Unlike the entry lever wired earphones, IEM has sockets which allow them to attach and detach their cables. This helps us to customize the IEMs by adding third-party accessories such as Bluetooth modules or custom cables made of our choice.
HiFiMan RE-400 Waterline is an example of a rare audiophile grade earphone with no interchangable cable.
We have different articles on different types of connectors, such as Power Connectors, gender of connector, types of cables etc. If you are going to invest a good sum behind IEM/earphone/headphone then probably you should invest time to learn the basic things.
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Please remember that, usually cables do not make a huge difference in sound. You’ll find a lot of marketing around cables. The reason to discuss different types of IEM/Earphone connectors is mostly for replacement or cross-compatibility. Buy an upgrade cable for aesthetics, comfort, durability, or the absence of microphonics. Don’t buy a $1200 cable just because somebody told you that it will improve the sound quality. There are even more costlier cables! Usually under $50 eight core cables do the job. You do not need 16-core gold cable or something with sci-fi technology. For this reason, our discussion will be limited to a few types. The following types of pins are widely known to be in use:
- MMCX
- Classic 2 pin
- QDC 2 pin
- NX7 or TFZ 2 pin
- IPX connection
- Pentaconn ear connector
- 4 pin
- 7 pin
Among all these, 2 pin and MMCX are widely used and hence we will discuss them.
MCX (Miniature CoaX) connectors are small coaxial connectors developed in 1990. They are designed for telecommunication. They use a snap connection and are therefore very easy to handle. MMCX connectors (Micro Miniature CoaX) are very small (3 mm diameter) coaxial connectors according to DIN EN 122340. They are widely used in PCMCIA cards, even in older mobile phones, they are usually found under the cover, next to the removable batteries, for connecting an external GSM antenna. They are specified up to 6 GHz and are available for 50 Ω. SSMCX (Super Small MCX) connectors are approximately 30% smaller than MMCX. They are specified for frequencies up to 10 GHz. MMCX are common in high-end IEMs since this connector follows some sort of standard. However, MMCX connectors wear out over repeated connecting/disconnecting. Also, they are prone to damage since the design requires to be precise.
2 Pin connectors are of 3 types – 0.78mm, 0.75mm and QDC, although we have listed QDC as a separate entity. This is the commonest type and people prefer it. However, they may loosen with time or may not be water-sealed.
Together, MMCX and 0.78mm two-pin variants with 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced plugs are probably widely compatible. QDC two-pin connectors as they have a covering around but they are not that so widely compatible.
4 4-pin connector can be mentioned because it helps to attach variable bass adjuster pods. You will get Bluetooth attachments both for MMCX and 2-pin connectors.
Which brand’s IEM uses which type of connector? That is difficult to list. Often MMCX are slightly tweaked and becomes kind of proprietary. Pentaconn is a superior connector but you’ll not get many accessories.
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