Why Rhodium?

Willoamp, industrial gold alloys do not oxidize and are considered extremely corrosion resistant. That's why gold is used for virtually all mil-spec and industrial purposes. There are a couple of limitations: 1) gold is not terribly wear resistant, so may not be the best choice for multiple mating cycles. 2) for cost purposes, some cable manufacturers use a thin gold wash rather than a properly prepared and applied gold plating. 3) gold plating can can be problematic if exposed to extreme thermal cycles if the plating surface has not been prepared properly.

Electrically, the best way to make cables is via a crimp connection using a die designed specifically for the cable and connector in question. What you want is what's called a gas-tight connection, and you can't get that via a screw collar. Solder joints are OK, but you need to clean the flux off of the conection carefully because it is hygroscopic and attracts water. Also, solder joins are somewhat fragile and can crck or break under the strain of multiple connections (mating cycles).

I still seriously doubt that anyone can hear the difference between any type of connector plating, unless you are running extremely high current through the lines. And even then...

I still seriously doubt that anyone can hear the difference between any type of connector plating

Does this indicate that you have not tried plugs with different platings? If you have which ones? If not then you have no first hand experience, it's all just speculation. Not really helpful to the OP.

Willoamp- Read this: (http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/MatSelect/corrgold.htm) Especially the first line, which states that gold is the most NON-REACTIVE of ALL metals.

Cpk, I have heard systems configured with all types of cables and connectors. IMHO with regard to interconnects, good connections (NOT connectors) matter most. The actual wire (assuming that you are within guidelines for inductance, capacitance and resistance) almost always do not matter.

Well I hear differences, but my hearing and system are quite good. Granted, some differences may be subtle, however others are quite obvious. For example, silver sounds very different than copper.

Just this weekend I've been comparing outlets, the Hubbell 8200/8300 and 5362. The only real difference is that the 8200/8300 has nickel plating whereas the 5362 does not. The presentation is different, with the 8200/8300 being more forward, brighter, and a bit of glare. I attribute the differences to the nickel plating.

I have a friend that is a cable denier. Whenever he comes to my house he pokes fun at the fat hose pipes that adorn my system. Last time he was over he commented that I had more bass then before, and what had I changed. When I told him it was only one IC and a PC, he just grinned.