Sieveking Sound Female XLR-Caps

Set of 2 female XLR end caps in a red box. The Sieveking Sound Female XLR End Caps are a useful accessory for all unused analogue outputs of hi-fi components in XLR format. The caps are made of copper and gold-plated in a vacuum evaporation process. Inside there is an additional Teflon insert. This unique combination provides excellent high frequency absorption.

The RCA end caps are fitted over unused inputs and outputs of hi-fi components and perform three important functions.

1. they protect the unused terminal from corrosion, which is particularly useful for older equipment without gold-plated contacts.

2. they prevent dust from entering unused RCA sockets, which would reduce the conductivity of the contact surface in future use.

3. they prevent high frequency radiation from entering the unit, as the open sockets no longer protrude from the Faraday cage of the cabinet like antennas, but are closed. This means that electromagnetic radiation, which would otherwise be conducted directly into the unit via the positive contact of the RCA jack, is effectively shielded and diverted to the chassis ground.

While functions 1 and 2 mainly affect the long-term durability of the unit, function 3 is actually audible. The reduced exposure to RF signals has the effect of reducing background noise. Music appears clearer and, surprisingly, the listener often has the feeling that the music signal has suddenly become quieter. This is a psychoacoustic illusion, as we initially associate the reduction in background noise with a lower volume.

The before-and-after effect is particularly noticeable if you listen for a few days with the end caps in place and then remove them. The degree of improvement depends very much on the components used. Tube-based equipment and hi-fi systems with high efficiency speakers will respond more clearly than transistor amplifiers with high negative feedback with high current draw speakers.

Regardless of the degree of impact on your musical enjoyment, Sieveking Sound Caps are an enhancement to your system and an investment in long-term listening pleasure with your high quality components.