The crappiness of the 3.5 mm jack and plug

[n_maher]

Thanks for taking the time to do such a thorough job with that Ti. And I agree, it's reassuring to know that one jack/plug cannot have such a pronounced (measurement-wise) effect on a device's performance.

 

[Anonanimal]

Agreed. Thanks for putting in the time to test that on a different setup.

 

[leeperry]

hehe, each time I showed those threads claiming huge diffs between 3.5/6.35 to an EE friend of mine, he always giggled at me..the first one was using different inputs on the 0404USB, and this one a phono box and what not

thank you for this long overdue reality check.

 

[FraGGleR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koyaan I. Sqatsi /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are you saying, Doug? That we're all a bunch of boneheads? se

lol!

And thanks to the contributors to this thread. I always like learning just a tad bit more and don't feel so bad now using 3.5 mini's in a world of 1/4" and xlr connections.

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FraGGleR /img/forum/go_quote.gif lol! And thanks to the contributors to this thread. I always like learning just a tad bit more and don't feel so bad now using 3.5 mini's in a world of 1/4" and xlr connections.

There are still perfectly valid reasons not to use 1/8" connectors outside the portable world, crosstalk just isn't one of them.

 

[Punnisher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif There are still perfectly valid reasons not to use 1/8" connectors outside the portable world, crosstalk just isn't one of them.

What are your reasons?

I never liked them, specifically for their lack of durability. The 1/4" plugs are typically of much higher quality as well. Especially at the same price point.

 

[Steve Eddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FraGGleR /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...and don't feel so bad now using 3.5 mini's in a world of 1/4" and xlr connections.

And don't forget, there's always Enzyte.

se

 

[n_maher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punnisher /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are your reasons? I never liked them, specifically for their lack of durability. The 1/4" plugs are typically of much higher quality as well. Especially at the same price point.

I'd say that about sums up my biggest gripe. Both plugs and jacks are generally of low quality and don't stand the test of time. They have their place but given the choice I'll always choose something else.

 

[m1abrams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punnisher /img/forum/go_quote.gif What are your reasons?

Much easier to solder 12GA solid silver to 1/4" connector than to a 1/8".

(hides in corner).

Seriously though 1/4" jack and plug are just going to hold up better.

 

[Steve Eddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_maher /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd say that about sums up my biggest gripe. Both plugs and jacks are generally of low quality and don't stand the test of time.

That may be generally true, but it isn't inherent.

The Switchcraft 35HD's are a very high quality and robust plug.

And check out the Switchcraft 35RA jacks.

High quality silver plated contacts and separate coil springs to maintain tip and ring contact pressure as opposed to relying on the spring force of the contacts themselves.

se

 

[Juaquin]

Yeah I don't think Switchcraft's 3.5mm parts are any worse than their 1/4" equivalents, and I've used both. There are of course poor quality parts of both types but as long as you choose a good one I wouldn't worry too much. Use whatever works with the equipment you have.

 

[FraGGleR]

Well, once my income flows again, I will get some audiophile enzyte so I can get an equipment upgrade that actually uses 1/4" jacks. Who couldn't use a bigger, stronger plug that will last longer?

 

[Steve Eddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FraGGleR /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, once my income flows again, I will get some audiophile enzyte so I can get an equipment upgrade that actually uses 1/4" jacks. Who couldn't use a bigger, stronger plug that will last longer?

se