[sdiy] why not to use rca connectors

[metasonix at earthlink.net]

Peter Blackett wrote:
> isn't it correct that when you are plugging in rca connectors or
> disconnecting them, the centre pin [ signal ] connects before the
> shield[ground] connection .

Ha hahahaha!  You smart boy!

The story is simple. RCA created that connector to be as cheap
to manufacture as possible. Before 1948, most audio equipment
was connected together with phone plugs (if they were good PA
amplifiers), or screw terminals. The RCA plug was meant for easily
connecting a SEPARATE phonograph to a radio or amp, without tools.
Thus it marks the beginning of mass-market hifi components.

BTW, Eichmann makes an RCA plug that costs $75 per pair....
it's solid silver. So much for cheap.

 >With phone plugs (either 1/4 or 1/8 size) the signal gets shorted to ground
 >with insertion of the plug. This doesn't seem like good planning to me.

In the tube era, nobody worried about the hot lead connecting first or
getting shorted out....tubes can't be damaged by that.

 >Does anyone have a favorite connector that works with shielded cable and
 >connects the ground before the signal, and never shorts the two together?

Mark Levinson uses Lemo connectors on his high-end gear
for that reason.

 >Don't balanced XLR connectors perform this way? Are there any others?

No and sort of....if you want REAL quality, use soldered BNCs. Or Lemos.
Lemos are really, really nice.

Why is this so important to you?? A device whose line-level output can't be
shorted without damage is not well designed.