Maintaining Optimal Electrical Connections

Hi All,

My apologies for the delayed update.

Before the Holidays I was able to clean all of my line-level connections, with DeToxit 100L, as well as treat them with Stabilant 22. 

Results - the investments in time and money were worthwhile.

I mostly listen to classical (solo, chamber and orchestral), rock, and a bit of jazz. 

To my ears it seemed that this cleaning-conditioning process improved the overall musicality of the playback, with both LP and CD.  The improvements were not dramatic, but they were discernable:

- Fundamental notes and harmonics were clearer and more accurate. 

- Attack and decay were better defined. 

- Imaging and tempo were easier to identify.

In general, the music was slightly more engaging, yet 'focused listening' was easier and more relaxed.

Regards,

I've used DeOxit to clean connections, but mostly on old equipment that was sitting around collecting dust (think....1990's Yamaha amp that has sat in the closet for 20 years).

Worked very well to remove crust and crud, but can't really speak to an improvement in sound.

I've used Stabilant 22 as a contact enhancer in my system. Seems to work well. Not a night/day difference, but is absolutely proven to do what it says it does (The US military and NASA use it, and it is patented, so it obviously works).

TBH, I've never sat behind my rack and treated the entire system as other members do. I kind of do it piecemeal so I'm not sure if I can hear a difference.. But the cleaner works very well. To answer your question, after cleaning the speaker cables and speaker binding posts I really believe there was an improvement in SQ. The cloth I used had some major black spots from removing tarnish. 

The Deoxit Gold coats the metal after cleaning and is said to increase conductivity. Many good reviews about this product. There are other contact enhancers that some members swear by.

lowrider57

Thanks for the details regarding your experience using the D5.  

Personally, I never considered putting a cleaner into a female outlet (even one that is shut off at the breaker).  That seems to be asking for trouble.  More to the point, I am glad to know that you used it on the male, 3-prong plug.  That seems sensible.

One question: did you perceive an improvement or degradation ins sound-Q?

Cheers,

@inagroove 

D5 on interconnect connectors, speaker cables, and the 3 prongs on a power cable. And the connections on the components. Using a soft cloth, I clean the RCA jacks, XLR pins, speaker and amp binding posts.

I've never used a liquid on AC receptacles. Pulling the cable termination in and out to possibly better the contact is good enough for me.

Also, when I buy a tube, NOS or used, I let the pins sit in a bath of D5 liquid for about 15 minutes. Just enough liquid to cover the pins.

Use gold plated copper connections then no problems gold or rhodium plating over 

copper is essential for non oxydation.

Use gold plated copper connections then no problems 

erik_squires

Thanks for the warning regarding AC wiring.  I have already replaced the outlet with a hospital-grade Leviton unit (pure copper, tight grip).  

With that being said, I have powered speakers and am considering using D100L on that connection.  Do you have the same concern with AC away from the wall?

Thanks!

lowrider57

Wondering - did you use DeToxit D5 on power sources, line-level wiring, or both?

Be extremely careful in using this in AC wiring.  Leave no residue behind, and never spray into an AC outlet.

For the wires coming out of a wall and into a socket use fine grit sand paper.

I have found that replacing upstream sockets (if any) and using high grade (Commercial/Residendial) or better reduces voltage drop. Hard to tell though if it was the new sockets or meticulous cleaning.

I use DEOXIT D5. It removes oxidation and any type of grunge. Works great on all connections. I believe the Gold provides a layer of sealant.