Panel mount female RCA connectors

I'm looking for recommendations for panel mount RCA female connectors for an audio project.  I would like connectors that can mount in a half inch hole, are insulated from the chassis, are copper, and that are reasonably easy to solder to.

Ones that I am considering include WBT 210 and Vampire CM2F/CB.  The Clearaudio MPC also look interesting but I am not sure what the mounting hole size is for the Clearaudio.

Anyone have experience with these connectors or have others to suggest?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

What about this one?

Two other people have recommended the Neutrik Rean to me.  However it mounts in a 10mm hole which would be difficult for me to fabricate with a hand drill.  Also I don't believe the metal is copper, and the ground connection looks like it is an O ring rather than a direct connection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdkJake 

I like these, but, the hole size is 15/16.

 

http://www.neutrik.com/us/en/audio/204_1386454248/Phono_(RCA)_Sockets_productlist.aspx

 

Not sure if this is a show stopper or not.

I have been thinking about these Neutriks and I have a 15/16 inch punch for making the right sized hole.  They are not copper, which is not really a show stopper, however my panel does not have as much height as I expected, and that might be a problem,  It also looks like these have an O ring like the Reans.

But I might end up using these.  Do you have experience with them in equipment you have built?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

Is the chassis aluminum?  Pretty easy to enlarge if necessary, even if using a little hand drill, it will just demand patience going bit by bit (no pun intended).

 

Well, good luck with your search.

 

Thanks, 3.2 mm aluminum is what I am working with.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdkJake 

A 15/16" punch works excellent for back mounting (I use a Greenlee). You can also front mount them as well. If you do, then these make a nice finished look:

 

   http://www.neutrik.com/us/en/audio/210_1440657905/SCDP-__detail.aspx

 

I used them on my EHHA and "The Wire" builds. I will use them for everything in the future as I think they are easy to use, look great and work very, very well.

 

Why the concern with the O ring? The connection is performed with a double nut scheme, hence, the mechanical "weld" is quite good and extremely stable, both physically and electrically.

Haha!  I wanted to use a double nut scheme to make connection to Cardas binding posts.  I posted about this on another audio site.  Everyone, including Cardas technical support, told me it was a terrible idea and did not make a good connection.  I don't think the double nut scheme is a terrible idea but I'd rather have solid copper.

Whether I use Neutrik RCA connectors or not, I plan to use Neutrik XLR connectors for this project.  How do you fasten your Neutrik?  I had planned to use nuts behind the panel, but as it turns out there isn't room.  Neutrik makes a steel plate with tapped holes for M3 bolts that might work for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberspyder 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-pair-CMC-RCA-Socket-Red-Copper-Swiss-Cu-805-2-5-CU-R-/320688406150

I've always wanted to try these, all copper.

Those are pretty.  I assume they are OEM as CMC does not list this model on their website.  I went to the seller's store and they have standard CMC models for sale as well.  I wonder what Swiss copper is?  I like Swiss chocolate.

What disqualifies CMC for me is that all their RCA connectors I can find listed are either for 10 or 11 mm holes.  Other than that they look as good as any.  Don't know how they sound, but I would think it would be difficult to mess up a hunk of copper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

Chinese "OEM" CMCs? lol
Gold-plated connectors won't corrode as easily.

I confess I have never tried all copper connectors.  I use some plated copper connectors, and you are probably correct about corrosion of bare copper.  I would rather have gold or rhodium plated copper for that reason.  The other day looking for my chassis punches I came upon a project I built about fifty years ago.  My first etched printed circuit board.  The copper was not bright and shiny.  However my favorite cooking pot is copper and it has not visibly corroded even sitting by the stove.

Isn't there anyone here who could speak for the Vampire CM2F/CB, WBT 210, or Clearaudio MPC connectors?  Somebody must use them!