View Full Version : Good, cheap RCA plugs for more cable meddling?
I am after some decent, but cheap plugs to make up some more DIY cables.
The MS Audio are pretty good, but the lead time for delivery is a little long, so I am thinking of some Amphenol or Neutrik RCA plugs. Is there anything better available for pocket money?
I want to save the better plugs for the better cables.
Firebottle
02-02-2015, 20:42
Try these Kevin, see how you get on. http://www.audiospares.com/product.php?productid=1731&cat=375&page=1
:cool: Alan
Thanks Alan.
I was actually thinking of the Neutrik NYS373, which look really similar.
brian2957
02-02-2015, 21:28
The Neutriks take a bit of beating . They are very good plugs .
Sovereign
02-02-2015, 22:01
The Neutriks take a bit of beating . They are very good plugs .
I have used Neutrik PowerCons for most of my power connections. The more of their products I use the more I'm impressed with their design and build quality.
The Barbarian
02-02-2015, 22:07
The 'Profi' are good plugs but that retractable ground contact is a real pain in the arse imho on tight RCA's..
awkwardbydesign
02-02-2015, 23:06
FWIW, the Rean plugs are made in China. Doesn't bother me, but I know some don't like that.
I sometimes buy these, mainly cos they're pretty. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-PRO-PHONO-RCA-PLUGS-Heavy-Duty-Locking-WBT-Type-Connectors-NEW-/231059887488?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cable_Termin ations&hash=item35cc3e1580
The Barbarian
02-02-2015, 23:15
For quick lash up trial/temp cables i use these No soldering
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-Gold-Plated-RCA-Phono-Plugs-For-Audio-Video-Cable-Solder-Connectors-/231158072459?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cable_Termin ations&hash=item35d218448b
The Barbarian
02-02-2015, 23:17
Solder Free pretty
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Valab-Rhodium-Plated-RCA-Connectors-Plug-2-pairs-Solder-Free-Design-/321643309380?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item4ae36f6944
I dislike RCA phono plugs: they're a crap design, but sadly have become an industry standard.
If I have to use them, then I prefer to use the Neutrik 'Profi' types. They are not especially cheap, so I will sometimes use these cheaper types:
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/d/l250/pict/271730530405_1.jpg
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271730530405?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391020195640?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
The Barbarian
03-02-2015, 04:28
5 Pin Din. I lurv's em
5 Pin Din. I lurv's em
Last time I tried, they didn't fit well in an RCA socket. Maybe I didn't use a big enough hammer?
Some time ago I 'd ordered a set of MS Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper RCA Plugs and it only took about a week to arrive. They sound very good and are better built than the Eichmann bullet plugs.
At €5 a pop, they get expensive.
I want something dirt cheap, but still good quality. The Neutrik at £1.50 a pop seem to fit the bill nicely.
at 30p but in a pack of 25
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rca-connectors/5489082/
these sound very good as they put little rubbish metal in line with the signal ...you need to get the hang of the ground connection too as there is no tag as such ....then ditch the rubber boot thing and heat shrink ...
I've used these as temp connector and five years down the road a couple are still in use
the neutriks cy are ok ....
profis slightly better
tiffany types .....good
eichmans very good ...silver excellent
the best I found were some silver plated jobbies from china ...that I bought on whim ....oddly its real silver too as they have the typical black sulphide tarnishing ....these were about £3 each a couple or 5 years back and a quick look on the bay ....gives me something that looks close
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-pair-Pure-Copper-OFC-Silver-Plated-RCA-Connector-Plug-/181593881729?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item2a47d6bc81
The Barbarian
04-02-2015, 14:43
Last time I tried, they didn't fit well in an RCA socket. Maybe I didn't use a big enough hammer?
Well everyone knows Phono plugs are as common as muck
:booty:
awkwardbydesign
04-02-2015, 17:20
Some time ago I 'd ordered a set of MS Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper RCA Plugs and it only took about a week to arrive. They sound very good and are better built than the Eichmann bullet plugs.
I really like these. Time will tell if they stand up to re-soldering. And I think only the centre pins are tellurium copper.
at 30p but in a pack of 25
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rca-connectors/5489082/
these sound very good as they put little rubbish metal in line with the signal ...you need to get the hang of the ground connection too as there is no tag as such ....then ditch the rubber boot thing and heat shrink ...
