RCA End Caps

After experimenting with shorting caps on preamp inputs, my conclusion was that the plastic dust covers already provided with Accuphase products do just as well (in other words there were no perceived sonic differences using a metallic composition cap at least in my experience). These plastic Accuphase dust caps may be available separately from one of their dealers such as Audio Unlimited in Colorado

I got some from Virtual Mode (http://www.virmode.com/ -- but note that their web site doesn't list all the accessories) for $2 or $2.50, I think; definitely not $3. They sell different ones for analog and digital outlets.

If you do a search for *SHORT OUT PLUGS* You will find a thread I started awhile back that will teach you how to make your own using parts from Radio Shack. I must have made 30 or so for about a buck a piece. Better check your manuals before you start randomly plugging them in. My Theta gear recommended them for unused inputs only (NO OUTPUTS) I would recommend just using dust caps for the outputs, which you could probably make yourself just eliminate the shortout and soldering step. Good luck

These caps do nothing but they look nice -- if you walk around your stand to look at them. A sheet of Mumetal does a lot more to block EMI or RFI than these caps.

Do they really short out the input/output? Will the new XLR also short out. Not being an engineer, but that sounds like it could be harmful to some of the electronics.
I hope someone very knowlegeable about this (engineer) would answer this.