Tweakers' Asylum

Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time...

207.200.116.66

sherod

A

In Reply to: RE: Won't that oxidize over time with a loss of conductance and require PITA maintenance? posted by jihad on July 12, 2010 at 09:22:07

...As to when one will know when that happens, you can either listen for the sound degradation to occur or plan a maintenance schedule to clean the contacts periodically. I also might apply a conductive paste which will help to prevent oxidation. I've never cared for things nickle-plated, but gold plating does sound okay on certain contacts. I guess I'm in the less-is-more camp. To each his own. IMHO. (o:

Follow Ups:

RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - jihad 09:34:02 07/12/10 (6)
That's what I thought ;)

Conductive paste attracts dirt, dust and other nasties. It also needs to be reapplied periodically, which means you have to remove and clean off the old stuff.

Most connectors that are gold plated are nickel plated first. I wonder if anybody offers a silver plug?

Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
- RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - John V 14:37:17 07/12/10 (0)
  I use IeGO IEC plugs from Taiwan - their top line is OCC SOLID silver with platinum plating I recall (which I remove). I'm in Australasia so have to use Furutech mains plugs (gold removed).
- RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - Glen B 10:20:22 07/12/10 (3)
  "Most connectors that are gold plated are nickel plated first."
  
  Think so ? Of the major players in connector manufacturing, only Wattgate seems to have nickel under their gold plating. Oyaide and Furutech employ direct gold plating.
  - RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - jihad 11:08:18 07/12/10 (2)
    I was speaking about connectors in general, RCA, spade, binding posts and I dont' see why AC connectors would be any different.
    
    Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
    - RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - Glen B 07:52:50 07/13/10 (1)
      Let's see now, gold FIM, Furutech and Oyaide AC connectors are direct plated, no nickel layer. Vampire Wire connectors are either direct gold plated or copper/silver/gold plated, no nickel layer. Audioquest connectors are direct gold or silver plated, no nickel layer.
      - RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... - jihad 08:34:15 07/13/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, pure exposed copper will oxidize with time... posted by Glen B on July 13, 2010 at 07:52:50
        
        Glen, that's great, I do not think that your short list constitutes the majority of makes, models or manufacturers.
        
        I think the point of my post has been lost on you.
        
        G'day.
        
        Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
- Silver plugs are available. Stealth Audio has one I hear is very good... - sherod 09:46:25 07/12/10 (0)
  ...I don't have a lot of experience with silver plugs. I do like the sound of this red copper plug, though.

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