Audio Technica AT-B1XA/3.0

To fully leverage the potential of high-end headphones like the ATH-ADX5000 or ATH-ADX3000, switching to a balanced connection is a logical step. The AT-B1XA/3.0 enables this transition with meticulous construction, using the same conductors as the original cable while adopting a 4-pin XLR termination compatible with amplifiers featuring a balanced output.

Cable construction and materials

The cable combines two types of conductors: high-purity 6N OFC copper (99.9999% purity) combined with standard OFC copper. This configuration is the same as the cable supplied with the ATH-ADX5000, but the AT-B1XA/3.0 replaces the unbalanced 6.35 mm jack plug with a four-pin XLR termination. By completely separating the ground paths of the left and right channels, the balanced connection eliminates the common ground return inherent in traditional unbalanced cables.

The outer nylon fabric jacket surrounds an intermediate elastomer layer. This dual structure is designed to absorb mechanical vibrations and reduce microphonic noise that can be transmitted to the signal when the cable moves during listening. The resulting flexibility also makes storage easier and reduces the cable’s natural tendency to retain kinks.

The A2DC connector: an answer to the limits of MMCX

The A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphone end of the cable are a proprietary development by Audio-Technica, introduced in 2015. Their design stems from a simple observation: MMCX connectors, although widely used in the industry, were not originally designed for audio. They were initially intended for wireless devices.

The structure of the A2DC connector is based on a coaxial architecture similar to MMCX, but with several notable changes:

• A larger ring diameter and length, increasing the contact surface
• A contact area reinforced with plastic around the pin receiver, preventing it from gradually spreading
• Increased resistance to unintentional rotation, a common issue with MMCX connectors

These features are designed to ensure a stable connection over time and to avoid the audio dropouts that can occur with worn or poorly fitted connectors. Audio-Technica reports a noticeable reduction in customer feedback related to connection issues since adopting this standard.

Neutrik XLR4 output: robustness and balanced connection

At the other end of the cable, the male XLR4 connector is supplied by Neutrik, a Swiss manufacturer recognized as a benchmark in professional audio connectors. The housing of this connector features a finish described by Audio-Technica as “velour-chromium,” a surface treatment that combines a satin appearance with wear resistance.

Gold-plated contacts provide good corrosion resistance and maintain low contact resistance over multiple insertion and removal cycles. Neutrik connectors in this range are specified to withstand more than 1,000 connection cycles without significant degradation.

The 4-pin XLR configuration enables a balanced connection where each channel (left and right) has its own positive and negative conductors, with no shared ground. The wiring scheme is structured as follows:

Compatible headphones

The AT-B1XA/3.0 cable is designed to work with Audio-Technica headphones equipped with A2DC connectors. Officially compatible models are:

• ATH-ADX5000: the brand’s reference open-back headphone, launched in 2017, featuring 58 mm drivers with a tungsten-coated diaphragm and a Permendur magnetic circuit. Hand-assembled in Tokyo.
• ATH-ADX3000: a more accessible version of the above, released in 2024, using the same driver technology at a lower price point.
• ATH-L5000: a closed-back headphone with plane-tree wood earcups covered in Connolly leather, positioned in the luxury segment of the range.

These three models share a relatively high impedance (420 ohms for the ADX5000, for example) and are intended for use with headphone amplifiers capable of delivering sufficient power. Adding a balanced cable like the AT-B1XA/3.0 makes particular sense with this type of amplifier, which generally offers a dedicated XLR4 output.

Technical Specifications

Cable Construction

• Length: 3 m
• Configuration: Y-type
• Conductors: 6N OFC copper + OFC
• Outer jacket: nylon fabric with inner layer in highly elastic elastomer

Connectors and Compatibility

• Headphone-side connectors: A2DC
• Output connector: Neutrik gold-plated male XLR4
• Connector housing: ergonomically shaped with chrome velvet finish
• Compatible with ATH-ADX5000 headphones

Performance Features

• Reduced friction
• Reduced noise
• Reduced vibrations

General Information

High-quality detachable balanced cable designed specifically for the ATH-ADX5000 headphones. The high-purity OFC copper construction combined with a nylon fabric and elastomer jacket ensures optimal signal transmission while minimizing mechanical interference.