I rarely used it with balanced connections, and it has been stored since purchase. Usage frequency was quite low, and there are no noticeable scratches or stains. This is a 4.4mm (5-pole) to 3.5mm (3-pole) conversion cable. How about using it to connect your earphones or headphones? Please purchase only if you understand that this is a used item. okcsc Lin08 conversion cable, balanced connection cable, earphone jack conversion, 4.4mm 5-pole (male) to 3.5mm 3-pole (female), 8-core, 15cm, single crystal copper