WBT Nextgen update listening evaluation 2

Since my original thread in Dec 2004 regarding the WBT shoot-out and review I have since replaced all of my female RCA jacks in my preamp and other critical components in the signal path to the low mass pure copper WBT Nexten 0210cu connectors. The cumulative results of removing all copper alloys (brass) from my signal path on my RCA's, both male and female exceeded my expectations in performance once all of the connectors and new solder joints were broken in which takes at least 150+ hours. The Nextgen female RCA's were fairly easy to install in my preamp and amp chasse but I found in several cases the hole diameter needed to be enlarged to fit the new 0210's. I found a 7/16" Dia hole was a perfect fit for the female nextgen connectors and I purchase a high quality 6" 7/16" drill bit from my local hard wear store to do the job properly. The drill bit costs $9 but I find it is very important to have the right tools to get the job done correctly and fast with the least frustration so in my view it is better to spend the money on the necessary tools and be done with it. Once the hole was enlarged with my drill bit installing the nextgen connectors in my equipment was easy and straightforward. I again used my Weller 30 watt soldering iron and Cardas solder to make the connections on my new female RCA's. I have found both the Cardas and WBT solders to be excellent for high end audio upgrades as I have used both with positive results.

Over the past several months I have made every attempt to remove my older high mass brass connectors used on my interconnect, amp, preamp and phono preamp with the WBT low mass, high purity copper connectors and the cumulative effect has been amazing in transforming my audio system to another level. I also removed and replaced my spades on my speaker cable with Walker Audio high quality silver spades with excellent results (see another worthy tweak note below). The last area to be addressed in the signal path are the binding post on my convergent audio JL2 amp and sadly there is very little choice today for a quality low mass pure copper or silver binding posts but hopefully some manufacture will address this in the near future so all brass alloys will be completely out of my audio signal path.

Another worthy tweak: I thought I would share my recent experience in replacing my older gold platted brass speaker spades on my discovery Essential speaker cable with new low mass pure silver spades purchased directly from walker audio. Most stock speaker cable spades make today are again manufactured with brass (typically 65-68% copper) and I always suspected I was missing some musical information in the audio chain with these brass spades and I found this assumption to be correct after installing the new silver spades to my cable. The walker audio are low mass very high quality 100% silver spades that are a steal at $6.50 each. I purchased (10) spades directly from Lloyd Walker and installed them using cardas Quad Eutectic solder and a 80 watt soldering iron. I took my time doing the installation and the whole process took less than 2 hours to complete. The listening results directly after installation was very positive in a similar way to the experience I had with the WBT nextgen installation. I heard greater clarity, better definition of bass and mid bass and more vivid and life like qualities coming from the vocals when familiar music played on my Basis 2500 turntable. As the new silver spades broke in over the next 2-3 weeks the music became more relaxed and open and even greater detail emerged. It became more apparent over time just how bad my old brass speaker spades were and how the new walker spades added a sparkle and a musicality that was previously lacking. The spades now have about 125 hours of break in and are sounding better and better with more time. I suspect they will be at there peak with 200+ hours.

Looking back over the last several months I can not believe how murky, blotted, unclear, unfocused, slow and less involving my audio system was with the older and sadly most common copper alloys were used in my critical signal path. Upgrading to the low mass, non alloy pure copper/silver WBT nextgen 0110cu, 0210cu and walker silver spades has transformed my system in ways that must be heard to be understood. If found very positive improvements when several connectors were upgraded in the audio chain to the WBT nextgen but when they are all removed and upgraded the cumulative effect when all are broken in is quite amazing. It has become more obvious based on my listening tests that high mass impure copper metal alloys (typically brass) distort and degrades the audio signal coming from your source material in such a way that the signal loss results in your stereo system not reaching it's fullest potential. There are times when I close my eyes when listening and think back to how it was before taking out the brass and I can not believe the grater speed, detail and dynamics of my new system. Even though some of these new connectors are expensive dollar for dollar I feel this tweak was the most cost effective upgrade I have made. A close second was installing a dedicated line using non romex wire but that is a different subject. In short removing metal impurities from your signal should put a large smile on your face.

Enjoy the music