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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 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






alexberger
921 posts
 
Hi Steve,

I just soldered KLEI to the tonearm interconnect instead of Furutech 126 (G).
I use WBT solder. 
The first impression is: the sound more transparent, better separation, details low level details, better focus. The tone is OK.
What I didn't like - on some records, the sound is too calm, too polite.
I know I need more time for solder break-in and I need to listen more different kind of music and records.
The good thing - it is impossible to make quick A/B, because to exchange RCA - cable should be re-soldered :-)
So, in any case it will be a long term listening test.

Regards,
Alex.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Alex - also remember the RCA's need considerable burn-in time.

From new, I found small improvements still occurring after 300 hours.

If previously burned in - I would give them at lease 60 hours to sound their best.

Happy Listening 
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,506 posts
 
I have found very, very little difference going from the Copper to Silver to Pure. I feel there are two real choices. Copper Harmony if cost is an issue and Absolute Harmony if you want the best. The other two add unneeded complexity to the line. My honest opinion.

These take 100-125 hours to burn in fully based on my evaluations.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Alex - RE:

What I didn’t like - on some records, the sound is too calm, too polite.
Maybe it’s the actual wire that sounds "too polite" ?

The RCA’s have always responded very well to the various wires I have tried

I have been messing with cables for over 5 years and it never ceases to amaze me how the wire, or RCA or the insulation and even the cable geometry can mess with the sound.

Also - humans tend to attribute a change in sound to the latest change made - in this case the RCA’s - when in fact the RCA’s could be highlighting a property of the wire or cable itself.

The degree of difference you can hear by installing these RCA’s is determined not only by the RCA, but also the wire + the geometry of the cable

So unless you have very good wire and an excellent cable geometry then you may not hear the true benefits of these RCA plugs, or even the differences between them

The Helix geometry is perhaps one of the most transparent out there.
- I use Mundorf Silver/gold solid wire for the signal wire on all IC’s, but Duelund wire is also very good.

See: http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-interconnect-cable.html

If the DIY Helix cable is not to your liking, then I would recommend the KLE Innovations Interconnects. I have tried most of their earlier designs and they were all excellent performers. The gZero10 is very good. They seem to have dropped the gZero3/6/20 IC’s

I have not tried the QFLOW or zPURITY series, but I read good things about them


Happy Listening







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