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Paul S wrote:

Over time I have observed that, in most cases, one quickly turns the corner from "enough' connector mass to suddenly arrive at "too much" connector mass.  I started out with a cable clamp like Jessie shows for my 6 gauge "dedicated ground" wire for just the reasons Jessie cites, that it needs to be REALLY TIGHT.  From that point,  I actually wound up soldering that whole effing junction to "protect" it/keep it from "going bad". Warning: The following is for total OCD nutbags only: I always clean my solder joints mechanically; then I "pacify" them with alkaline flux buster; then I coat the joints with a couple of applications of very saturated "natural" shellac. In other words, I crimp down key permanent connections, then I solder them (with high copper content solder...), then I keep the air off the joints. I have already shared the dielectric grease "secret" for "normal" "mechanical" connections, including (so far, so good...) tube pin connections. I used to use Caig Pro Gold on my amp/speaker connections; but now I use di-electric grease on all 'temporary" "mechanical" connections' (6 months , and all is well...). not to bust any DIY bubbles, but the fact is that most "soldered" joints are also - effectively - "mechanical" connections, very similar to the vicious copper lug Jessie shared, and not always that good electrically, FWIW.   Not to make work for those commited to easier "solutions", but I settled on my "system" by listening and I "backed it up" with measurements, apropos Caveat: If ignorance is bliss, STAY AWAY from volt meters!  Do NOT experiment with signal/noise/loss readings across various connections! Paul S

Hi Paul

My take on this is simple; what does industry do with these same parameters, as electricity usage (and loss) means big bucks to them.

They do not use any of these methods, but instead use practiced and specific standard electrical code standards and means and practices.

Why does audio not follow this, why is audio bound to be above standard electrical practices, and why are audio persons bound to skew good and sound electrical practices into other zones of/for sonic reasons?

Electricity flows as it does, not as we desire.

Can you (or we) hear differently or is this just a personal achievement of a good job of electrical connecting?

curious, j. 

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