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 7 responses by toddverrone

@mechans yes! That's a great idea. Forget welding, let's just have our entire electrical systems cast out of copper, all electronics included. Then we can add everything else afterwards, like resistors, capacitors, diodes.. And we'll never have to worry about upgrading because you can't! Unless you buy a different house...
What got me thinking about it was a agon discussion I was reading where it was suggested that the receptacle and plug metals should be of the same metals.. Various other posts have suggested something similar, without everyone agreeing, of course. 

The main research I've seen on this was done by the military a while back, where it was shown to cause distortion of a measurable degree relative to other factors. I'll try to find some links to the research...

I'm definitely not saying that there aren't other things that screw up a signal, but this particular 'issue' is what is currently piquing my interest. 

Also, I'm not sure AC power should be considered a signal.. Though, from what I understand, distortion in its waveform is to be avoided..
@auxinput - so if the connection is soldered, that's not really an issue? I know with some signal cables, a junction between two different metals produces a difference in impedance that can cause a reflection of the signal to propagate back down the cable to the source. Is that not what is happening in power cables as well? Or is it more about just the sonic signature of each metal at the interface?
That’s why I started this thread. My initial line of thinking about connectors was as you stated: copper on copper should be best. But then that’s obviously not true once you start listening with plated connectors.

So that got me thinking about all the other connections I make in a power cord and the ways in which they might influence the sound. Where does it matter most? Not to mention how the internal wiring is connected to the IEC inlet, or wiring of the receptacle..

The comment above about DC intrigues me.. How does a constant current negate distortion?
@grannyring what is it about the sound of silver plated copper that you don't like?  I'm curious, as I've pretty much switched completely to silver plated copper connectors and love it.  
So, to make myself feel right, I need to try and destroy all of your reasoning for not liking what I do.  Oh, wait, no that's not right at all.  I'm actually just straight up curious. ;-)


Got it. I'm not looking for validation of my choices, so no worries. I just like to hear everyone's opinion.. I feel like it helps my perspective.

Maybe I'm not finding my cables too bright because I'm only using silver plated copper connectors. All my cables are copper..