I've used these as temp connector and five years down the road a couple are still in use
the neutriks cy are ok ....
profis slightly better
tiffany types .....good
eichmans very good ...silver excellent
the best I found were some silver plated jobbies from china ...that I bought on whim ....oddly its real silver too as they have the typical black sulphide tarnishing ....these were about £3 each a couple or 5 years back and a quick look on the bay ....gives me something that looks close
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-pair-Pure-Copper-OFC-Silver-Plated-RCA-Connector-Plug-/181593881729?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item2a47d6bc81
Take with a pinch of salt any claims of "copper" especially OFC. I have filed such plugs and found them to be brass. It would seem OFC and copper are just marketing puff to some sellers. In fact I have been banned by one seller for pointing this out to him. Which was annoying as I wanted some more; brass didn't bother me at that price.
And Tiffanies are tricky if the negative wire is solid.
walpurgis
04-02-2015, 17:31
I've pointed out before. The metal that plugs are made from is of little consequence. Gold plating is nice to avoid tarnishing but that's all that's really significant. The type of solder is not particularly important either.
Now before you all start raring up. Tell me why I've said the above!!
Well everyone knows Phono plugs are as common as muck
:booty:
I really don't like phono plugs, but as it's a badly chosen industry standard, there is not much I can do about it. I would quite like XLR connectors for everything, but that is not going to happen anytime soon, so I'll have to make the best of a bad choice.
On another note, I have re soldered the MS Audio plugs a few times. They stand up well to it, as long as you don't put excess heat through them. A mate has reported he melted the earth pin out, but in his defense he was just learning to solder.
dear gods ........one of my first cable experiments
easily replicated .... is to take several equal lengths of magnet wire [enamelled ] twist into two pairs and attach ..various rca type plugs .....I think I made four sets of different plugs originally..
fit and play your current choice of music ...then swap and replay etc ....
results one you hear no difference ....
this means
a .. you can't hear a difference
b ..you choice of hifi can resolve a difference
conclusion ...your wasting your time no need for further experimentation
result two
you hear a difference ......now things get complicated .
a .Did you imagine it or
b. was there really a change ?
best course is to repeat ...till your certain .
if your imagining it ....no need to continue
in my case with my system in my room .....there were obvious changes between the various rca plugs [because thats what your listening to everything else being roughly equal]
those plugs with the least metal in the signal path ....sounded best. None of the plugs tried were taken forwards as better example were found.
testing the plugs I've used over the years
...none were made of copper [except the eichmans bullets]
... the cheapest could have been an aluminum alloy ....[see my reference in the previous post and the rs web page]
...brass appears to be metal of choice in the mass market plugs ...like the neutriks
...the plating often a gold color is in my opinion there to stop tarnish and has no sonic value . as to it being gold ..who knows ?
... and yes silver plated is good and solid silver very good
if you not tried this its well worth the effort on a number of levels ....certainly I don't take things for granted just because the herd says so or it unfashionable etc
Having used mainly Eichmann silver bullet plugs in my system for many years, I can say the silver bullet plugs are amount the best sounding ones but they get tarnished easily after a while so I have to keep cleaning them now and then. Over the years, I have tried and used many different types of phono plugs, including all of those mentioned above plus WBT, Audio Technica, Kimber, Monster, Ortofon, and Neotech etc. hence my comment based upon.
Some time ago I 'd ordered a set of MS Rhodium Plated Tellurium Copper RCA Plugs and it only took about a week to arrive. They sound very good and are better built than the Eichmann bullet plugs.
I've used both and wouldn't say the MS ones are better built - the KLE Harmony are better than both IMHO.
I've used both and wouldn't say the MS ones are better built - the KLE Harmony are better than both IMHO.
Agreed but they are far too pricey for the AOS massive with their tight wallets :lol:
£45 for 4 I mean really!
So the plugs are more expensive than the cable? :scratch:
Where is the common sense in that?
walpurgis
05-02-2015, 18:22
So the plugs are more expensive than the cable? :scratch:
Where is the common sense in that?
Why, which is the most important then? ;)
Both are equally I portant, as a lead does not work without either.
Cable is €2.80 /m, so €5.60 for a metre set. The plugs are €56 a set. 10 times the cost.
The point of this thread is to find a "pocket money" plug for messing about with.
I understand Mr Brook makes a living from this so is going to promote his products.
Now if a couple of you could order some A320 NEO aircraft, I can easily afford to buy the plugs from Mr Brook.
awkwardbydesign
05-02-2015, 18:35
On another note, I have re soldered the MS Audio plugs a few times. They stand up well to it, as long as you don't put excess heat through them. A mate has reported he melted the earth pin out, but in his defense he was just learning to solder.
