Cardas RCA Silver connectors

Time to switch to a better RCA, like the KLEI or WBT. Cardas RCA's are made of brass (the KLEI and top WBT are copper or silver), and the KLEI and top WBT designs include a single point ground pin contact point, which eliminates the eddy current distortion created by "normal" ground barrels such as those found in Cardas RCA plugs.

What number are the Cardas? I like Furutech, WBT. 

Thanks, I have the KLE silvers on the way already, but I still have a couple of pairs of Cardas RCA to use.

Best,


Erik

Also,I bought high end Furutech locking bananas a while ago and was so disappointed in their mechanical performance I won't ever consider them again.

I used them in some Focal speakers which seem to have slightly oversized plug holes. Two of the four plugs deformed permanently after tightening. WBT never had that issue.

Plus, I find Furutech expensive without quality add. Very pretty though.

Best,

Erik

Just adding an alternative opinion.  I have used both Furutech XLR and power cord terminations.  They are excellent in all regards.  I have not used their banana plugs, but I have used the Futurech locking RCA connectors.  The outer shell screws down to compress the shield material to grip the RCA connector onto the equipment.  Two problems here.  The shell needs to be unscrewed to release the grip and this means the shell extends forward and doesn't allow you to insert the center pin that far into the RCA input.   The second problem is that I never felt that it provided enough grip.  It was always a compromise on how far I could insert the plug versus how well I could tighten the locking mechanism.  In the end, I felt the normal stiff-spring type RCA plugs (like a normal Monster cable) worked better in gripping the connection and allowing me to fully insert the RCA plug.  In my experience, Furutech produces excellent top-end connectors (based on the metallurgy and sound quality), however I have got to agree with Erik that their mechanical designs leave much to be desired.  I would avoid using any sort of locking connector design and just stick with the normal conventional design.  Then it just becomes a decision with brand and metal/plating choice.

Ah, some additional info.  I have used the older Eichmann plugs in the past.  If the KLEI use the same plastic material, I would be careful when soldering on the ground/shield pin.  The plastic material tend to melt easily and can skew the ground pin.  I would attach this plug to an RCA input to act as a holder/heatshield while soldering.  Also, sorry if I'm repeating info you already know, but when connecting/disconnecting this type of RCA plug, always push on / pull off directly.  Never twist this plug when connecting or disconnecting from equipment as it can bend the single ground pin when you do this.

Thanks Aux! Yeah, I've had that happen to me more than once. Neutrik also.

Best,

Erik

I didn't have any trouble soldering wires to the tabs on the KLE Absolute RCAs and I moved them from one cable to another a couple times without any problems.  The Absolutes sound pretty good too except for the bass which is too soft for my tastes.  

Plus, I find Furutech expensive without quality add. Very pretty though. 

Best,

Erik

I do like their hex screw rhodium spades. I wasn't convinced they enhanced or hindered sound. They look pretty too. Dressing up the rear side of my 3As was my main objective. Bare non plated copper is fine otherwise.