[Rupert2009]

I have a Mac Pro with a loose connector to plug in my speakers--any easy way to fix this? I have put on a 90-degree plug which has to be carefully manipulated to get sound whenever the system is moved.

Thanks!

[ghporter]

Can you see a knurled ring around the jack itself? Does this ring have a slot across it? That's the typical way a mini-stereo jack is secured.

All you'd have to do in that case is to use a small pair of pliers or forceps to turn the ring clockwise (from the open side) until it's tight. If the back plate on the machine covers up the jack's retaining nut, that's going to be more challenging to get at and fix.

[tooki]

That type of jack is only used in homemade or small-batch electronics with panel-mounted jacks. No computer I've ever seen Apple make (nor any other mass-produced product, for that matter) has used such a thing.

All the aluminum machines use apparently custom jacks that mate with precision made holes in the housing.

If the jack is loose, I'd look at two things: 1. try different plugs to see whether it's the jack or the plug. 2. If it's the jack, the only way to fix it is to replace the logic board, which is in no way economical. Instead, either use the front-panel headphone jack instead, or connect an AV receiver using the optical output, or use a USB audio "card" to give you a fresh jack.

[analogika]

Actually, I do believe the sockets are standard components that can be sourced *somewhere* and fixed up by anybody with a strong will, a soldering iron, and fearless and steady hand.

[tooki]

Doubtful. Apple uses tons of custom connectors. Look at how they fit in an aluminum Mac, they're definitely not standard parts.