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Where is the optimal place to have an interface between two different metals?

hey-o!

it is pretty well established scientifically as well as anecdotally that at an interface of two different conductors composed of two different metals, distortion of a signal occurs.  this leads many to choose receptacles and power plugs (as well as IEC inlets and connectors)  made from the same metal.

my question is this: where is the best place to have the interface between different metals in order to reduce distortion?  there obviously needs to be some type of interface since in-wall wiring is copper and internal component wiring is often copper as well. so where does it make the most difference? is it in the receptacle/plug interface where everyone who cares about this focuses their attention? or do they focus their attention here because any of the other interfaces are too much of a pain in the ass to change?  what about the power cable itself?  i see lots of people who like rhodium plated recept/plug combos, but i've never seen any mention of rhodium plated cable.. so there's an interface between two different metals where the connectors join to the cables...

i truly am curious and would love your thoughts and discoveries on the matter.
128x128toddverrone

Showing 2 responses by grannyring

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
I don't use connectors for the most part. I direct solder my power cords, ICs, and use no connectors on my speaker cables. I don't use binding posts on my amps and use a Teflon or woiden posts  to clamp the output wires of my amp to bare speaker wire. 

All connectors degrade sound no matter how good the connector. I don't like the sound of silver plated copper based on listening tests, but can see why others may. 

I have not not gone so far as to hardwire my gear to the romex in my house. That my be a little extreme🤔
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Well I developed tinnitus listening to silver coated wire and my doctor told me pure copper only😊

Just a personal bias and you can stick with your wire. I just found it a tad tilted up in the upper mids and I am very sensitive to that. But, not all silver coated wire sounds the same and I bet another brand may sound just great. 
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