ivipQ Headphone Interface Compatibility Guide

Identify common headphone interface types to provide a reference for purchasing ivipQ headphone upgrade cables or connecting devices.

Modern audio devices come with various interface types. This guide details the characteristics, applicable devices, and usage precautions of mainstream headphone interfaces to help you make the right choice.

1. Single-ended interface (commonly found in ordinary consumer-grade devices)

It is used to connect devices such as mobile phones, computers, and ordinary players to transmit analog audio signals, including left and right channels and a ground wire.

1

3.5mm single-ended interface

  • Description: The most common headphone interface, commonly known as the "headphone jack".
  • Applicable devices: smartphones, laptops, portable music players, game controllers, etc.
  • ivipQ prompt: When there are multiple 3.5mm ports on the device side, a "one-to-two" adapter cable is required.
2

6.35mm (1/4 inch) single-ended interface

  • Description: A standard large-sized audio interface, commonly found in professional audio equipment, home Hi-Fi stereos, guitar amplifiers, etc.
  • Applicable devices: desktop headphone amplifiers, audio power amplifiers, mixers, electronic musical instruments.
  • ivipQ prompt: It is compatible with portable devices via a "6.35mm to 3.5mm" adapter.

II. Balanced Interface (Commonly found in mid-to-high-end Hi-Fi equipment)

Using separate channels and ground wires can reduce signal transmission interference and provide better separation, soundstage, and driving force.

1

4.4mm Pentaconn

  • Description: The 5-pin balanced interface formulated by Japan's JEITA is one of the mainstream balanced standards for portable devices.
  • Applicable devices: mid-to-high-end portable players (Sony, Astell&Kern, FiiO, etc.), some desktop devices.
2

4-PIN XLR (Cannon balanced interface)

  • Description: A standard balanced interface for professional audio and desktop Hi-Fi equipment, which is the most stable.
  • Applicable devices: high-end desktop headphone amplifiers, mixers.

3. Replaceable Cable Interface on the Headphone End (connecting to the headphone itself)

Define the connection method between the headphone and the cable. Be sure to confirm the corresponding interface of the headphone model before purchasing an upgrade cable.

1

MMCX

  • Description: A widely used interface that can rotate 360 degrees, making a "click" sound when plugged in or pulled out. The tolerances may vary among different brands.
  • Common headphones: Shure, Westone, some models of Sony, and many domestic Hi-Fi headphones.
2

0.78mm 2-PIN (双针)

  • Description: A mainstream interface, connected using two small pins. Note that there may be slight differences in the pin spacing.
  • Common headphones: qdc, Ultimate Ears, Campfire Audio, numerous custom and universal mold headphones.

IV. Digital Interfaces

1

Type-C

  • Description: Connect a decoding headphone cable with a built-in DAC and headphone amplifier to transmit digital signals. The sound quality is determined by the decoding headphone amplifier module.
  • Applicable devices: modern Android phones, tablets, laptops.

Matters needing attention

Compatibility first|

Before purchasing the cable, be sure to double-check the type of headphone jack and device port.

Balanced and Single-ended

Balanced interface devices can be backward compatible with single-ended headphones (usually requiring an adapter cable), but single-ended port devices must never be directly plugged into a balanced plug, as this may cause damage to the device.

Plug-in and pull-out method

In particular, for the MMCX interface, do not directly and roughly pull the cable; instead, hold the root of the plug and pull it out with appropriate force.

Cleaning and maintenance

Regularly clean the metal part of the interface gently with anhydrous alcohol swabs to ensure optimal conductivity.