integrated amp - jumper between preamp and amp


I have a McIntosh MA8950 integrated amp with stock jumpers connecting the preamp and amp. Is there any consensus on the sonic benefit of replacing the stock jumper with an aftermarket one (e.g., AudioQuest)?

jrdavisphd

I have always replaced the jumpers, even on top of the line stereo receivers.  Anything that has pre-out/main-in jumpers. I thought it sounding better in every case, but YMMV.

I tried the Audioquest, they were fine, but I built my own using Canare L-4E6 cable and Rean/Neutrik RCAs.  Sounded better and much less money.

I had a pair of speakers with only one jumper. I put a nail in as another jumper. Worked fine. Speakers were Audio Note E's. Special jumpers? I think not.

 

[sarcasm]There will be a HUGE difference, but only if you also replace all the fuses with some of those "audiophile" ones.[/sarcasm]

 

In all seriousness, there is no objective difference in the sound by changing those jumpers. None.

@mofimadness +1      Emphatically, it always makes a difference AND improvement.  From the beginning, replacing horseshoe shaped steel bridging pins on an NAD 3120 dramatically improved everything.  Do it, report back.  Smile.