So, I am not certain if it is just my setup that reflects all of these minute changes so well but my experiences are matching the video note for note.
1) -Cliff jack.
Everything was rounded. Not bad overall, but could definitely be better. The guitar hides a bit behind the gain and low/top end. Probably due to less mids. Sounds a bit scooped maybe if I had to graph it with increased bass and treble frequencies that the sound sits within. A bit of a noise floor when changing to other jacks, could just be how the guitar is more 'hidden' in the background of the soundstage.
-2) - Switchcraft gold #11.
Dislike how it shaped the overall sound. Accents certain frequencies, pushes down others, and almost mutes my pinch harmonics. Like the scream of the harmonic now sits in the very back, as opposed to the front of the soundstage. Going between multiple guitars, this is not the jack for me. The top end is present, and there is a certain open nature, but it just isn't for me. Not the first time I changed an item to have gold connectors or the link, and disliked the change.
-3) - Random
Swapped to a jack I had lying around that is unmarked but resembles a Switchcraft MILspec style jack. This sounded great, with a much lower noise floor/dead silent, with much more focus on the core guitar sound. Really a ton of fun. Thick and punchy with plenty clarity. Harmonics sit where I want them again. Absolutely punches you, but not bassy or woofy. The low end is controlled and tigh and the top end is present and clear, with a bit of thickness and a touch more warmth/wideness to the notes.
-4) Switchcraft #11 (Standard/Nickel) -
Extremely bright and open. No competition if you are looking to brighten up a dark sound. Has me wanting to set my 2x12 on its side again. This would work really work in a closed back cab, which can sound boxy. Effects like reverd and such are super shimmery. The pinch harmonics are there, and scream, but there sure is a lot of top end clack and openness to this sound. It takes away a bit from the punch and body of the notes. I use my cabinet open back. Rotated through several guitars, and even dark ones are sounding on the bright side, even as I roll off on highs. This probably works better for most people in a live band scenario - lots of cut and top end. I do not like this for my setup.
I may get some speaker cable in the future and wire in a second output jack. I can then A/B the setup, the only change being the amp cable going from one input, to the other.
When I get the speaker wire in the future, I will be sure to rig it up for the test and go through various makes.
The difference here were far more vast than I would have imagined.
Listen to the video with good monitors - it nails some differences that I myself heard.
The switchcraft will be - hads down - the brightest and most open of the lot.
As for this cabinet and setup - I will reinstall the random jack. I am going to savor the mysetrious bit of gear magic I have stumbled upon.
