Solder?

[royalcrown]

I also find 63/37 much easier to use (or the 62/36/2, I think that's the right ratio). Eutectic (or pseudo-eutectic, as with the aforementioned silver blend) works a lot better for me, and it's not that much more expensive than 60/40. That being said, I'm not gonna say that it makes anything sound better, just that I find it easier to work with and it helps me make better joints - I'm not saying the joints of 60/40 are inferior either, just that 63/37 is more forgiving so I make better joints with it.

 

[trains are bad]

Quote:

Guys, the idea that the type of solder used could possibly make any audible difference at all is beyond silly.

Thank you.

I thought this was supposed to be the sound science forum? I thought I was in the cables/tweaks forum for a second there.

The only solder to use is 63/37 tin/lead eutectic solder. Lead-free solder is totally inferior and I don't understand why any other ratio of lead and tin is even used...I believe it is to allow it to solidify slower which is not a good thing in electronics land.

 

[craiglester]

FWIW, I totally agree solder won't make the least little bit of difference to the overall sound signature.. Just wanted to see what other people thought. I pick my solder based on ease of use personally.

I still find it amazing that some people calin to be able to hear a BIG difference when using a different solder on one or two joints... I certainly wouldn't buy a LOD from them! Snake oil anyone?

Oddest thing I saw was someone extolling the virtues of "digital solder".. umm what?

 

[direcow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trains are bad /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thank you. I thought this was supposed to be the sound science forum? I thought I was in the cables/tweaks forum for a second there. The only solder to use is 63/37 tin/lead eutectic solder. Lead-free solder is totally inferior and I don't understand why any other ratio of lead and tin is even used...I believe it is to allow it to solidify slower which is not a good thing in electronics land.

What do you think of quad-eutectic solder?

 

[berthoud]

Probably just as important as the type is the preparation of the surfaces to be soldered, flux, and iron tip temp

 

[trains are bad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by direcow /img/forum/go_quote.gif What do you think of quad-eutectic solder?

I have no interest in it. It has a higher melting point, and it's more expensive. What's the point? I consider it an attempt to create a marketable category of "premium" product as opposed to low-tech normal solder. A case of "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is (then charge more for it)".

 

[tjohnusa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif Given that the leads of most of the components I have soldered appear to be less than audiophile quality, I can't imagine how the solder would be making things better. One of the most popular DIY resistor (Vishay Dale RN55) lists the core as nickel-chrome alloy. Silver solder, like a two inch thick power cable, is unable to recreate something that has been degraded or lost earlier in the audio chain or circuit. I guess it's important to consider all components inside a system rather than any one component in isolation.

Good point