I have started to insert phono plugs into spare sockets now, before soldering, as some plugs have soft plastic insulation which allows the centre pin to move. Fixing them in place in loose sockets (I have plenty) means they stay centred.
awkwardbydesign
05-02-2015, 18:37
So the plugs are more expensive than the cable? :scratch:
Where is the common sense in that?
This is a hifi forum. Where is the common sense in THAT? :lol:
walpurgis
05-02-2015, 18:38
I have started to insert phono plugs into spare sockets now, before soldering, as some plugs have soft plastic insulation which allows the centre pin to move. Fixing them in place in loose sockets (I have plenty) means they stay centred.
That's a very good tip.
Plugs are often dearer than the cable, because of the styling and bull that goes with them!!!!!!!!
For cheap plugs, I regularly use the black bodied Neutrik/Reans -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-NEUTRIK-GOLD-PHONO-RCA-PLUGS-NYS373-Red-White-Professional-Connectors-Rean-/291355381326
- and the seller is one whom I've used often in the past..
I've now used the MS plugs and they're very good too and an ideal visual match for the Klotz 5000 mic cables I use in various places currently (!), but a bit more expensive and not what the OP was asking for.
Both are equally I portant, as a lead does not work without either.
Cable is €2.80 /m, so €5.60 for a metre set. The plugs are €56 a set. 10 times the cost.
The point of this thread is to find a "pocket money" plug for messing about with.
I understand Mr Brook makes a living from this so is going to promote his products.
Now if a couple of you could order some A320 NEO aircraft, I can easily afford to buy the plugs from Mr Brook.
Not true so you don't really understand me or my business chief :)
I've used both and wouldn't say the MS ones are better built - the KLE Harmony are better than both IMHO.
The body of the Eichmann is flimsy plastic but the MS is solid metal. So tell me which is better.
To get the best out from the cable, the best quality plugs have to be used. But on the other hand, I would not use expensive silver bullet plugs for those poor bell wires.
The body of the Eichmann is flimsy plastic but the MS is solid metal. So tell me which is better.
Personally I couldn't give rats arse what they are made of, sound quality is king! (king) :):)
Hehe! That's why I am still using Silver Bullet plugs. But the MS plugs are certainly better built.
awkwardbydesign
05-02-2015, 19:45
The body of the Eichmann is flimsy plastic but the MS is solid metal. So tell me which is better.
Actually the BODY of the MS plug is also plastic, it's the sleeve that is metal. In fact I rather like that, as it has possibilities for screening, without touching the negative terminal.
Not true so you don't really understand me or my business chief :)
No. You are right. I don't understand you. :lol:
Why would I want a set of plugs at €56 for messing about with cables to see if there is anything better in my system than the MC5000. I need a few sets to do back to back comparisons, perhaps three sets, so you are looking at over €150, whereas the Neutrik plugs will cost me about €30.
As stated in the original post, I want to save the better plugs for the better cables.....
I have some Copper Harmony plugs fitted to the MC5000, and I think it's a pretty good combination. I certainly prefer the KLEI Harmony for soldering. The cable prep is easy, as the conductors are the same length, so there is less faffing around.
I am just not totally sure they are worth the additional expense.
The body of the Eichmann is flimsy plastic but the MS is solid metal. So tell me which is better.
The plastic body works fine (though you can get a metal one) - irrespective, what the body of the plug is made from has nothing to do with the quality of the contacts.
I've now used the MS plugs and they're very good too and an ideal visual match for the Klotz 5000 mic cables I use in various places currently (!)...
Ah - now *there's* a development! Better than the SSCs, then? ;)
Marco.
The plastic body works fine (though you can get a metal one) - irrespective, what the body of the plug is made from has nothing to do with the quality of the contacts.
IME, you want plugs to have the bare minimum of metal in their construction - in fact, only the conductive part - nothing else. Plugs with heavy use of metal in their construction (or inferior brass conductors, as opposed to solid copper), to my ears, usually sound pants.
The effect was first introduced to me when I compared two (otherwise identical) WBT RCA plugs: one with a metal inner housing, and one with a 'plastic'-type housing, and the latter notably improved sound quality, and was cheaper to boot!
Experience tells me that plugs are just as responsible for the overall performance/sonic signature of cables, as the wire is itself.... Playing around with a pair of MC5000s (fitted with KLE Copper Harmony plugs) Kevin has sent me, and comparing them with the same cables (wired identically internally, too), fitted with MS Audio Starline silver plugs, has once again rammed that fact home! :exactly:
Marco.
