulting in a wider and clearer sound quality. However, to use a balanced connection, you need a compatible playback device (music player or amplifier with balanced output).

 

Q. What is the length of the cable? Can I change the length?

The standard length of our earphone recables is approximately 120cm. If you require a non-standard length, we can offer custom arrangements where possible. Please inform us of your desired length before placing your order, and we will advise you on feasibility and any additional charges.

 

Questions about Orders, Payments, and Shipping

Q. How do I place an order?

You can place orders 24 hours a day through our official online shop. On the product page, select the desired cable specifications (connector, plug, etc.), then "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. Guest checkout is available without membership registration. After completing your order, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. Please check it. If you have any questions about how to operate the system, please feel free to contact us.

 

Q. What payment methods are available?

Currently, you can use credit card payment (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, etc.). You can pay securely through our payment gateway.

 

Q. How much is shipping?

For deliveries within Japan, shipping is a flat rate of ¥500 (tax included) nationwide. However, if your order total is ¥8,800 (tax included) or more, shipping is free. The applicable shipping fee will be automatically calculated and displayed on the cart screen and during checkout, so please check.

 

Q. How long does it take for my order to arrive?

After you place an order, we typically ship the product within 3 business days (depending on stock availability). After shipping, delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the region. If you live on Honshu, delivery will take about 1-2 days after shipment, while Hokkaido, Okinawa, and remote islands may take a little longer. If you need it urgently, please consult with us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

 

Q. What shipping method/carrier do you use?

We primarily use Yamato Transport (Takkyubin) for shipping products. We will send you an email with the tracking number when your order is shipped, which you can use to check the delivery status and change the date and time. If you have any special shipping requests, please consult us.

 

Q. Can I specify a delivery date and time?

Yes, you can. You can either specify your preferred date and time in the remarks section during the order process or contact us after placing your order to make arrangements. Time slot specifications will be handled within the scope of Yamato Transport's service. Please note that even if no specific date or time is designated, you can adjust the delivery date and time using the tracking information sent after shipment.

 

Q. Can I cancel or change my order after it has been placed?

If you wish to cancel or change your order, please contact us as soon as possible. We will accommodate your request if it is before shipment. For custom-made products, cancellations are generally not accepted after production has started.

 

Q. Is it possible to issue a receipt?

Yes, we can. Even for credit card payments, we can issue a receipt, so if you wish, please indicate so in the remarks column when placing your order or contact us separately. We will provide an electronic receipt (PDF) via email.

 

Questions about Repairs, Warranty, and Returns

Q. Do products come with a warranty?

Yes, our cables come with a warranty period. For initial defects within 1 week of product arrival, we will provide an exchange, repair, or refund. We also offer free repair or replacement for 3 months from the date of purchase for disconnections or poor contacts that occur under normal use. Shipping arrangements depend on your location — please see our warranty page for details. Even after the warranty period, or for damage caused by misuse, we'll do our best to help with paid repair whenever possible. Please feel free to consult us.

 

Q. What if the product I received is defective or damaged?

We apologize for any inconvenience if you received a defective item. If you contact us within 1 week of delivery, we will promptly send a replacement or issue a refund. It would be helpful if you could provide photos of the defective area to expedite the process.

 

Q. What should I do if my cable breaks after purchase?

Please contact us first. If the cable breaks within 3 months of purchase due to normal use, it will be covered under warranty (free repair or replacement). Even if the warranty period has expired or the damage is due to an accident, a paid repair may be possible. We will check the broken part and condition of the cable and provide you with an estimate and whether it can be repaired.

 

Q. Can I return or exchange a product?

Returns or exchanges due to customer convenience are generally not accepted. We will only accommodate returns or exchanges in cases of product defects, incorrect shipments, or other reasons attributable to our store. Please thoroughly check the compatible connectors and specifications before purchasing, and if you have any questions, please inquire before placing your order.

 

Q. Can I get support even after the warranty period has expired?

We will provide support as much as possible even after the warranty period expires. For example, we may be able to offer paid repair services such as plug replacement, so please consult us first. We will do our best to help you use your product for a long time.

 

Questions about Product Usage and Handling

Q. How do I attach and detach the cable?

When removing the cable from the earphones, hold the connector firmly and pull it straight out.
Please be careful when attaching and detaching the cable to and from the earphones. When detaching, grasp the connector part, not the cable itself, with your fingers and pull it straight out slowly. Forcibly twisting or pulling strongly may damage the terminals or cable. When attaching, also check the orientation (L/R markings or groove position) and insert it firmly until it reaches the back.

 

Q. What precautions should I take when handling the product?

To ensure the longevity of your cable, please keep the following points in mind:

When inserting or removing connectors and plugs, always hold the base (the hard resin or metal part) and do not pull forcefully on the cable itself.

Do not forcibly bend the cable or leave it in an extremely twisted state. The base is particularly prone to breakage, so avoid putting stress on it.

Do not touch with wet hands or immerse in water. If moisture does get on it, wipe it off immediately with a soft cloth and air dry it completely in the shade.

When not in use, loosely coil and store it to prevent tangling or snagging (if a pouch is included, please use it).

