Quality Headphone ( Phone ) Jack , 1/4" and 3.5mm ?

[DrDeville]

Hi,

I've searched here and on Google, and I haven't found much in the way of quality chassis-mount headphone (phone) jacks, either in 1/4" or 3.5mm.

I'm thinking gold plated.

For my contribution, the only thing I've found is the Neutrik 1/4" locking, chassis-mounted jack, from fullcompass. It looks alright.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?

Best ,

George

[pinkmouse]

You won't go wrong getting the Neutrik.

[dnsey]

The Neutrik is indeed a decent 'middle market' connector, often seen in pro gear, and fine for a DIY headphone socket.
If you need something more rugged though, look at the open frame full-length sockets used in audio patchbays (be sure to get the correct guage though - they come in 'A', 'B' and 'bantam' configurations). Apart from their tighter 'grip', and greater reliability, a major advantage of these is the possibility of using a cleaning 'plug' from time to time to keep the contacts in good condition.

[DrDeville]

Thanks PinkMouse an Dnsey,

I guess that's the way I'll go.

It just surprises me, because I'm under the impression that a headphone amp is a popular DIY project. I'd think the DIY/boutique part suppliers would have something gold plated.

I mean, not Cardas (calls them "phono plugs"), or even Radio Shack, for cri-yi!?

I've Googled for an hour, and visited my usual suspects, but haven't seen anything yet. I'll post again if I find anything else reasonable besides the Neutrik.

Thanks again,

George

[AndrewT]

Hi,
I suspect a soldered in captive cable will perform better than any plug/socket.

Further, re-wiring the cable to four core may improve things even more.

[DrDeville]

Hey Thanks Andrew. (I'm of Scottish descent, BTW).

Could you tell me more?

What sort of setup you're suggesting, the advantage, what parts, etc?

By four core, are you talking about a balanced setup, or something else?

Regards,

George

[AndrewT]

Hi,
nothing so complicated.

remove the old three core cable with the common return wire from both speakers.

connect a four core so that each speaker has it's own supply and return.

solder the captive lead at both ends.

Warning,
take the headphones off before getting up to answer the phone.

[DrDeville]

Oh, I gotcha--thanks!

That's certainly an electrically-superior solution, though I want a phone plug so I can use different headphones with different setups.

Thanks for the advice about the phone.

Best,

George

[DrDeville]

Hi All,

After much clicking, I've found what I was looking for--a simple, reasonably priced, hole-mount, gold plated 1/4" phone jack.

Handmade electronics has one:

https://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc...idproduct=1458



Hope this helps,

George

[paulb]

How about 3.5mm stereo, gold plated, chassis mount. Anyone?