2. cables
  3. 1037893757

Copper v. Silver

Ok, for a beginner like myself, who is a bit overwhelmed, break it down for me, please. When and where would one use silver or copper. Specifically, if one has tubes for both source and integrated, would one be better off with silver for the IC? And how about for SET's? As a general rule, is silver "better" for tubes and copper "better" for SS? Thanks!
128x128jimlisa98
sonic_genius
528 posts
 
I have listened to both copper and silver cables with good results. I believe the overall design of the cable matters most especiallly dielectric absorption (not always the metal).
micheal's avatar
micheal
28 posts
 
Hi
I have built dozens of very high end preamps and power amps with these various metals and in each case.
Copper sounds very good, But silver sounds cleaner and clearer. Making them out of 99.9999% gold is twice as clear and even cleaner sounding.
But Platinium is the KING!!! Sounds like no wire at all!

mike
cdc
1,412 posts
 
When I use no wire at all, I don't get any sound.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The superiority of silver has more to do with the crystal structure than the fact that it is slightly more conductive. Also for designers like me that use bare wires, the oxides are less of a problem with silver than with copper. I believe that it is possible for silver and copper cables to sound essentially identical, at least when they are new and not oxidized.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Michael - how do you solder platinum wire?
More to discover