Regarding the conductivity (and its reciprocal, resistivity) of silver vs. copper, a point to keep in mind is that the roughly 6% or so difference between the two metals can be compensated for several times over by simply going one gauge size larger in copper. It can also be compensated for by simply making the copper cable 6% shorter than the silver cable.
Also, the significance of cable resistance depends on the impedance characteristics of what is being connected. In nearly all home audio applications, the resistance of line-level analog interconnects having silver or copper conductors will be an utterly miniscule fraction of the input impedance of the destination component. For that kind of cable, at least, conductivity/resistivity can therefore be expected to not be a factor in whatever sonic effects the cable may have. Although as was alluded to earlier in the thread the resistance of the shield or other return conductor can be a significant factor with respect to ground loop issues, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the susceptibility of the particular components to those issues.
Regards,
-- Al
Also, the significance of cable resistance depends on the impedance characteristics of what is being connected. In nearly all home audio applications, the resistance of line-level analog interconnects having silver or copper conductors will be an utterly miniscule fraction of the input impedance of the destination component. For that kind of cable, at least, conductivity/resistivity can therefore be expected to not be a factor in whatever sonic effects the cable may have. Although as was alluded to earlier in the thread the resistance of the shield or other return conductor can be a significant factor with respect to ground loop issues, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the susceptibility of the particular components to those issues.
Regards,
-- Al