A thump every time the cable touches your jacket is usually a mechanical problem, not a lack of DAC quality. Cable vibration can travel toward the earpiece and ear. Listeners often call this cable microphonics.
Try the free fixes first
- Use the intended wearing route. For over-ear IEMs, seat the cable comfortably over the ear. Do not force a straight-down design into an awkward position.
- Add a clothing clip. Anchor the cable below the split and leave enough slack above it for normal head movement.
- Reduce contact. Move the cable away from a zipper or rough collar. Test a different route before replacing anything.
- Adjust the chin slider lightly. It should stabilize the cable, not pull the earpieces out or squeeze your neck.
With playback paused, gently brush the cable and compare the result before and after clipping it. There is no need to hit the shell or tap your ears.
When is it a different problem?
Hiss while sitting still points toward another cause. Crackling or dropouts when the plug moves can indicate a connection fault. If every footstep sounds booming even without cable contact, sealing-related body-conducted sound may also contribute; cable changes might not solve it.
If a replacement is needed, prioritize compatibility, flexibility, weight and comfort. A thicker cable or higher strand count does not guarantee less rubbing noise—and a more expensive DAC will not remove vibration already traveling along the cable.
Technical references: Manufacturer advice on cable-contact noise