OpenHeart cables tested using multimeter

[solderdude]

The only problem may be occasional contact between the splitter and the table bottom.

That annoys me with a lot of split cables when sitting behind a desk.

 

[rdenney]

That would be open (infinite resistance = no connection).

They should measure approximately zero-Ohms (a "direct connection" or a "short") end-to-end where there should be a connection and open where there shouldn't be a short.

Low resistance measurements are difficult to do accurately. No meter is "perfect" and there is resistance in the leads and the connections at both ends of the probes. As long as you read near zero where there should be a connection and infinity where there shouldn't be a connection, everything is fine.


Good! Most audio cables don't affect the sound (as long as it's the appropriate type of cable). And headphone cables are generally the least critical. If they are working there's no need to measure them.

Edit: Egellings already said as much

Some good bench DMM's provide "4-wire" resistance checking using Kelvin leads. This accounts for the resistance of the leads and inputs circuits, and will measure resistance to the nearest one or two milliohms without needing to be zeroed. If I had set out to measure the resistance in a short length of copper wire, I think that would be a job for my HP 3456a 6-1/2-digit DMM, which can measure resistance down to 100 micro-ohms. Having some use for that wonderful work of Hewlett-Packard test-equipment art is the only justification I can think of for measuring common (and short) audio cable resistance.

Of course, this is a simple resistance test, not an impedance test. Testing impedance requires an LCR tester, which would be an equal waste of time for even reasonably competent headphone cables.

Rick "probably a good enough reason" Denney

 

[xanalog]

I think that would be a job for my HP 3456a 6-1/2-digit DMM, which can measure resistance down to 100 micro-ohms.

meh!

We used call this lab-beast our PBiddle Pack, for bonding (ground-plane) measurements, before some real measurements.

 

[Speedskater]

Of course, this is a simple resistance test, not an impedance test. Testing impedance requires an LCR tester, which would be an equal waste of time for even reasonably competent headphone cables.

Testing "Audio Frequency Characteristic Impedance" would be very time consuming, because it will change (a lot) with frequency.

 

[FreakyKiwi]

FYI. The DL200 doesn't provide a balanced headphone output.

The 4.4mm connector is still SE so a bit pointless and really only for convenience if you already have cables with 4.4mm connectors.

 

[JIW]

FYI. The DL200 doesn't provide a balanced headphone output.

The 4.4mm connector is still SE so a bit pointless and really only for convenience if you already have cables with 4.4mm connectors.

I already knew this. I just wanted to test using the connector compared to the 6.35 mm as I said.

 

[solderdude]

Most often when there is a bad connection with TRS jack plug and socket (Pentaconn is also a form of jack plug) the most problematic part is often the small contact area of the socket with the plug.

Jack plugs are usually very poor in contact and sockets are really hard to keep clean and functioning properly.
Too bad Sony did not come up with a 'technically better' connector but decided to make a slightly bigger than 3.5mm jack with more rings so balanced and SE is possible.
The latter idea is good idea but the execution is well ... too bad ... understandable as it needed to be 'portable small'.