Build an earphone with Sennheiser IE800 shell and B&O H5 dynamic drivers

May 27, 2018 11:27 AM

earphonediylabs

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[edit] I created a new v2 post at https://imgur.com/a/d1iZa60 with more details and pics.
and in v3, I plan to use a 7.8mm XWB (extreme wide band) Sennheiser driver with 5~46.5KHz FR.

AMA on Reddit post, which would be easier for me to trace... Imgur message is also fine but no guarantee instant reply...

https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYHeadphone/comments/8mmxtj/build_an_earphone_with_sennheiser_ie800_shell_and/
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And hope I'm making this post a technical discussion, as either imgur nor reddit does not want them to be transaction platform...
PM EarphoneDIYLabs in Reddit or message me on imgur, AMA about DIY headphones, hopefully DIYer's technical questions to make life better :)
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As I'm getting too many question, this FAQ is for common question I'm seeing in comments. Sorry for not being able to answer one by one.

[FAQ 0] budget
As many persons reply and ask for cost, my spent on this kit is ~$45 = 10 + 2*10 + 10 + 5 = shell + 2* drivers + cable + soldering tin with 4% silver

[FAQ 1] How to ensure cable being durable
A: my experience is the glue and the quality of the cable/jacket is the key. For DIY cables with open ends, you can pick those with Nylon strings inside. And you may use strong A/B glue to ensure all joint glued firmly. And always use a gold plated, strong connector, which won't cost few $ more.

[FAQ 2] Why B&O drivers?
A: Start from a driver is so much lower cost than teardown a real H5 :)
And I experiments on different 6.5mm - 7mm drivers, so far this is the best combo. I'll experiment more and will keep you updated.
the key is to find either the best sound quality, or the best ROI.

[FAQ 3] About warrant
A: as long as DIY, there is no warrant and all risk is on your own... I made a few mistakes before showing this post in other builds. So please proceed with caution and wish you good luck. But really. there is "no pain no gain", to me, taking risk in DIY is part of the fun.

[FAQ 4]the glue
E8000 glue is mostly recommended, and you can find everywhere on Amazon or Ebay. E8000 is for sealing the gap around the dynamic with the front cover.
J-B glue is recommended to glue the ceramic back cover and the front cover, E800 won't work with ceramic at all. Again, you can find J-B glue everywhere on Amazon.
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"Sennheiser's original IE800 in-ear headphone was debuted five years ago, which was a super comfy, extremely open, natural sounding phone... It's designed and hand-made in Germany.... The new IE800 S features a single 7mm driver mounted in each ceramic ear piece; impedance is rated at 16 ohms. It comes with a rather deluxe looking real leather travel case. I like ... the injection-molded ceramic ear pieces looked snazzy in high gloss metallic grey, but the IE800 S' ear pieces are finished in a more subdued satin grey. Sennheiser isn't making any great claims about sonic differences between the two models, other than to say the IE800 S' 7mm drivers are redesigned. The IE800 S retails for $1,000, £870 and AU$1,600, while the original IE800 is still listed on Sennheiser's website at $800, £560 and AU$1,200."

Quote from CNET which perfectly recap my mind. Can we DIYers hand-made it? This build is a very interesting yet unique combination of Sennheiser IE800 ceramic shell with B&O H5 6.5mm drivers. The budget is very low cost effective to <$50.

See following reviews on B&O H5 earphone from headphonereview.com "how do they sound? Unsurprisingly considering the fact that this is B&O, they sound great. Let’s start with the bass, which is extremely strong and powerful. The headphones offer plenty of bass that should be enough for even mega-bass fans, and while some might find the amount of bass a little much, it generally sounds quite good here, especially on bass-heavy songs. It also adds a little extra oomph to non bass-heavy songs, like AC/DC’s Back In Black."

I'm a big fan of DIY earphones and headphones. AMA about how to make these babies!

You will need a pair of Sennheiser IE800 shells, B&O H5 earphone 6.5mm dynamic drivers , a DIY earphone cable with a 3.5mm jack. I picked one of same color and texture as IE800.
You will need simple tools like knife, soldering iron, glue. Note I used to recommend E8000, but this time the shell is ceramic and can not be glued by E8000. I used A/B glue instead.

