Jack's for sale

What is a jack connector?

The jack connector is a family of electrical connectors that have been around for over 130 years and is mainly used for analogue audio signals. The standard is for a plug (also known as a male connector) to be connected to a jack (described as female).

The size and assignment of jack plugs differ depending on the design - recognisable by the different number of plastic rings on the shaft of the plug connection. The cables are usually used to transmit analogue mono and stereo signals from players to speakers or headphones.

It normally has two, three, four, or five connections in its original audio configuration. TRS connectors are three-contact variations, with T denoting "tip," R denoting "ring," and S denoting "sleeve." The long shank of ring contacts is usually the same diameter as the sleeve. TS, TRRS, and TRRRS connections are the two-, four-, and five-contact types, respectively.

Advantages are the easy handling, the quickly detachable connection, and the space-saving design. Disadvantages are the contacts that are not safe to touch, a short-circuit risk when handling under voltage and the contact defects when the spring tension decreases.

Why are there different sizes of jack connectors?

There are many different sizes for jack connectors. The most relevant ones for DIY audio are the 3.5mm jack and the 6.35mm jack which you can both buy here at SoundImports, among others from our premium brand Monacor.

The 3,5mm connector is the most common one and can be found on most electronic audio devices that are used regularly – such as smartphones, headphones, sound cards and other devices.

The 6.35mm connector is the most common one for stereo speakers or instruments, such as keyboards, e-pianos, e-guitars and their amplifiers, or many others.