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KLE RCA plugs are the real deal!!

I ordered a set of KLE RCA Pure Harmony plugs to use for a pair of interconnects using Duelund 16ga wire. I previously built a set, with good results, using standard switchcraft plugs. The difference, even without break in, was staggering. Although the Switchcraft plugs sounded good themselves alone, however, when doing a direct comparison to the KLE's, the difference is clear. The cables using the SC plugs sounded harsher (especially on high end) when compared to the KLE. The cables seem to have a "free-er"(FLOABT) sound or more flow. Seemed as if the SC's were holding something back. 

As far as building the cables, the separated solder posts make things way easier. Everything is quite compact (especially for larger wires) in the SC plugs. The removable grommets are a nice feature if one wants to use thicker cable wraps, shrink tubing or shielding. 

One other area I think the KLE's are great for is trying wire combinations without soldering. With the "V" shaped solder posts, one could "wrap" the ends somewhat snug and use the wire locking screws. You would still have to be very delicate when hooking up...however this is something that is pretty much impossible with the SC's. 

As I plan to build my entire system's cables, KLE will be the plugs I use on everything. I highly recommend
aberyclark
vvcv
13 posts
 
I hope to have more time to read the entire thread as I like these connectors a lot. I got as far as people finding the thin silver flaking off, and a few other issues. Why would you not tin this MINUTE piece of metal prior to soldering your wire on? I mean, it’s the exact same principle as to why tinning your solder tips after a solder work flow. Flow? Get it? hehe!

Oh yeah, have you taken a look at how small their exposed grounding ’antenna’ is? I do direct runs on all my cables. So, on my receiving end, there is virtually NO exposed EMI/RFI area getting into the KLE. If any noise does make its way in, it’s a direct run cable anyway. To point out that they’re dead quiet with real world experience -listen to an Anna Thorvaldsdottir ensemble recording, and you will hear rats crawling across the stage and laugh at you. Seriously, if you can’t hear the timpani player rub his paws across the drum head, then something in your system is scrubbing the details. For me, I noticed a lot come into full bloom with KLE with only a pinch of hiss with ears at 2 inches (ca. 5 cm) from the tweeter -and I'm an SET guy (one PP). 

The number of amp/preamps I own is a lot (a musician who collects audio and musician gear/nstruments) and I've committed KLE connectors to my entire system. But not telling the cable used w/KLE. :D

Umm, am I late to the party? :DD


robert

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,344 posts
 
Very timely and helpful info here for me. Thanks all!
kro77
69 posts
 
I know this is a really late post, but I decided to experiment with these RCA and speaker posts.  I was using some decent AQ cables as a phono IC, and swapped it for a home brew silver 23awg cable with the Absolute.  This change really made a big impact on the sound, I then changed the speaker terminals on my DIY speakers and was floored as to the impact they made.  I dont get how these tiny things make a difference, but the same music sounds bigger, with tighter bass, and better instrument separation.
kro77
69 posts
 
Just did a test run of KLEI plugs with Dueland 12gauge speaker wire.  So far fantastic... 

I was using some decent mid tier but respected cables before.  
whistleraudio
5 posts
 
FYI: The set screws used with the KLEI RCAs are very magnetic. We replaced them with brass screws when we used them for a few prototype cables.
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