Tech Square

• Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? - Francois G 12:17:12 12/23/09 (3)
  In Reply to: RE: Golden-eared metalurgists - does gold poison solder joints? posted by shermanr@prw.net on December 23, 2009 at 11:13:26

  Thanks for the link - very interesting.
  
  The photos show the intermetallic layer clearly - the question is, is it audible and how much effect?
  
  Also, if the gold layer must be wicked away by molten tin prior to soldering, is it something a DIYer can do successfully? By just applying solder to the gold-plated part and wicking it away before completing the joint?
  
  I believe John Broskie recommends using a fine sand paper to physically remove the gold, but that seems hard to know when you are done.
  

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  • RE: Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? - shermanr@prw.net 12:23:56 12/23/09 (2)
    In Reply to: RE: Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? posted by Francois G on December 23, 2009 at 12:17:12

    From the data shown I would venture to say that over time, such a contaminated solder joint will deteriorate and affect the signal transfer.
    
    Now, if it is clearly and sonically apparent, this remains for someone who has had empirical experience to answer.
    
    I do have some Gold RCA's that were never scraped prior to soldering. Maybe this has something to do with a low level hissing noise that has developed on my Aikido preamp that was not there 6 month's ago.
    
    My gut feeling is that yes, it must affect the musicality. Probably on the same order as a bad solder joint would whether cold soldered, tack soldered or improperly done.
    

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    • RE: Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? - jihad 13:35:46 01/01/10 (0)
      In Reply to: RE: Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? posted by shermanr@prw.net on December 23, 2009 at 12:23:56

      I dunno........
      If I throw a penny in the ocean I have raised the water level. Can you measure it?
      
      
      

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    • RE: Does gold poison solder joints? - Francois G 13:53:13 12/23/09 (0)
      In Reply to: RE: Interesting reference - does gold poison solder joints? posted by shermanr@prw.net on December 23, 2009 at 12:23:56

      Thanks for your insight and possible evidential experience with your Aikido.
      
      By co-incidence my question was prompted by the intended use of Riken resistors in an Aikido for a driver of a Mosfet output buffer as described in the MOSKIDO forum.
      
      Francois
      

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