XLR & RCA caps

IMO shorting plugs are likely to be a superior alternative to caps for RCA inputs, if in fact either one accomplishes anything at all. (Shorting plugs should not be used on outputs, of course).

Whatever a cap may accomplish, if anything, a shorting plug will also accomplish. In addition, it will essentially short to ground any RFI, noise, or other interference that may be picked up or generated in the circuitry and internal wiring the RCA jack is connected to, from where it might to a small degree couple into the signal path.

Outputs, for which shorting plugs should not be used, are presumably much less susceptible to those kinds of effects than inputs, in part due to the fact that output impedances are usually vastly lower than input impedances.

FWIW, I use inexpensive shorting plugs on unused RCA inputs in my system, although I'm doubtful that they make any difference. If I were to ever use those inputs, I would first treat the RCA connectors with Caig Pro Gold to remove any oxidation or corrosion that may have developed over the years despite (or perhaps because of) the presence of the shorting plug.

Regards,
-- Al

Al,
Thanks for the post and the link. At those prices, it won't break the bank.

All the best,
Nonoise

I use caps, but not for any sonic benefit. Just to keep the dust and spiders out!