I saw a balanced mod on the sr80x and wondered if the same could be applied to my sr325x. Basically I mean just chopping off the 3.5mm jack and soldering on a 4 pin XLR end. Would this be possible and if so where would I solder each of the wires to since there are 8 wires in the headphones and different colors for most of them. Thanks and any pictures or diagrams are gladly welcomed if the subreddit approves them (posting this in multiple places.)

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Simeras t1_je186mc wrote on March 28, 2023 at 5:58 PM

Honestly, what would be the purpose of that?

Balanced hardly makes sense in headphones. Unless your amp can push more power in balanced mode only, and you need that extra power. And with Grados being so easy to drive - that is not the case.

I would be glad if anyone contradicted me with some actual facts what benefits balanced brings to headphones. But for now, I would say that this mod would not be wort time and effort, if you do it for sound quality and not just for fun.

SirNutSupplier OP t1_je19i3m wrote on March 28, 2023 at 6:07 PM

I am wanting to use the better balanced output on the schiit Magnius (SE kinda sucks on it), I can always just go back to SE whenever I want with an adapter anyways so I thought why not.

sunnysideup1234567 t1_je4s1kw wrote on March 29, 2023 at 12:37 PM

Why not buy an 1/4 to XLR4 adaptor instead? I see ddhifi and some other brands available online.

SirNutSupplier OP t1_je4tgjd wrote on March 29, 2023 at 12:48 PM

Those are very irresponsible. Basically Single ended (trs like 3.5mm and 1/4) to balanced adapters short two active outputs, which can damage both your gear and headphones. Yes they sell them but it is kind of like those extension cords that have male ends on each side, very bad to use and can cause damage.

sunnysideup1234567 t1_je55eiu wrote on March 29, 2023 at 2:18 PM

Then at least buy an extension wire and mod it to XLR. More versatile when you need the stock 1/8” and preserves the resale value of your headphones. Just saying.

sunnysideup1234567 t1_je55uhj wrote on March 29, 2023 at 2:21 PM

Some info here. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/balanced-xlr-conversion-howto-grado-gs1000.431493/page-4

SirNutSupplier OP t1_je56txd wrote on March 29, 2023 at 2:28 PM

Thanks for the info, also I have no plans to ever resell these. I already modded them so much with new aluminum swivels and yokes, new cups, ear pads, headband, etc. I am sorta trying to make these into a forever headphone, the only thing I really have left to do is to balance them lol