Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site
In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: The last phonocorrector: “End of Life" Phonostage
Post Subject: Too Soft and Brittle?Posted by Paul S on: 3/27/2013
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N-set, I have not tried the AN connectors. And I think the cited "metalurgical problems" relate to ease and speed (and so, cost...) of immediately available, outsourced manufacturing rather than use of the metals.
FWIW, the WBT Next-Gen Ag connectors facilitate "the silver thing" when I've used them with silver wire, and they do not "swamp" the multi-metal IC like Cu connectors I have tried. The biggest problems I've had with silver coated copper are "discontinuous" sound (and soundfield), and unstable/ever-changing sound over time. YMMV. Again, I have received "feedback" telling me (among othe things...) that I used the "wrong" silver plated stuff (including an early iteration of the vaunted Valhalla).
Do remember that I regard all this stuff as "seasoning", once a certain "minimum" is achieved, and I personally want a certain fairly "literal" sound. I also happen to like the idea of "low mass" connectors, and I am not afraid of copper connectors, per se. However, "pure" copper connectors are also uncommon, and I have been given to understand that this is for the same "metalurgical reasons" that "they" avoid pure silver. Not to mention that pure silver costs enough to "warrant" plating and other ways to cut back on the... silver.
Is it cheaper/more profitable to make up a story than to pony up for $$$$ "uncommon" materials and "proprietary" manufacturing? Or are the audio "manufacturers" actually telling the Whole Truth for a change? You pay your money, and you take your chance.
Meanwhile: If you are going to use a SUT, this actually is a Big Deal that will profoundly affect the Sound you get from your system, regardless of which connectors or solder you use. I recommend you integrate the SUT (with its broken-in cartridge) before you spend a ton on connectors.
Best regards,
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site