Q. How do I clean the cable?

No special maintenance is required, but if it gets dirty, wipe it gently with a dry, soft cloth. Leaving sweat or sebum on it for extended periods can cause deterioration, so wiping it after use will help keep it clean. Additionally, dust and dirt accumulating on the metal connector parts can cause poor contact, so gently clean them with a cotton swab or similar tool as needed.

 

Q. Is it okay to change cables frequently?

Detachable cables are designed to withstand a certain amount of repeated insertion and removal, so frequent changes within normal limits are not a problem. However, excessively frequent changes may lead to wear and loosening of the connector part. Please handle insertions and removals carefully, and if the connection feels loose, consider replacing the cable or the connector on the earphone body.

 

Q. How should I store the cable when not in use?

When not in use, cables should be stored in a way that prevents tangling and damage. Loosely coil and tie it, and use the included strap or case if available. Avoid tightly bending and tying the cable, as this can put stress on the internal wires. Using a magnetic cable clip can be convenient for bundling cables easily.

 

Questions about Customization and Custom Orders

Q. Can I get a custom-made cable?

Yes, we accept special order cable production within feasible limits. For example, if you have requests for connector combinations not in our standard lineup or cables of special lengths, please feel free to consult us. We will consider the feasibility and provide an estimate and delivery time. Please note that additional charges may apply or we may not be able to accept certain requests depending on the content.

 

Q. Can I order a cable with a specified length?

Yes, we also accept orders for custom lengths. However, due to the material and structure of the cable, excessively long ones may affect sound quality and strength. Generally, lengths up to about 2m are not an issue. If you have a desired length, please contact us before placing your order. We will inform you of the feasibility and an estimate.

 

Q. Can I have a cable made with a plug or connector not listed in the options?

We can accommodate connectors and plugs not in our standard lineup if possible. For example, if you wish to use a high-end plug from a specific manufacturer or require compatibility with a special headphone terminal, we can fulfill these requests if the parts are available. In such cases, additional costs for parts procurement and longer delivery times may apply.

 

Q. Can I have the connector or plug changed after purchase?

We also offer rewiring (connector replacement) for cables you have already purchased. For example, if you want to change a 3.5mm plug cable to a 4.4mm balanced plug, you can send the cable to us and we will replace the plug (a service fee will apply). Similarly, changes to the earphone-side connector may be possible, so please consult us. However, depending on the cable's structure, modification may be difficult. In such cases, we may suggest creating a new cable.

 

Technical Questions / Sound Quality Inquiries

Q. Does recabling actually change the sound?

In many cases, yes. A new cable can shift the character of your earphones in meaningful ways. Depending on the cable's material and structure, resolution may increase, and the impact of the bass or the extension of the treble may improve. Customers have told us things like "the details came through more clearly" and "the soundstage felt wider." However, sound perception varies from person to person and depends on the characteristics of the original earphones and the connected equipment. Recabling is a form of sound tuning, so we recommend trying it with your own setup to see if it suits your preferences.

 

Q. Does the conductor material of the cable (OFC, OCC, silver-plated wire, etc.) make a difference in sound?

Yes, the sound characteristics can change depending on the conductor material and structure used in the cable. Generally, the following characteristics are known:

OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper): A natural, well-balanced sound with minimal coloration. Stable reproduction from lows to highs.

OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting): Extremely pure copper with minimal impurities, providing even greater clarity and smoothness. Excellent in expressing subtle sounds.

Silver-plated copper: A copper conductor with a silver coating. Tends to extend the high frequencies and add transparency, giving a crisp, clear sound.

Pure silver: A very clear, delicate sound. Can lean brighter, with more emphasis on the higher frequencies.

These differences are general tendencies, and the actual sound quality is determined by the overall design of the cable and its compatibility with the earphones themselves. We offer a lineup that leverages the characteristics of each material, so please choose according to your preference.

Q. Does the number of cable cores, such as 4-core or 8-core, affect the sound?

The number of internal cores in a cable can also affect sound quality. When the number of cores increases, the cable becomes thicker and resistance decreases, which theoretically tends to improve dynamic range and sound information. As a result, an 8-core cable may sound thicker or have better separation than a 4-core cable. However, increasing the number of cores can also make the cable stiffer and heavier. It's a good idea to choose considering the balance between sound quality and usability.

 

Q. Does balanced connection improve sound quality?

With the appropriate equipment, balanced connection can improve sound quality. Amplifiers with balanced output have increased driving power and improved channel separation, which tends to result in a wider soundstage and clearer sound. However, to benefit from balanced connection, the playback device must support balanced output. If the device is not compatible, using a balanced cable will not provide any advantage. Also, the perception of sound quality is subjective, so if you have compatible equipment, we recommend trying it out to see the difference for yourself.

 

Q. Does a more expensive cable necessarily improve sound quality?

While it's not a universal rule, more expensive cables often provide sonic benefits because they are made with superior materials and construction. For instance, high-end cables often use high-purity conductors and advanced insulation and shielding technologies, which tend to excel in reproducing subtle sound details and reducing noise. However, sound preference is highly subjective, and what constitutes "good sound" varies from person to person. An expensive cable may not always be the best for everyone, so it's important to choose a cable that matches your personal sound preferences. Our product pages include detailed descriptions and user reviews, so please feel free to refer to them.