Do Headphone Adapters Change the Sound?
 

Quick question: Does anyone know if using a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter will change the sound in a noticeable way?

I'm considering buying some headphones that are 1/4" but my equipment has the 1/8" jack, so I'll need the adapter.

It's probably not a big deal but I just want to make sure.

I use one all the time and can't tell any difference.

It's half the size - only half as much sound can get through

Most phones come with the adaptor supplied. It won't have any effect on the sound at all (and although Jim's just kidding in the post above, in the crazy world of audiophiles there'll undoubtedly be someone daft enough to believe that they can really hear a difference).

Well, there will be some degradation, which is inherent in any system. But it won't be noticeable unless you chained like 20 together, maybe.

if you made a chain of 8 of them, you'd notice. i'd imagine weaker subs and less glassy highs.

just one to change the plug? not an issue.

Buy Grado SR80i, forget about needing the adapter and have great headphones.

lowsound

It depends. Gold sounds different than Nickel, and plain Steel is the worst of all. I have a solid Gold adapter that I can sell you, it's got less than 0.1 dB signal loss across the spectrum and sounds absolutely PIMP!

Peace,
Greg

SMH at some of you guys! NO, there will be no change in sound.

Marketing director at Monster/Beats?

I lol'd.

Obviously.

Yes. will you notice? Probably not

Monster. The king of cable mumbojumbo.

No. Nearly all headphones come with an 1/8 inch plug AND an adapter up to 1/4 even the $1000 jobs.

Thanks fellas.

Check the 1/4" plug on the phones before you buy an adaptor.

Some unscrew to expose an 1/8" plug.