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A question of metal type; the value of matching RCA phono plugs to sockets ?

A question of metal type; the value of matching RCA phono plugs to sockets ?  If voided warranty, accessibility, time and cost poses little or no issue, does anyone on the forum find musical value in replacing some or all of the gold plated RCA sockets usually supplied with equipment for alternatives? With use of silver IC’s and, for example, either ETI Kryo or KLEI Absolute Harmony silver (plated) RCA plug terminations, it seems obvious to consider whether replacing standard gold sockets for these manufacturer's silver makes a difference worth the effort for a quiet high resolving system (vinyl records, TVC, SET & horns) ? Before I set out testing, I'd be grateful to read observations from golden (or silver) eared metallurgists or others on the forum with time to entertain what is at issue. All good wishes for the season. 
 

psf4972
psf4972 OP
46 posts
 

 please ignore misplaced apostrophe

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,624 posts
 

Silver exposed to O2 tarnishes, compromising the connection.   

There is that.

 

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

I'm using silver plated connectors on both ends. Silver oxide is a very good conductor.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,516 posts
 

Most plating systems are a base metal, a copper flash, then the finish plating. Silver is a better conductor than gold but silver corrodes over time and the silver can be worn off more quickly. It's a trade off, not sure if one is better than the other sonically. 

noske
783 posts
 

I use some silver coated banana plugs for their conductivity.  I have not done any A/B tests and nor is there any warranty etc issues.

Knowing full well that they will oxidize, its no issue replacing them (easy) way down the track or perhaps a quick polish from time to time which is prudent for connections anyway of whatever metal.

Same if pure copper.

Incidentally, rhodium is a relatively poor conductor.  Worse than gold (from memory).  I don't know why rhodium is sometimes promoted, its certainly not because its cheap.

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