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Reusing factory RCA plugs

V

Vincent3

Active Member
Is it possible to take apart and reuse a factory RCA plug? My turntable has an intermittent left channel, which is apparently from a split in the wire just before it enters the RCA plug. I know replacement RCA plugs are available, but I thought I'd reuse the originals if possible.
 
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If it's a molded on plug, you might be able to get away with carefully cutting off the surrounding plastic and resoldering. But most RCAs were not designed to be repaired, and the purpose of the sheath was not only to give you something to grab onto, but also to add strength to the connector. So while it might be a decent short-term solution, I'd probably spend a few bucks on good quality plugs and not look back.

If the covers of the plugs unscrew then a repair should be relatively trivial.
 
swechsler said:
If it's a molded on plug, you might be able to get away with carefully cutting off the surrounding plastic and resoldering. But most RCAs were not designed to be repaired, and the purpose of the sheath was not only to give you something to grab onto, but also to add strength to the connector. So while it might be a decent short-term solution, I'd probably spend a few bucks on good quality plugs and not look back.

If the covers of the plugs unscrew then a repair should be relatively trivial.
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I agree. Grab some Switchcraft plugs from a parts house or eBay and replace the factory ends. They will last a lifetime.
 
It it's a molded plug I wouldn't waste my time. Cut it off and replace it with a decent one, they are only a few dollars.

If it's not a molded plug - ie, you can unscrew the barrel and get easy access to the inside, there is no reason not to use the original RCA plugs (if they are in good condition). If they are cheap and flimsy you might consider upgrading them anyway.

And when you do the job, do both the l + r so they are even, don't do just one.
 
+1 for the 'buy-new' school. They are free because they are cheap. The metal doesn't retain contact well after several insertions, it may be hard to what's left after dissection, and you won't have the benefit of a solid protection around your connections.
 
Thanks for the replies. It's not that I didn't want to spend money on new RCA plugs, but that everything I'm seeing looks bulky and heavy. I found a few that look more reasonable and ordered some.

I did plan to replace both so they'd be the same length.
 
Replacement RCA's might be a bit bigger and heavier than molded plastic RCA's that came with the turntable, but there is no disadvantage to their use.
 
AudioFeline said:
Replacement RCA's might be a bit bigger and heavier than molded plastic RCA's that came with the turntable, but there is no disadvantage to their use.
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Some of the snake oil super audiophile death grip gold plated garbage is too fat to be used on old school gear. I’ve seen gear where even small molded RCA connectors didn’t fit.
 
AudioFeline said:
Replacement RCA's might be a bit bigger and heavier than molded plastic RCA's that came with the turntable, but there is no disadvantage to their use.
Click to expand...

blhagstrom said:
Some of the snake oil super audiophile death grip gold plated garbage is too fat to be used on old school gear. I’ve seen gear where even small molded RCA connectors didn’t fit.
Click to expand...
Exactly. I'm plugging this turntable into a small,light phono preamp with standard-spaced RCA plugs.
 
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