Quote:
That , in the context of both this topic and in relation to all the other stuff I've been reading in the last few days, sounds like another load of rubbish. Prove that it makes the sound any different. Where's the evidence?
Ok, now that I'm looking at the thread on the computer, it looks like that was pointed squarely at my post.
I've made not one single claim as to the effect of connector types on sound quality, except that to imply that a heavily oxidized contact will eventually have sufficiently high resistance that the circuit will effectively be open, which means: no sound. That is a fact. It doesn't happen often, thankfully. I never said one material sounded better or different from another. Once a good low resistance connection is made, the goal has been accomplished, exotic materials or not. I never addressed the rather large grey area between a highly oxidized "open circuit" condition and a low resistance one, though that exists too.
My entire discussion relates to contact reliability, not sound quality. I'd be happy to "prove" the points, if you wouldn't mind letting me know to which ones you take exception.
Do you disagree that:
contact oxidation happens?
some metal oxidation layers are less conductive?
gold does not oxidize?
silver contacts provide less resistance than gold (not that it matters in audio applications)?
high voltage burns through oxidation?
high contact pressure creates a more oxidation resistant connection?
Please let me know which of these scientific engineering principles you don't agree with and I'll be happy to supply proof of them.
In case the point was to ambiguous, let me clarify: all contacts and connections sound alike right up until the point that oxidation forms and creates a high resistance. The use of certain techniques and materials prevents or forestalls that condition.