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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
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?
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Yes, you should cover unused digital inputs including AES/EBU and BNC -- cheaper shorting plugs are available from electronics suppliers but if you want bling the Telos products are great (but cost an arm and a leg)
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tommylion OP
874 posts
 
I used RCA caps previously. While they did make a difference, there was definitely a noticeable improvement going from caps to actual shorting plugs, like these:

https://www.hificollective.co.uk/accessories/rca-shorting-plugs.html

Adding a GutWire Ultimate Ground Cable to one of the RCAs took things even further, but that's another thread 😉
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