You will need a pair of Sennheiser IE800 shells, B&O H5 earphone 6.5mm dynamic drivers , a DIY earphone cable with a 3.5mm jack. I picked one of same color and texture as IE800.
(PM me if you need a source )
You will need simple tools like knife, soldering iron, glue. Note I used to recommend E8000, but this time the shell is ceramic and can not be glued by E8000. I used A/B glue instead.

take a close look at the shell, the backend (the bigger part holding the dynamic driver) is ceramic and the front end (the smaller side in to ear) is metal. Love these tiny and shinning staffs :)

change an angle to have clear view.

the cable with 3.5mm jack

this is a pair of B&O H5 driver, repairing spare part.

the 2 rings on yellow paper is buffer ring, sticky on both sides.

Step 1: put the buffer ring on the front end (the side with many holes) of the dynamic ring.

Proceed with caution, and do not block hole on the front

Almost done...

Glue the driver into the front cover. Be very careful not to left the glue over on either front or back of the driver.

Done! Stay 15min until the glue sticky and strong enough.

Each back cover has 2 tiny holes. Put on the stainless steel bead, apply a tiny little bit glue. the ceramic back cover is just shining and amazing!

You will need to push a little bit hard to fix beads in...

Now both front and back covers are done.

Stick the anti-dust net to the front cover
E8000 glue is fine for this step.

Step 2: wiring and soldering.
Note the sequence of wiring...

Put on the protective jacket to the cable first.

Important notice: fix the dynamic driver on the vice clamp before soldering!!!! Don't get the little baby killed but you mighty soldering iron.

Double confirm you have done so...

Now it's the time to test your soldering skill - the driver is 6.5mm an soldering panel is as tiny as sesame seed...

Note I did a WRONG wiring here !!!! the red/yellow wires shall be reversed!!!

Also notice the wiring sequence.

Note I did a WRONG wiring here !!!! the red/yellow wires shall be reversed!!!

Last step, glue front and back covers together, put into the vice clamp and hold for 30min

And now you have it!

I bet it can beat any $150 in-ear headphones. Here is my subjective feeling about the sound.
1. the brightest mid and high frequency I have ever heard, very close to the style of my grado ms1.
2. solid bass and full of resilience, unlike Beats Studio whose bass deep dives too much and lose control.

Instructable!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Important update: My wiring examples were wrong :(

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Instructions not clear now I'm deaph.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

AMA or share your ideas how to make a better build

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

thanks!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I create a v2 post on /a/d1iZa60 with more pics and details.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Having cleverly destroyed my hearing over the years, the $15 ones will now do fine thanks.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

$1,000 for ear buds......................you're talking Kardouchian money there...........

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

1,000 for earbuds. Nope

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

That was where I begin with... IE800 and other ones sounds ridiculous expensive...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Looks amazing dude!!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

If you're trying to apply a tiny bit of controlled glue to a tiny object, put a small pool of it on cardboard and dip an unfolded paper1/2

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

clip into the glue.Apply the glue on the paperclip to the target point by getting close enough for the glue to make contact with the surface

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Why not just buy the chinese ie800?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

So you made better earphones from good earphones?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm just saying this sounds either better or equally good as my grado... no hint it's better or not as the judge could be very subjective.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Im still using my shure se535, best earphones i bought, great sound and durable.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Interesting. You should put this on Insructables.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

it's already on ins :) Go there and search in technology/audio.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Now tie that cable up in a big wad and you’re set.

8 years ago | Likes 56 Dislikes 0

as long as no end goes into a loop, you will never have a knot. so secure the ends and you will not have knots.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The idea of buying deliberately inaccurate sound equipment because you like bass makes me cringe.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

"Put on the protective jacket to the cable first." HA! no.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

And good idea? It took me some time to find a suitable glue for it.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I mean that whenever I solder a cable, I always forget to do that, and need to unsolder it and do it over. Did it three times once....

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

thanks!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How much does this end up costing?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

See my updates in the beginning of the post... And hope no more discussion on price, this is supposed to be DIYer tech discussion. PM me..

