Hi Fi Audio Deals

Amazon has the AudioQuest RCA Male-to-Male Preamp Jumpers (2pk) for $25 with free shipping and handling (they can also be ordered from OneCall via Amazon for 50 cents less, but they appear to be $29 on the OneCall website). Most vendors are selling these for $29 plus shipping. This is an easy tweak which you can read about in the customer reviews and comments (all of which seem positive). The idea is to replace the low-grade metal U prong that connects the pre-in and pre-out connectors on the back of your preamplifier, receiver, or integrated amplifier. Since essentially all sources must ultimately pass through those loops, low quality connections will degrade performance. [note: these are way too short to work at system interconnects -- they are intended only for use in replacing the existing U pins in the pre-in/pre-out section.]

NOTE – I’ve been taken to task by a reader for listing this product (see comments for this post) – I must concede that there is substantial controversy as to whether this (or any other cable, for that matter) will actually make a difference in sound quality. From a purely scientific perspective, blind tests should be the best way to figure out whether there is a difference (though there is even disagreement on that – see this editorial at avguide.com and the extensive comments following it, as well as this response at GoodSound!). Most products touted by the hi fi industry are premised upon the idea that [some] people can distinguish between “good” and “bad” equipment, cables, sources, etc. Many people may not be able to hear such differences. Others may perceive huge differences. It’s difficult to demo equipment sold online (some readers may have access to local dealers who will let them listen to equipment side by side). If you can’t listen beforehand, the best advice is to try and buy from a reputable retailer with a decent return policy. If this product was $1,000 instead of $25, I wouldn’t have listed it. For $25, and given the reviews, I thought I’d list it. That said, I encourage all readers to let me know if they think that a product isn’t worthwhile. I have and will continue to update listings based on reader feedback.

OneCall has the AudioQuest CF-UST/S Silver (2 pr) Standard Banana Plugs for $18.99 with free shipping and handling. Each package contains 2 pairs of plugs (half black/half red) (enough to connect one speaker). That’s the best price I’ve seen by at least $7 per package (that difference can add up quickly – a 7.2 system would require at least 7 of these packs; a 5.1 system would require at least 5 packs). Stereo listeners who only have two speakers to connect only need to buy 2 packs (unless you are bi-wiring or bi-amping). AudioQuest makes high quality cables, and these plugs include a wrench to tighten the connections. They can accommodate up to 9 gauge (9 AWG) wire (if you’ve tried connecting 10 or even 12 gauge wire without connectors, you know how hard it can be to get a clean fit between the bare wire and binding post). I used bare wire for 20 years, picked up some banana plugs on a whim, and haven’t gone back since. It vastly speeds up the setup process and makes it much easier to untangle cables and other cords (it’s especially nice for people who move their system frequently, like college students). If you already have nice unterminated cables, adding plugs like these will reduce frustration and should also result in a more consistent connection. OneCall has a couple nice user reviews posted on this product and agree with one who noted that the silver connectors are an improvement over the prior gold and copper versions [note that "gold" connectors are still available, at either a high price or without free shipping].