2. analog
  3. 166565-1294

Silver Head Shell Leads

I have an Audio Technica 33 Mono Anniversary cartridge and would like to replace the head shell leads. I'm currently using copper leads and am thinking about buying silver leads. Or for even more money, I could get Rhodium plated leads. What changes would I experience by trying silver or rhodium leads. Recommendations are always appreciated. The head shell I'm using is a modified silver plated head shell on a Thorens TP16 MK1 tonearm.
Thanks!
128x128goofyfoot
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This is AT-609 silver lead wire.
They made PC-OCC copper too.
lewm
12,983 posts
 
Well, you got your answer. There is no answer.
But the Walker stuff does dry out. Does NOT glue the connection together. Works well. Otherwise use Pro Gold. Get rid of connectors in the signal path. Suffice to say I don’t agree w Pindac on wire.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
This has been a great learning experience, thanks to all. I have known for a longtime that connectors/connections are the weak link, so still a lot of things to try. Does anyone know about intermetallic formation between gold and silver? I know from my failure analysis days that intermetallic formation was a major cause of failures, specifically between gold and aluminum. 
lewm
12,983 posts
 
Really?  Gold is thought of as very inert, which is why it is a favored outer coating, does not oxidize.  Anyway, Aluminum reacts with many other metals.  Silver not nearly so much, but it does oxidizes.  The good news is silver oxide is nearly as conductive as pure silver.
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,368 posts
 
I'm glad some folks are getting something from the post. There are some things for me to try. Thanks!
More to discover