I have a Hafler DH-110, and as is fairly well known, the RCA jacks on the back suck. I've resoldered a couple that I couldn't fully plug in to, but they are still super tight on my smaller RCA plugs, and my bigger plugs jam in the recessed case panel.
I'm looking for anything I can do to produce a solid improvement, at least for the commonly used plugs. I could source new panel-mount plugs and simply replace like-for-like with better metal. Ideally I'd like something that can mount to the panel directly and provide more secure plug/unplug action.
I'll take any thoughts or ideas.
I'm looking for anything I can do to produce a solid improvement, at least for the commonly used plugs. I could source new panel-mount plugs and simply replace like-for-like with better metal. Ideally I'd like something that can mount to the panel directly and provide more secure plug/unplug action.
I'll take any thoughts or ideas.
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Well firstly they aren't gold plated so you'd be best not using gold-plated plugs - either both gold or neither is the rule. Try searching "fretting corrosion tin gold"
I suspect you just need to get cheap leads with cheap connectors (not gold), check all the plugs are a snug fit (careful squashing with pliers fixes this if necessary), and leave and forget.
A lot of "high end" RCA connectors (and cables) are too big, too heavy, and place huge mechanical strain on the sockets, which were simply never designed for this (in the '80s). Lowly cheap cable will likely perform just as well, is cheaper, more flexible, won't trash the preamp back panel... Of course you have to worry a little about how much screening is on such cables, but you can always try some out cheaply.
I suspect you just need to get cheap leads with cheap connectors (not gold), check all the plugs are a snug fit (careful squashing with pliers fixes this if necessary), and leave and forget.
A lot of "high end" RCA connectors (and cables) are too big, too heavy, and place huge mechanical strain on the sockets, which were simply never designed for this (in the '80s). Lowly cheap cable will likely perform just as well, is cheaper, more flexible, won't trash the preamp back panel... Of course you have to worry a little about how much screening is on such cables, but you can always try some out cheaply.
I’m not sure how to address the connector material problem. I can’t find any gold-plated straight PCB-mount RCA plugs. Surely this will be used with other components with gold-plates contacts, since everything is made with those these days. Short of cables with different connectors on each end, I’m not sure how to proceed.
If it was in front of me, I'd be removing the pcb's the sockets are currently on completely, then fitting some 4mm tufnol sheet on the inner face so you can redrill and fit whatever socket you want.
These would be appropriate (attached) - you can get GP versions too
Anything bigger than this style and you'd start to hit the metal sides of the original slots
The wiring internally would just go direct to the sockets.
These would be appropriate (attached) - you can get GP versions too
Anything bigger than this style and you'd start to hit the metal sides of the original slots
The wiring internally would just go direct to the sockets.
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Yeah, you could do that, or design new boards with the sockets of your choice.
These may actually fit the existing board, email them and ask:
HAFLER DH-110 OTHERS PC PHONO JACK 24PK !!! | eBay
These may actually fit the existing board, email them and ask:
HAFLER DH-110 OTHERS PC PHONO JACK 24PK !!! | eBay
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pre-out upgrade options
I have pondered this for nearly 40 years... I own 3 DH-110s [ALL] heavily re-worked with power supply emphasis. DC coupled, re-worked the RIAA, all electrolytics bypassed (with good caps) All Nichicon MUSE caps, a PITA (they are so big to fit)
I plan to get rid of the all the AC power jacks [never have used them] on the back of the pre-amp and put a small piece of metal plate inside, with the jacks (likely Cardas Rhodium) through new holes, spaced where the jacks where. I think there is adequate room to do this sensibly. I think someone posted what looked like a Nickel? Switchcraft RCA, which I would use in a heartbeat. I like them, they are neutral.
Then remove (or less desirable, jumper over) the wire and / or prefer to relocate it to new jack, with existing wire runs.
I have pondered this for nearly 40 years... I own 3 DH-110s [ALL] heavily re-worked with power supply emphasis. DC coupled, re-worked the RIAA, all electrolytics bypassed (with good caps) All Nichicon MUSE caps, a PITA (they are so big to fit)
I plan to get rid of the all the AC power jacks [never have used them] on the back of the pre-amp and put a small piece of metal plate inside, with the jacks (likely Cardas Rhodium) through new holes, spaced where the jacks where. I think there is adequate room to do this sensibly. I think someone posted what looked like a Nickel? Switchcraft RCA, which I would use in a heartbeat. I like them, they are neutral.
Then remove (or less desirable, jumper over) the wire and / or prefer to relocate it to new jack, with existing wire runs.
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Removing the PCB and mounting brand new panel-mount jacks on some sort of backing material is exactly what I would do if it were me. However, I'm doing for someone who asked me to recap and update it as necessary. I would have to charge him for such a large piece of work, and I'm not convinced it's worth it just yet.
The plugs rayma linked would be a perfect fit, but look like the same plating as the originals, so I don't think it would solve the problem. Unless I'm wrong? I would love to be wrong...
The plugs rayma linked would be a perfect fit, but look like the same plating as the originals, so I don't think it would solve the problem. Unless I'm wrong? I would love to be wrong...
Those are cheap quality, but anything else would require new boards or at least drilling out
the existing board and rewiring. If it's a repair for a customer, just give them a choice and the costs.
Even the cheap jacks may last the remaining life of the preamp.
the existing board and rewiring. If it's a repair for a customer, just give them a choice and the costs.
Even the cheap jacks may last the remaining life of the preamp.
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Yes, I'm not surprized.
Perhaps you mean sockets? 🙂 Still seem very rare, most are side-firing, but these look interesting: https://uk.farnell.com/cliff-electronic-components/fw6192/phono-conn-3pos-jack-pcb/dp/2989015
This is the Switchcraft jack that mounts in a 1/4' hole with a nut.
Blocked
Parts Express jacks:
Parts Express Gold RCA Jack Solder Type w/Nut Pair Hex Type
Parts Express Chassis Mount RCA Jack Pair
Blocked
Parts Express jacks:
Parts Express Gold RCA Jack Solder Type w/Nut Pair Hex Type
Parts Express Chassis Mount RCA Jack Pair
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~ very n i c e ~
John, That is some nice work... I have (2) DH101s that I am doing some work on... will replace the jacks, consider this resource / solution. Thank you for posting it.
John, That is some nice work... I have (2) DH101s that I am doing some work on... will replace the jacks, consider this resource / solution. Thank you for posting it.
https://www.neutrik.com/en/neutrik/products/phono-rca-connectors/profi-cable-connectors
These might help in tight quarters. I use them in my interconnect builds.
These might help in tight quarters. I use them in my interconnect builds.