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RCA Shorting Plugs

I am coming to the conclusion that success in home audio reproduction is largely about lowering the noise floor. There are so many different types of “noise”, from so many different sources, that we only really “hear” by their absence.

I have had caps on the unused RCA inputs of my ASL passive autoformer preamp, ever since a friend suggested them way back. I recently got some actual shorting plugs (with resistors), from Hifi Collective in the UK, to replace them. I was surprised by how much difference they made. Transparency, resolution and musical flow all increased, along with the “realness” of instruments and voices. There is also more sense of the space around them.

I know some preamps short the unselected inputs, but, if yours doesn't, these shorting plugs are inexpensive, and definitely worth trying.
tommylion
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Like many other threads on this forum that are essentially duplicative, I recently resurrected an older topic related to this subject.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/rca-caps

Given the input (no pun intended) of Al and George (and others, thank you, btw) I will be giving this (shorting inputs) a try within a month or so. I’m hopeful to have the same or similar results to the OP, and agree that the noise floor is an important aspect to get under the best control possible (i.e. the lower the better).
erik_squires
16,059 posts
 
I have to warn you, what you are describing is as much about training your mind and brain as it is anything else. It is possible to seek this endlessly. I used to be a movie projectionist. I would see dirt and scratches on films to the point I was no longer able to enjoy a romantic comedy, while everyone around me did. Thank goodness for digital film! :) Don't trap yourself the same way.

Having said this, part of this is, for me, not so much noise as room acoustics. Getting the room out of the way so my ears can listen through the system. The effect to my sense of well-being is much like going outdoors and staring at mountaintops over a lake. It is a sense of natural decompression like nothing else, but any aspect of your system can be pathologically pursued, so take a moment to put it in perspective.

Best,


E
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@erik_squires 

Very true regarding the room acoustics, however, I can assure you noise from the system itself (and all systems emanate some noise) is easily distinguishable. That said, system noise to a certain degree is "manageable".
crazyeddy's avatar
crazyeddy
381 posts
 

I recently made a bunch of shorting plugs for all of my unused inputs. A handful of RCA plugs, some 430 ohm resistors and a little bit of my time. I can't say that I notice any difference, but it was cheap and easy, so why not. Also, I just purchased a Manley Steelhead phono stage, and the factory recommends that all unused inputs should have them. Hmm, so why did they not supply them with the unit???? Anyway, that's what prompted me to make a bunch. Filled all the unused inputs on my ARC LS27 as well. It all still sounds as awful as it always has !! LOL (just kidding)

Cheers

jaybe
740 posts
 
I just ordered a bunch of shorting plugs on eBay. What about for the unused spdif, XLR and USB ports, is there a need to treat these as well and are solutions available?
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