4.4mm Pentaconn to 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced Interconnect — iFi Zen DAC to Zen CAN & All 4.4mm Balanced Stacks

The 4.4mm Pentaconn connector has become the most common balanced standard across modern desktop DAC/amp stacks. iFi, Topping, xDuoo, SMSL, Shanling, Cayin, and Chord all ship units with 4.4mm balanced inputs and outputs — and the standard XLR interconnect cables most audiophiles use for balanced connections are simply too bulky for the compact, cable-managed desktop stacks these units are designed for.

The Headgear Audio 4.4mm to 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced Interconnect is the purpose-built solution — a true balanced interconnect carrying the full differential signal between two 4.4mm-equipped components. Available in two cable options: the Leo Copper Sleeved (26AWG OFC, Germany-made water-repellent sleeving) and the Athena Silver II SPC (silver-plated OFC conductors, premium sleeving) — both built to the same structural standard with gold-plated 4.4mm connectors and Cardas Quad Eutectic silver solder at every joint.

Both variants are true balanced-to-balanced — the 4.4mm Pentaconn's five-pole signal (L+, L−, R+, R−, Ground) is carried intact from source to destination. No conversion to single-ended, no signal summing. As several customers note in their reviews, the jump from RCA to this balanced interconnect between iFi components is immediately and measurably audible — better separation, lower noise floor, and a noticeably wider soundstage.

Soldered with Cardas Quad Eutectic ultra-pure silver solder. Gold-plated connectors on both ends. Standard length ~15cm for tight desktop stacks — custom lengths available on request.