It's unfortunate that 1/8-inch TRS jacks have become so popular in the consumer audio world. Their use seems to have accelerated with the advent of PC sound cards.
My experience has been that pro-grade 1/4-inch TRS connectors are more reliable than any 1/8-inch type as well as inferior-quality 1/4-inch connectors. But for the fact that these connectors typically carry two circuits, RCA connectors are far more reliable for unbalanced audio connections due to their concentric grip of the inner and outer conductors. Darn, I actually prefer equipment with screw-down barrier strips and where needed, create detachable cords with Molex connectors if a quick disconnect arrangement is needed. TRS jacks utilize a single pressure point and reliability degrades over time -- usually due to oxidation and dust build-up. Lubricants like DeOxit and Cramolin seem to help but if I was to install an Internet-based station at some remote location, I would want to remove all traces of TRS connectors to the best extent possible. Paul, W9AC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Brown" <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com> To: "Elecraft List" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter > On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > >>Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified >>speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. >> Stick with your first answer. > > Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But > it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED > loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized > products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to > that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch > JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable. > > 73, > > Jim K9YC > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