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm deaf

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

damn it 50$ for shipping to germany from earphonediylabs

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

[deleted]

[deleted]

8 years ago (deleted May 28, 2018 12:46 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

If there's a solution to not pay $50 shipping, let me know. I'll order a set..

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

it's 24.9 now...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

So how much does this build cost in the end?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

See my updates in the beginning of the post... And really hop no more discussion on price, this is supposed to be DIYer tech discussion.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

VAVA MOOV 11 on the America Amazon. $22 dual drivers with inline controls and mic. Best headphones I have ever owned! But great DIY! Thanks!

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

that a good earphone too. I actually tried dual drivers in one dynamic drivers, they are very good.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Unfortunately in-ears are super uncomfortable to me. I need big pillowy around-ears phones :P

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I love my Sennheiser HDR160 wireless headphones. Not too pricey, good battery life, and decent range (unless a microwave is on nearby...)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I got the Sennheiser Momentum M2 and I'm say to say they're not very comfortable... I miss my Sony MDR XB700 :c

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I wear my 160s all day, and other than getting a bit sweaty if I'm on my standing bike, they're fine, even with my big ears.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They do look very nice and they're not expensive... Thanks for the recommendation :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My too, I use this less than my big, 50mm over-the-ear one :-D

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

mr speakers headphones is all i use ..costly but worth it

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They are excellent and I wish I could afford one too.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

@op Where exactly do you buy the components? I would love to do this, I just can't imagine where a market exists to buy the components.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

earphonediylabs, I don't really like these kind of DIY things where the poster is actually a firm and sells the components.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thanks. I make it clear in the beginning, this post is for fun, to learn from DIYers, no to sell.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

This! I need to know as well.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

What do you do to make the cord last longer than 5 fucking minues?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Finally a technical question, thanks. You need to glue it firmly to the shell, the cable is very strong with Nylon cords in side

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Where do you get these nylon cables? I am a serial headphone murdere

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There are plenty on ebay, PM me if you need my source...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Btw, most earphone cables are with nylon strings inside, and some high-end ones (OFC, OCC, silver plated...) are with even stronger strings

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Then I'll probably serial murder those too. Oh well.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Why not just use the B&O phones?

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 0

Cause it costs less than $50 to make

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's just the drivers and not the complete B&O headphones.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

You don't get any upvotes for that.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I have different 6.5mm to 7mm dynamic drivers, so far this is the best...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

seriously, cus i have them, and they're excelletn

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

asking the questions that need to be asked

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I can’t stand the fact that +1000$ headphones still have those utterly shitty wires which will break equally fast as the 20$ buds

8 years ago | Likes 40 Dislikes 1

They don’t. I use Audeze headphones both at home and on the go, and those dudes are durable as balls...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I mean that's not very durable

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Depends on the balls, I guess...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Luckily most headphones $100 and up have detachable cables. Tho, I've yet to break any cables on any of my headphones for the last 8 years

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

I use earphones to try to reduce sound leaking. I usually go cheap because of the wires breaking after a year.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

This is an excellent question and I found that in DIY too.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I have tp change different types of glue to make sure it works firmly. As I know in factory streamline, workers won't be careful as DIYers.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What headphones are you guys buying. Even if not woven thread, every expensive pair of earplugs/headphones have had quality, lasting wires.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Actually the woven heavyduty wire won’t help if the connection joint and soldering are made poorly and fragile. Which is very often the case

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Like, my Denons are now 7 years old and the wire doesn't give a fuck.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I have Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2's and they have a pretty shitty cable. Braided wire would be better.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

To anyone doubtful, I used to do these all the time it's not too difficult and definitely worth the effort. +1

8 years ago | Likes 188 Dislikes 1

I'm impressed you guys have the patients for it

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 8

How much again?

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

In the link it says sub fifty. Thats pretty alright.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Exactly, I was surprised at the first time how great sound the build can products.

8 years ago | Likes 46 Dislikes 2

This is one of the worst sentences I've read lol

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

How much did you spent?

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

Right, but how much do you sell them for?

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 2

I build it for fun but have no intend to sell my builds.PM me if you want a kit

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 2

Sounds good. You should also sell those clamps and soldering irons

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Personally I don't think I could solder at such a small scale due to my shaky hands, could you help me out?

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

same here

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0