# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Jack Connectors

6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. RCA

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
6.35 mm (1/4") TRS
RCA
6.35 mm (1/4") TRS →

6.35mm TRS is the 3-conductor version of the quarter-inch phone connector, wired for either balanced mono line/microphone signals in professional audio gear or stereo signals in full-size headphones -- the same wiring logic as 3.5mm TRS at four times the shaft diameter.

View full 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS spec sheet →
RCA →

The RCA connector, introduced by RCA Corporation around 1937, is a de facto industry-standard connector for consumer audio and composite video -- there is no formal mechanical specification for the connector itself, though the composite video signal it typically carries targets a nominal 75-ohm impedance.

View full RCA spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
6.35 mm (1/4") TRS
RCA
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Quarter-Inch / Standard Phone) Coaxial Phono Connector
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring)
Signal Format
Balanced Mono / Unbalanced Stereo Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF
Primary Applications
Studio reference headphones, audio interface line in/out, balanced mixer interconnects Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital
Shaft / Plug Diameter
6.35 mm (1/4") —
Standard Stereo Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring: Right | Sleeve: Ground —
Balanced Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot (+) | Ring: Cold (-) | Sleeve: Ground —
Outer Shell / Contact Diameter
— 8.3–8.5 mm (Outer) | 3.175 mm (Center Pin)
Standard Pinout
— Center Pin: Positive Signal (+) | Outer Ring: Ground / Shield (-)
Characteristic Impedance
— 75 Ω (Video / S/PDIF) | ~50 Ω (Audio)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. 3.5 mm TRRS → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. 3.5 mm TRS → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. 6.35mm TS → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. XLR 3-Pin → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. XLR 4-Pin → Compare 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS vs. XLR 5-Pin →