Let's talk about Silver...


We got off on a short tangent in another discussion about the merits of silver in cables, but we did not want to derail that conversation. So I thought I would start a general discussion where folks can share their experiences, and opinions of course, with silver cables. This can include solid silver, silver plated or alloys, wire, connectors, analog, digital etc.

The knee jerk reaction in the audio world is to say that silver is bright, and in some cases that may be true, but I think it is not a universal truth. I am currently trialing some solid silver interconnects, and I have had some good success with silver in the digital realm. Please share your experience, and opinions of course.

 

zlone

In all likelihood the construction of the cable, the shielding, the soldering or crimping, litz or solid conductors, the chosen connectors and Sod‘s law on execution have far greater impact than the metal choice. In general I find solid conductors preferable over litz. But in the end it‘s all trial and error. Keepimg cables short is the only other advice that comes to mind

Silver is 7% more conductive than copper. As such it does everything better than copper including attracting noise to itself like an antenna. Leaving aside silver plated cables, which have their own unique issues, cables built from silver will have a characteristic brightness due to its superior absorption of noise unless steps are taken to mitigate that noise. The overall architecture, choice of materials and construction determine the sound of any cable. With pure silver it is, in my opinion, possible to achieve significantly greater levels of performance than copper  if done right.

…as did no lesser designers than Shindo and Kondo. That said it’s the design and its execution that matter most

I haven't found any silver cables that particularly impressed me. That said, my 2 favorite cables are copper and silver. I'm sure there are better cables out there, but Zavfino cables are the best I haven't heard, followed by the old LAT International cables. I have tried more expensive cables, but so far these are the best that I have heard.