The Cardas plugs are not "shunts" or "shorting plugs". A shunt is something that ties your "hot" to "ground", either directly or through a preset impedance. The Cardas pieces are simply metal "lids" or "shields" that slide over your unused RCA jacks. As such, they are safe for any RCA since there is no electrical connection being made.
As to using shunts on unused RCA jacks, they should only be used on INPUTS. NEVER "shunt" an output or you WILL do damage to the component. Unused outputs would be a good place for the Cardas pieces or similar designs. As a general rule, shunts are far more effective at lowering the noise floor, minimizing the effects of RFI and eliminating crosstalk between unused inputs when directly compared to "RCA covers". Some preamps, etc... may have side effects such as oscillation or sudden changes in sonic character from using shunts / shorting plugs. This is typically due to a poor design and circuit instability. Needless to say, this can occur with ANY piece. This is regardless of make, model or expense IF it was poorly designed to begin with.
I would HIGHLY recommend doing a search via the archives and look up some of the threads. You might want to enter either "shunts" or "shorting plugs" as the subject. Sean
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As to using shunts on unused RCA jacks, they should only be used on INPUTS. NEVER "shunt" an output or you WILL do damage to the component. Unused outputs would be a good place for the Cardas pieces or similar designs. As a general rule, shunts are far more effective at lowering the noise floor, minimizing the effects of RFI and eliminating crosstalk between unused inputs when directly compared to "RCA covers". Some preamps, etc... may have side effects such as oscillation or sudden changes in sonic character from using shunts / shorting plugs. This is typically due to a poor design and circuit instability. Needless to say, this can occur with ANY piece. This is regardless of make, model or expense IF it was poorly designed to begin with.
I would HIGHLY recommend doing a search via the archives and look up some of the threads. You might want to enter either "shunts" or "shorting plugs" as the subject. Sean
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