Silver plated copper

Many textbooks on electrical engineering have the word "theory" in their title and I consider skin effect to be one.

Many topics in science use the word "theory."


It does not mean unproven. It means there is an explanatory model.


For instance, the "theory" of gravity. It is not up for ephemeral debate, nor is the "theory" of relativity or flight. While both the theory of gravity and relativity continue to be improved upon, they are the equivalent of "scientific fact."


However, going back to skin effect, it is real but I’ve never seen any models which explain why this would matter at audio frequencies with common conductor sizes.


Best,

E

There is the theory that much of the audio signal - I.e., the electromagnetic wave - travels outside the conductor which, if true, could explain why the skin effect is audible at audio frequencies. 

Personally, I think it's hooey. :)


The silver coating on the copper is barely there, but commands a major premium in price.


Personally, at least for interconnects, I buy pure silver cables and make my own, and stick to pure copper for speakers.


As I've mentioned, I've used silver plated copper in speaker cables. And, with ZERO explanatory theory, it was not better. In fact it was worse. For days, and then finally as good as copper.


I have no model or theory to explain this.

Explanation: it was installed in the wrong direction. 😬