View Full Version : "Best" RCA plugs
It has been a while since I made up a decent cable. Last time I did, I used WBT Next gen 0114Cu, but at €160 a set, they seem a bit expensive.
I am tempted to go for Aeco silver plated copper plugs at half the price of the WBT.
The question is, are there any better pure copper RCA plugs that I have overlooked?
It has been a while since I made up a decent cable. Last time I did, I used WBT Next gen 0114Cu, but at €160 a set, they seem a bit expensive.
I am tempted to go for Aeco silver plated copper plugs at half the price of the WBT.
The question is, are there any better pure copper RCA plugs that I have overlooked?
I've always had good experience with the KLE Innovations range of plugs. They do pure copper and silver versions.
As I have often commented elsewhere there are no "best" phono plugs. IMO they are all lousy; based on a poor design of the 1950s, intended to be a cheap way to allow a record player (hence the name 'phono') to be connected to an amplifier. Over the years the construction of the plug has improved and 'tarted up' with a choice of conductor and plating offered. But the basic and poor geometry remains unchanged.
The Eichmann 'bullet' plugs is an interesting and radical design and has a strong following. But again IMO, it does little to improve on the basic and poor design, and the designer's supporting arguments are unconvincing, or incorrect from an electrical point of view.
If I had to recommend a particular brand it would be either Neutrik (which corrects the electrical failing of the original design), or those available from Action Hardware, https://actionhardware.co.uk, models PP-0410 and PP-0430. The latter offer a true coaxial connection.
If you cat afford WBT ( The best) then KLE next best. Not sure which ones to recommend but Harmony Silver or Copper great.
If you cat afford WBT ( The best) then KLE next best. Not sure which ones to recommend but Harmony Silver or Copper great.
I have KLE on mine, I was told they were the best!
Seriously though I did swap to cheap interconnects just to see, couldn't tell any different.
As long as they make a snug connection and aren't in any danger of coming loose and falling out, you're good.
So save the money, and buy a chunk of brass?
The sockets are copper, so I want to match that.
If you cat afford WBT ( The best) then KLE next best. Not sure which ones to recommend but Harmony Silver or Copper great.
It is not a question of "can't afford WBT" more of a case of not willing to pay the price for connectors where the plastic ring cracks. ;)
It is not a question of "can't afford WBT" more of a case of not willing to pay the price for connectors where the plastic ring cracks. ;)
Yeah I'm in the same camp as you Kevin. I don't want to pay WBT prices either so that's why I went with KLE. I think the KLE are superb value for money and I have evaluated them on all sorts of cables over the years and they have given 60% + to the sound quality of any cable I have used including modestly priced stuff.:)
Is there much difference between the different KLEI plugs, apart from price? They all seem to be silver plated copper.
Is there much difference between the different KLEI plugs, apart from price? They all seem to be silver plated copper.
mmmm...I have pondered this question too! I have always used the Classic and Harmony silver plated copper plugs and not really tried the other KLE plugs in the range.
For an extensive explanation of differences this site is rather good.
https://www.hificollective.co.uk/phono_plugs/innovations-copper-harmony-plug.html
Reading that, there does not appear to be much difference?
He is talking about a difference of 6% IACS, and it will be limited by the socket you fit the plug,
If you are using the standard brass sockets, then as Barry suggested, maybe Neutral rean is all you need?
I am going from WBT of Furutech pure copper to pure copper, so it makes sense to use pure copper plugs. Anything else would be a waste?
What cables are you using with the plugs?
Neotech (NEI-3004G) OCC/Graphene and Furutech alpha (FA-aS21) OCC.
Did you get any plugs in the end?
Wakefield Turntables
09-10-2025, 19:04
WBT for me.
Did you get any plugs in the end?
Not yet, but I will be ordering them soon.
I already have WBT and KLEI, and I am not sure I could tell the difference if pushed.
Wakefield Turntables
10-10-2025, 18:54
Not yet, but I will be ordering them son.
I already have WBT and KLEI, and I am not sure I could tell the difference if pushed.
Get the cheapest if you can't tell the difference and flog the WBT's!
The WBT are cheaper. So buy the expensive ones, and sell the WBT? :scratch:
Wakefield Turntables
11-10-2025, 07:59
The WBT are cheaper. So buy the expensive ones, and sell the WBT? :scratch:
Oh dear, befuddled mind set is kicking in, I'll get my coat for the old folks home..... :door:
Oh dear, befuddled mind set is kicking in, I'll get my coat for the old folks home..... :door:
To be fair, it all depends which model of each brand we are talking about. ;)
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