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Silver plated copper vs pure copper cables

post #1 of 6
8/30/11 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 

Hello,

 

Ok so I am aware that cables do not make THAT much difference and some are a monumental rip off but as these are 2 different materials does anyone know / has noticed a difference in sound between a pure copper cable and a silver plated copper? ...

 

At the moment I have silver plated copper and I heard that pure copper may be smoother sounding with less harsh treble but maybe a bit less detail?

 

I was thinking or trying some QED XTC pure copper cables.... Do you think it is worth the £20 for 5m to give it a go? The cable I have atm is actually more expensive then that but maybe the different materials (silver or not silver plated) affect the sound?

 

 

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post #2 of 6
8/30/11 at 2:29pm

Lets assume for this discussion that differences exist and not turn this into a no they don't, yes they do thread with the understanding that many don't think this topic valid or significant.

 

My experience is that cables do sound different when not the weakest link but that there is much more to it than materials. My experience has also been that with similar build, that I prefer pure copper to silver plated when neutral is what's needed. If somethong is voiced for a brighter plated cable, it could still be best. Pure silver is also favored to plated but the silver vs copper debate is more horses for courses than an absolute in better or worse. There are many grades of both and stranding configuration plays it's roll so absolutes are not available. I've heard that silver has the advantage of being able to be made with a more polished surface and that it helps but I really don't know if that's real. Resistance difference, while there, is a fraction of that at the connections and can be overcome with guage so I wouldn't attribute much to that either.

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post #3 of 6
8/30/11 at 2:34pm

Is this for the plug, as well? Because that will tarnish, and taking sandpaper to it isn't fun (been there, done that). As for the sounds, I've distinctly picked out more high end with silver. Wouldn't call it harsh, just more. Keep in mind these are cables. The change is VERY subtle.

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post #4 of 6
8/30/11 at 7:33pm
The copper will tarnish slightly faster than the silver will.
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post #5 of 6
8/30/11 at 8:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

The copper will tarnish slightly faster than the silver will.



Ok but I am more interested in if there will actually be a difference in sound quality. I read an article saying all cables are exactly the same but tbh having tried really basic wire from a integrated stereo I am not sure that is entirely correct.

 

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post #6 of 6
8/31/11 at 12:57am
Unfortunately, I've never seen anything that suggests a difference in wires.

The good news is that there are tens of thousands of variables that do change the sound. There are different headphones, of course, but also hundreds of amplifier designs and different components that can be used in them. They behave according to known physics and you can use all sorts of test devices to tune and tweak them. You'll always find cause-and-effect and things behave according to formulas and laws. If you want to experiment with things that change sound, you might find that a lot more rewarding. There are lots of unexplored designs and you might find something wonderful. Cables and the other unquantifiable stuff are a dead end. Without measurements and hard data you'll never know what you have.
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