Rhodium...hmmm


I recently purchased pc for cd player with rhodium ends on both...I wasnt feeling the mojo from it and was not content with lowend resolution/grunt.I switched ac/male end with nice furutech copper and it has made the difference...Im surprised at the difference that it has made.Bass has more info/definition/warmth and high end still has sparkle with the neutral transparency that rhodium (iec) seems to offer.I know this has been talked about alot and probably deserves a duh!.. Rhodium indeed has its place in my system after all this time.Like it.

digsmithd

Showing 1 response by blisshifi

Rhodium isn’t typically selected for its conductance characteristics, but for its durability. Generally, via plating, it is very thin, very even, and very hard. Th hardness/smoothness allows for a consistent delivery of current on contacts similar to cryogenically treating cabling, and Rhodium will not oxidize or result in wear over time as much as gold or silver plating or straight out copper.

Yes, Rhodium has a tendency to sound brighter/sharper at first, but IME it just takes a really long time to break in. Once it does, that harshness tends to go away. Not to say it is better than other conductors this is subjective, but it does have its strengths and weaknesses, and I personally prefer them if the whole cable has synergy mostly due to the durability and lack of oxidation.

Also, the sound will depend on the quality of the connector and conductors it is paired with. Rhodium plated phosphor bronze or copper alloy wont sound as robust and clear as Rhodium plating over solid silver plating over solid copper conductors, for instance.