Cliff Jack Issues

[stephenl]

Anyone run into issues with Cliff Jacks?

I use them for speaker jacks because they're insulated and haven't really had any issues thus far.

Yesterday, I found issues with two... in each case, one contact wasn't making contact with the speaker plug. The contact/solder tab has a dimple on it to hold its place in the plastic slot. The slot was loose enough so that when the speaker plug was pushed in, the dimple would slide right under the plastic creating a loose connection. Really not what I want for speaker connections on a tube amp.

I couldn't find the word "Cliff" on the jacks, wondering if they were knockoffs. I bought them from TubeDepot. I looked at others though and couldn't see a brand on any of them...

Maybe I should switch to switchcraft metal jacks. They're just a bit more of a pain to isolate, but I feel more confident with something that is all metal. What do you guys use to isolate them? Does Switchcraft have a washer kit?

[M Fowler]

The cheap knockoffs are bad really bad I make sure to buy Cliff labelled jacks. Many of the parts suppliers are now telling you if the jack is Cliff UK or not.

I have a drawer full of the cheap jacks I will not use might as well through away.

Speakers I prefer high quality switchcraft or Neutrix jack. The locking jacks work well but annoy some for unknown reasons at least they don't blow out.

Mark

[Stevem]

Since I have had issues a while back it's Switchcraft only for me!!

[sluckey]

Maybe I should switch to switchcraft metal jacks. They're just a bit more of a pain to isolate, but I feel more confident with something that is all metal. What do you guys use to isolate them? Does Switchcraft have a washer kit?

Hoffman sells shoulder washers for use with Switchcraft jacks. Use two per jack. Require 1/2" diameter chassis hole.

http://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/perlshop ... =!ORDERID!

[xtian]

I just pulled two original Cliff jacks from an '83 JCM 800. Same issue--metal components were sliding out of place and not making contact with the plug tip.

[strelok]

I've had a few cliff jacks fail over the years. Isolation was the main reason I used them as well. Was planning on trying to find some isolation washers for switchcraft's for use in future builds and now I don't have to.

I wonder if the issue isn't caused by too much dwell time when soldering and the heat weakens the plastic.

Edit: Btw I don't remember if they were real cliff jacks or not fwiw.

[dimitris]

Has anyone tried this https://puretonetechnologies.com/produc ... utput-jack ?
Looks like a good idea,especially for speaker jacks.

[Gaz]

I just pulled two original Cliff jacks from an '83 JCM 800. Same issue--metal components were sliding out of place and not making contact with the plug tip.

In all fairness, those are 35 years old! Never had an issue with Cliff UK myself.

[rooster]

Whoa, that Purtone jack was something I had not seen before. This seems a great idea. Thanks, dimitris! I ordered 4 for my guitars. The pictures that they post of the improved frequency response is hard to believe... This said, I will throw the dice but hang on to my DeOxit, too.

[Jered]

My puretone jacks just arrived. They look good. Goin to switch out the jacks in two guitars this weekend and give them a whirl. They look well made, but we will see.

[martin manning]

Another way to get a better grip on a mono plug is to use a TRS jack, and connect the ring contact to ground.

[stephenl]

The puretone jack looks like a viable mechanical improvement - I think they could sell it just on that attribute.

The enhanced frequency response, snakeoil, kind of detracts from their sales pitch...

[Jered]

You are correct. They work great, it does seem to be a better jack, but I couldnt hear any difference. I still like them.