Basically what the title says.
I’m curious if there’s any benefit from using a 1/4” end over 3.5mm. I currently use a 3.5mm TRS end with a 1/4” adapter in my Heresy, but I hear cracking/static pops every so often and I’m wondering if it’s because of the extra connection. I’m about to purchase another Hart Cable. I have a 3.5mm interconnect and am now wondering if I should add the 1/4” interconnect too.
Some adapters are pretty crap, but unless there is something wrong with it, or getting moved around somehow, it’s probably not the cause of the crackle.
The vast majority of my headphones have 4 pin XLR balanced connections, when I use them with Single ended amps, I use a 4 pin XLR to 3.5mm connector with a screw on 1/4 inch adapter, and don’t worry about it.
I’ve heard crackling and a loss channel in the past as well and it was because of a crap adapter.
I feel it’s pretty common.