Rhodium...hmmm

Ok. I’ll expand a bit so hopefully you think I’m factual rather than tough. Copper conductivity is 256% of rhodium conductivity. It obviously isn’t an insulator and it obviously works. But why would you wrap your precious highly conductive copper conductors in a metal that is that much less conductive?

Because it has a cool sounding name, it is in the platinum group which sounds exotic and expensive, and it responds well to marketying hype.

--Jerry

PS for comparison, silver is 7% better conductor than copper.

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. 

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.

+1 The base metal is very important.

+2 @blisshifi 

Very well stated and informative comments as to why rhodium is chosen as the preferred plating material by many High- End audio manufacturers. Now if an individual likes the sound or not is a subjective matter as is literally everything with regard to audio.

Charles

I agree, Rhodium can sound good but does take a really long time for break-in and the consistent good sound. In my opinion, that's why when you read the forum here on Audiogon about the Furutech GTX-D Rhodium (R) Duplex Receptacle, members report very long time periods of inconsistent sound and 250 - 300 hours or more of break-in time.