What’s your favorite cleaning method for connections

@kevemaher 

I can't comment on how Ag interconnects affect the sound after repeated cleaning with a scouring pad because I never used Ag interconnects. I would guess that it would have a negative effect on the sound quality. I never considered Ag interconnects because they corrode so rapidly. I only use Au interconnects because Au is chemically inert at ambient conditions in the atmosphere. 

As far as references, it is widely known in the scientific literature that Ag reacts readily with organic sulphur containing gases in the atmosphere and the presence of uncoordinated Ag atoms at the surface increases the reaction rate. It is one of the reasons Ag stepped surfaces and Ag nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts. The stepped surfaces and nanoparticles have a large degree of uncoordinated Ag atoms at the surface. I studied the chemisorption of numerous gases (including H2S and SO2) on stepped  [3(111) x (100] Ag surfaces and Ag nanoparticles compared to low-index (111) silver surfaces which are extremely smooth. The reaction rates on the stepped Ag surfaces were about a factor of 2 times greater than the low-index Ag surface. The reaction rates on the Ag nanoparticles were about 4 to 5 times greater than the low-index Ag surface.  

@ljgerens 

All of what you last posted may be absolutely correct. I would like to read references.

But since there are no measurements (nor anecdotal representations), one cannot conclude that scrubbing pads affect the sound.

One might advise against using scrubbing pads for the reasons you’ve stated. However, without real data advising it, it is just a choice, not a necessity.

If you live in a humid climate disconnect and spray/dip battery cleaner fluid. Wipe dry. I'm in the dry desert so I don't disturb them. 

@kevemaher 

There are many references in the scientific literature regarding Ag2S formation on Ag surfaces. You can easily search for them. None of the references relate the surface changes of Ag to changes in the SQ of an audio system. We have measured the surface work function of various clean Ag surfaces before and after exposure to sulphur containing gases. For a stepped Ag surface, the surface work function increases by more than 1.0 eV with a gas concentration of ~1.5 ppm for a couple of minutes. This means it requires more than 1 eV to move an electron from the valence band to the conduction band. This corresponds to a significant drop in surface conductivity. This level of Ag2S formation would probably have little to no effect on SQ. However longer exposures would create a thicker layer of Ag2S and should  have a significant effect on conductivity. At this point, I would expect there would be some changes in SQ. 

@ljgerens 

I understand the technical details you’ve provided. I’ve got an MS in Physics and lots of work experience. I cannot refute your information nor your expertise.

I am also an audio enthusiast. My technical side wants to see measurements. My artistic side want to know if there is an effect on sound quality.

I have not done any measurements, but I have done a lot of listening. I hear no before/after differences.

I have enough test equipment to make the usual audio measurements (A/D, REW, PC and cables). I could make measurements. What do you think I should measure first? 

Audiogon makes it difficult to embed files in posts. I will make an effort to report as best as I can.