Why gold?


What is the big deal about coating your connectors with gold or silver?

I just bought a Yamaha M-40 amp that has a clean pair of steel RCA connectors. Am I missing out on some sonic advantages of Gold or Silver lining?
djembeplay
Ok, thanks for the responses everyone.

It sounds like its all about just keeping the connection clean... and these look pretty shiny to me :).
The "tarnish", or oxidation that silver experiences has absolutely no effect on it's conductivity(unlike other metals), as anyone that has paid attention "realizes". That's unless said silver is exposed to high concentrations of H2S, SO2, NO2, CL2 or ammonia, and the corrosion becomes pretty thick(highly unlikely in your listening room, unless you create a lot of Hydrogen Sulfide via flatulence). Gold is among the most inert materials in the world and, as such, will not significantly contribute to any electrolytic process. "Alchemy?" As usual: The inexperienced and unknowing, decrying experiments, conclusions and science from their pulpits of abject ignorance. You're welcome to "The Last Word!" (I doubt that you'll be able to help yourself.) =8^)
DONT USE WIRE HANGERS, PLEASE!
I'm sending you a bottle of contact cleaner.
Enjoy :-)
As usual: The inexperienced and unknowing, decrying experiments, conclusions and science from their pulpits of abject ignorance. You're welcome to "The Last Word!"
Haha, hey Elevick. No worries, I wouldn't use wire hangers... only if they were dipped in high quality gold :).

It really doesn't make sense to me that there would be any advantage beyond preventing corrosion. Reason being that right after the connector lies normal wire, without gold or silver... Orrrr am I off?