2. cables
  3. 183318-118749

Oxidation on surface of cable under clear jacket

Wondered if anyone has had this problem.  I have a pair of “Oval” cables I was going to reintroduce into my system.  They’re 15 years old.  I noticed that green oxidation had formed over a length of the cable under the clear jacket.  Since there is shrink tubing over the spade connector, so I can’t tell if the oxidation has reached the connector.  Problem is the manufacturer’s warranty was over many years ago.  They weren’t inexpensive. Seems others have had the same issue.  I guess I’ll give them a call to see what can be done, but I’m not optimistic.  I do have another manufacturer’s cables I can use if this can’t be remedied.. Your thoughts?

deanrk
winoguy17
1,151 posts
 

 I was considering Oval 9's several years ago, was going to buy used. but almost every picture I saw had exactly what you describe, a greenish color on the cable. Deal breaker for me....

deanrk OP
28 posts
 

This must be a common problem for uninsulated copper mesh cables.  Looking at other manufacturers sites and most guarantee their cables for life. But they have “coated” wires.

soix
9,744 posts
 

I have a really old pair of uninsulated Monster Cables with tinned, twisted wire ends and exhibit the same green corrosion you’re seeing.  Honestly, I use them in my home theater now and they work perfectly fine.  My advice would be that, if you liked how they sounded before, give them a shot and just go by how they sound.  Is corrosion optimal?  Of course not, but if they still sound good to you then just use them, enjoy them, and don’t worry about it.  Just my $0.02 FWIW. 

deanrk OP
28 posts
 

SOIX. Sounds like a good suggestion.  I’ll give them a try

Thanks

williewonka
3,082 posts
 

I've had this a long time ago and I just tossed them

  • the green is oxidation and it impacts the sound.
  • it's because the insulation becomes porous over time
  • once that happens there is no repairing them

Replace them with Audio Envy cables

  • they will outperform many higher priced brands
  • provide very godo sound
  • are modestly priced
  • use great aulity copper (OCC)
  • Use great insulation - low Dielectric Constant

If you want better cables then try Zavfino

Regards - Steve

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