|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
140.194.193.5
In his Aikido instructions John Broskie says that "even a few molecules of gold will poison a solder joint". Gold plating on some resistors (Riken for example) and other parts for audio purposes is supposed to be bad for a good-sounding joint.
Has anyone experimented with the sound effects of gold plated parts in solder joints? What have you observe?
Given the fact that Mundorf sells expensive and apparently successful gold alloyed wire could gold be that bad in a solder joint?
Thanks,
Francois
Follow Ups:
Correct.
Gold plating is considered a solder joint contaminant.
Follow this link for the technical details why.
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=326392&jid=MAM&volumeId=11&issueId=S02&aid=326391
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.
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.
I dunno........
If I throw a penny in the ocean I have raised the water level. Can you measure it?
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
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: