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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
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Alex - the Absolute Harmony and the Pure Harmony both perform extremely well.

Perhaps the most telling evaluation was on my turntable which has one piece silver litz harness. The cartridge is a Soundsmith Mod’d Denon 103 with an optimized Countour Line Contact stylus on a ruby cantilever and the phono stage is a Simaudio Moon LP5.3

The following link will give you more details...
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-absolute-harmony-rca.html

I also used the KLEI gZero20 IC’s which had the Absolute Harmony plugs on them for my digital rig and they provide the same outstanding quality.

I now use them on my own "home brew" Helix cables that allow these RCA’s to perform to their highest abilities. 

Hope that helps - Steve

alexberger
921 posts
 
Hi @williewonka ,

Thank you for answer.
Do you think the tonearm cable RCA connector is the most sensitive place in audio system?
I use Furutech 126(G) for my tonearm cable.

I used KLEI Pure Harmony with number of cable in my system.
It always sound very clean, clear and quiet. In some combinations (of cables, speakers and components) it sounds just right, but in some other combinations it can sound too polite in upper mid.
So I need try to use KLEI Pure Harmony instead of Furutech and than I will see how does it matches.

Regards,
Alex.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Alex...
Do you think the tonearm cable RCA connector is the most sensitive place in audio system?
Yes and no...
- the amplitude of the signal is very small and therefore introduces the least amount of noise between the conductors within that cable.
- However, because the signal amplitude is so small it is amplified significantly more than the signals in other IC's within a system and any noise injected into the cable (e.g. from external RFI/EMI) can be quite noticeable

However - to get the very best out of a turntable a one piece harness, like those sold by Cardas, is perhaps the best approach, AND then install the best RCA you can afford - for me that is the Absolute Harmony.

I use Furutech 126(G) for my tonearm cable
I have used that very RCA in the past on my tonearm and other interconnects, but I now prefer the significantly finer details and dynamic performance that the Absolute Harmony plugs provide.

Hope that helps - Steve




alexberger
921 posts
 
Hi Steve,

I already have KLEI Pure Harmony. I can try them instead of Furutech 126 (G) in my tonearm cable.
I know that KLEI Absolute Harmony are even better. But I have to buy them.
If I like KLEI Pure Harmony much more than Furutech in this cable I will think about buying KLEI Absolute Harmony.

Regards,
Alex.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Alex, The improvements between the Absolute Harmony and the Pure Harmony are small and you really have to listen intently to hear them.

In my reviews I believed it was important to report on any improvements I heard (or not)  so that people could make a decision based on my observations. 

As a reviewer I have to have a "benchmark" to compare other products too. For me, that benchmark is the Absolute Harmony.


When I review a product it generally takes at least a couple of months of...
-  "acclimating" my ears to my baseline setup, 
- installing the new product, 
- allow sufficient time for burn-in/settlement 
- and then listening many times to around 200 tracks I have selected for their various "virtues".

But - In the "Real World" - where most people simply sit down to listen for a few hours - then I tend to temper my recommendations. 

So -  in real world terms - if you are thinking in terms of a quick A/B comparison,  I would  have to say you might not be able to discern the difference between these two RCA's. 

But if you are the type of person that has to have to have the best then the Absolute Harmony is your goal.

Since you have already purchased the Pure Harmony I think it would be more prudent to use them and simply enjoy the results and DO NOT let those "nagging thoughts" of having to own the absolute best (exscuse the pun) get the better of you.

If at some point in the future you happen to find yourself needing more RCA's, you could then try the Absolute Harmony, but I believe there is no need to replace the Pure Harmony you currently have. Just enjoy them :-)

Enjoy the music - Steve






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