Why Rhodium?

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.

Br, listening to a system configured with various types of cables/connectors and making up cables and changing only one variable like the plug, or solder used, or connector used are two different things. Most people are shooting for a balanced presentation and there are many ways to get there so hearing different systems with different cables and having people getting somewhat similar result’s is not terribly surprising. But I know I could easily throw it off inserting one or two well chosen pc’s that would exacerbate a systems flaw.

With a few companies the only difference between the certain plug models is the plating, all else being equal so then you are only hearing or not hearing the differences afforded by the plating.

Just for shits and giggles I would try building a pc and changing only the plugs preferably only the plating, try it on your cdp and I am sure you will hear a difference.

I do agree though crimping is the way to go.