[dflee]

I have a receiver with steel pins connecting pre and amp sections. In the past I have removed the pins and used the pre side with separate amp via IC. The question here is can I improve the bridge by using a short pair of IC or get a better bridge pin if such a thing exists and do you think the sound can be bettered.

Thanks
Don

[jmc207]

From my recent experience I'd say YES! Earlier this week I swapped out my separates for a decently reviewed receiver that I had bought 3 years ago. Always thought this receiver had a rather 'opaque' sound along with the tonality being off as well, and it wasn't sounding any better this time either.

Decided to try some of my better interconnects in place of the metal preamp/main jumpers and WOW!, what a change. Really surprised at the difference with my better silver or hybrid copper/silver interconnects. My more lowly interconnects didn't fare nearly as well. Now I'm looking into making some custom jumpers. AudioQuest has some premade one's for around $30 but I think I'm going to try my own first. Just need 4 RCA plugs and some good wire (I'm going to try teflon coated) connected just to the positive center pin of each plug.

I had seen people mention the problems with these jumpers before but didn't expect the change I heard. I recommend trying this.

[Occam]

I'll second jmc's recommedation of the AudioQuest jumpers; they're suprisingly good at what they do.
I've previously made my own jumpers. See -
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64822.msg592149#msg592149
and my next post a few down for detailed build instructions.
I've compared my own diy efforts to the Audioquests, and I couldn't hear a difference in a Nad system. I'd recommend going with the Audioquests to avoid the hassle of collecting the needed bits and bobs.

FWIW,
Paul

[dflee]

jmc and Paul, thank you very much for the info on the AudioQuest jumpers. I tried a pair of 1m MIT 2 and was surprised at the added dynamics. I'm definitely getting the jumpers.

Thanks
Don