Headphone adapters

Podder · #1 (**permalink**) 8th Feb 2007, 7:27 am

I have to post as I couldn't find the answers from searching.

I bought a (2.5 to 3.5) adapter from Circuit City (a Nexxtech) but discovered several headphones wouldn't fit. So, I went to the store with the adapter and my MP4 player and tried some headphones. Voila, it fit. I'm totally baffled.

Does anyone have any explanations as to why some headphones fit and other ones don't? When they don't fit, they only go in part of the way and that's it. The headphones in the store fit in quite easily. Even the store salesman was confused and couldn't offer an explanation.

Is the adapter faulty or is there some other reason? I'm considering buying an adapter off ebay as I haven't been able to locate adapters anywhere else locally. But, I want to avoid this problem. They're not expensive but I've been making do with the stock 2.5 headphones and poor sound. Also, I am hoping that the adapter and new (sound-isolating/cancelling) headphones make a significant difference. I don't think I should have to put the volume level to 20 or so to be able to hear it. I gave the player to some people to try and they all said that the sound is poor.

lattesurf · #2 (**permalink**) 8th Feb 2007, 7:58 am

Podder , basically the 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor should be able to fit any typical 3.5mm plug earphones. If it does not fit, likely it is either the adaptor has some problems, or the earphones you tried at home has the problems.
Also try to apply abit of pressure when plugging it in. Some of these sockets are known to be extremely tight on the first few occasions.

Definitely get new earphones for your player. Those sound-isolating types are the best. i'm currently using one, and never do i want to switch back to normal style earphones anymore. :lol:

michiganjfrog · #3 (**permalink**) 8th Feb 2007, 6:53 pm

Perhaps the question should be, which adapter to get.... I was listening to my Chipod today with a short plastic adapter, and the sound kept cutting out every few seconds. This I'm assuming is because it was in the pocket of my coat, and not being worn around the neck. I have another cable type adapter that might eliminate this problem. I'm presuming its the bulk of the adapter + headphone plug that is responsible for the insecure signal transfer. A right angled cable adapter has less bulk and is more flexible.

It coiuld also just be the variances in machining, so some better quality adapters might make a tighter fit.