£1.39 for 4 inc. postage
WHAT A BARGAIN!
Even the tight arses on AOS cannot complain about that surely?
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQzOVgxNjAw/z/CWgAAOxy79JSYZna/$(KGrHqNHJ!0FJYWJK(fDBSYZnZQwtQ~~60_57.JPG
They are cheap - and they look it!
£1.39 for 4 inc. postage
WHAT A BARGAIN!
Even the tight arses on AOS cannot complain about that surely?
Are you inferring I am a tight arse because I don't want to spend £45 on a set of plugs for messing about with a cable, which may not be finally included in my system? You don't understand me or me requirements chief. :)
I agree that they look cheap.
£1.39 for 4 inc. postage
WHAT A BARGAIN!
Even the tight arses on AOS cannot complain about that surely?
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQzOVgxNjAw/z/CWgAAOxy79JSYZna/$(KGrHqNHJ!0FJYWJK(fDBSYZnZQwtQ~~60_57.JPG
There's cheap and there's pish - and those are pure PISH!
I've seen better at car boot sales.... Al? :D
Marco.
awkwardbydesign
06-02-2015, 09:38
I would run a magnet over them.
I would run a magnet over them.
or a car:eyebrows:
I just got these from a friend in OZ, KLE Absolute Harmony
The f..biz they sound extremely good.
No idea how much they are!
http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/themainsman/ADS/IMAG1052_zpskfyn8g9t.jpg
Quite expensive, but apparently very good, if you like silver connectors.
I just got these from a friend in OZ, KLE Absolute Harmony
The f..biz they sound extremely good.
No idea how much they are!
http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/themainsman/ADS/IMAG1052_zpskfyn8g9t.jpg
$200 aus as far as I know, and supposed to be good....as they should be...Nice pressie.
One last question on this....
If I have bog standard RCA sockets, do fancy plugs really make a difference, as the limiting factor will still be the socket?
walpurgis
07-02-2015, 11:43
One last question on this....
If I have bog standard RCA sockets, do fancy plugs really make a difference, as the limiting factor will still be the socket?
Not much. (there's a nice 'sweeping statement' for you)
Probably best to avoid nickel plated steel ones, but anything half decently put together should be OK. Just buy what you like the look of.
awkwardbydesign
07-02-2015, 13:32
or a car:eyebrows:
Puncture risk.
One last question on this....
If I have bog standard RCA sockets, do fancy plugs really make a difference, as the limiting factor will still be the socket?
Not if your sockets have always been as "fancy" as your plugs! ;)
But yes, to hear the full effect of any improvements, you need to do both.... In any case, to answer your question, trust your ears. Given what you've reported, sockets aside, you can clearly (and repeatedly) hear a difference, so the answer (for you) is a big YES!
You're not starting to doubt your ears now, are you?
Marco.
Ah - now *there's* a development! Better than the SSCs, then? ;)
Marco.
Not for me, no, but it's a close thing. I only have one set of SSC which I made myself with aforementioned Neutrik phonos and no woven jacket, to separate them as much as possible from the 'official' online product.
Not for me, no, but it's a close thing.
Well, the acid test will be which ones stay put in your system, and which ones end up inhabiting your 'spares box'... ;)
Marco.
awkwardbydesign
07-02-2015, 15:54
I go for the rich football team approach; regular squad rotation to keep them all at peak performance.
I have stumbled on quite a good, cheap plug.
The Switchcraft 3502A. Less than £3 each and do a pretty good job.
Well, the acid test will be which ones stay put in your system, and which ones end up inhabiting your 'spares box'... ;)
Marco.
The home made SSC's have stayed, BUT... my home-made MC5000/MS cables are also in daily use too, both doing brilliantly in their respective 'roles.' :)
maxrob200
10-04-2015, 23:32
I have stumbled on quite a good, cheap plug.
The Switchcraft 3502A. Less than £3 each and do a pretty good job.
+1 for the Switchcraft 3502A. Made in USA, very cheap and sounds good according to a couple of ultra high end designers who use them in their mega-buck cables!
I have used them over more expensive plugs. Very well made but take note that the cable entry diameter is 7.9mm so thick cables wont fit through the barrel.
Another vote for the Switchcraft.
Not only used by me ... but also by Shindo and Auditorium23.
337alant
22-04-2015, 06:04
I use the Maplin Shark Phono plug for all my leads and I think they are excellent
They are also a nice tight fit with a neutrik socket
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/shark-7mm-high-performance-phono-plugs-aq56l
Alan
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