Surf Cables Chart of Balanced Headphone Models

We constantly receive requests for advice as to whether certain models of headphones are balanced-capable in stock (unmodified form).  Below is a chart that might answer your question as to whether your headphones are natively balanced and thus compatible with the Pono Player in balanced mode.

 Please see our Balanced Audio Guide here to learn why people make a big deal out of balanced audio/ balanced mode and balanced headphones. 

Headphones	Natively Balanced (Pono Balanced Mode Compatible)?
AKG	Generally AKG headphones are not compatible with balanced mode without special modifications.
Alpha Dog	Yes, however we do not stock parts for this model, but Please email us for ordering a cable.
Audeze LCD Series	Yes, Audeze LCD-2/3 cables available here.
Audeze EL Series	Yes, click here for EL-8 Pono Cables.
Audio Technica	Generally, Audio Technica headphones are not compatible with balanced mode without special modifications.  ATH-R70X - Yes! Nice headphones! please email us for details.
AudioQuest	Nighthawk cables are available, please see this page for more details.
Beyerdynamic	Generally, Beyerdynamic headphones are not compatible with balanced mode without special modifications.
Bose	Generally, no.  QC25 - No; QC3 - no. Bose TP-1 is balanced with dual runs of wire to the 3.5mm plug.  Plug can be removed and cable re-terminated balanced.
Bang & Olufsen	No.
Denon AH-D7100	Yes.  Please email us for details.
Grado	No (but most can be modified).
HiFiMan	Yes, certain models compatible, check our HiFiMan page here HE-1000 cables also available, please see this page for more details.
IEMs (In-Ear-Monitors)	Yes, please see our IEM page for more details.  Generally all earbuds and IEMs which also include removable cables (including Sennheiser IE-80, Shure/ Westone and Ultimate Ears) are balanced mode compatible. Please email us for details about your specific model.  If your unit lacks removeable cables it may or may not be balanced capable (depending on  whether the two grounds are joined at the 3.5mm connector or at the Y connector located in the neck area).
Master and Dynamic	hmmm....
Oppo PM-1, PM-2 and PM-3	Yes, Oppo cables available here.
Sennheiser Momentum, Momentum 2	We have tested the Momentum 2, it has a balanced cable but the headset is not balanced.  The headset receptacle requires modification to be balanced so no.  Likely the same for the Momentum and all over ear and on-ear models.
Sennheiser HD497	Sort of, the stock cable can be re-terminated for balanced mode.  Please email us for details.
Sennheiser HD518/ HD558/ HD598	Yes!  Please email us for details.
Sennheiser HD600 Type	Yes,  HD414, HD420, HD430, HD525, HD545, HD565, HD580, HD600 and HD650.  Sennheiser HD600/650 type cables available here.
Sennheiser HD700	Yes Sennheiser HD700 cables available here.
Sennheiser HD800	Yes Sennheiser HD800 cables available here.
Sony MDR-1A	Yes, no problem.  Please email us for details.
Sony MDR-Z7	Yes Sony MDR-Z7 cables available here.
V-Moda	No.  Models with the dual inputs can be easily modified for balanced operation.  Please email us for details.