Cheap Tweak?

Try TPC (the Perfect Connection) made by XLO, costs about a buck a packet-you should be able to find it at shops that sell XLO products.

90-100% alcohol. Usually can buy it in a pharmacy.

I also use the 99% rubbing alcohol followed by ProGold contact cleanner. A friend uses model railroad track cleanning solution on his copper audio contacts. Don't forget to clean the the power cord contacts. Skip the ones in the electical out let unless you are qualified to play with the AC. Don't use the 99% pure rubbing alcohol on skin, it dries it out. Don't crush red chile pods with your fingers, run your fingers through your hair, and then take a shower. It's REAL PINFULL!

Are you allowed to go out and play.

Sorry, no substitute for Kontak, best cleaner/enhancer on the market (better than ProGold, I have not yet tried the nekkem product sold by Delve though). The small bottle lasts a long time unless you constantly change cables. You should be able to buy for $35-40, an essential tweak!

I second HDM's motion, that TPC packet from XLO works very well, and sure qualifies as a cheap tweak.

I'm at a loss to understand why your wife would be involved in your choice of contact cleaner. Perhap I'm one of the fortunate ones, but my wife could care a less what I do with my various audio systems. Probably has a lot to do with ignoring her suggestions a long time ago, she tolerates my bizarre behaviour. I suggest you do as you please, the WAF thing can be a major pain in the ass if you let it creep into your decision-making. Jeff

Noted that a few guys recommended rubbing alcohol. WATCH OUT -- rubbing alcohol usually contains lanolin or some other moisturizer to keep skin from dying out. After the alcohol evaporates, all that's left is the grease. Use DENATURED alcohol instead.

i used geeration 2000 contact cleaner-non-residual- from radio shack--i got a large can for 12 bux-- i went meticulously over every thing on the hifi-contacts--binding posts--plugs--power strip(turned off-of course) ect; well!!! cleaner-clearer and a more solid precise bass!! just like a thin blanket had been removed from the speakers-an exellent improvement-i'm well happy with this

Guys, seems I have my cleaners(Kontak) mixed up with my cameras(Contax)and I expected you to understand that my wife not letting me buy a bottle of $30 contact cleaner was a joke. Cheap tweeks are one of the best parts of this hobby and I thank all of you with legit suggestions.

I checked out the ingredients in Contax. Heptane(50%), cylclohexane(10%), propane(20%), ethyl alcohol(10%), isopropyl alcohol(10%). Based on this, you can make a cheap, effective substitute using butane and 99% isopropyl alcohol, in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio. Cost would be less than $2(for a hell of a lot more than you get from Contax), from your local CVS, RiteAid, etc. Also looked into the other two products. Neither of which contains anything most people would easily be able to purchase. However, a can of one of the tv tuner, contact, etc. cleaners that tv repairmen use would be equivalent. I knew they used to be about $12, for a large can. Not sure how much they go for now, but would be a fraction of the cost of Kontac or ProGold.

Osclib: The Kontac was priced $38.00 at a local shop and my wife's comment was "and for what" - no joke. Compared to her Yves Rocher toiletries is seemed to be overpriced. I wonder what it smells like?