What’s your favorite cleaning method for connections

@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.

Deoxit. Every few months whenever I thinks about or get bored. 

Someone already mentioned Stabilant 22 .

At a cost of $50 Canadian, treating all the connections in your system with it will be the biggest upgrade you can do to your system for under $1000.  The first clean with a good cleaner then treat with Stabilant - you don't have to do it again unless you break the connection.  It has been widely tested and use in the space industry and computer industry in addition to audio. Mike Wright, the Dayton Wright electrostatic speaker designer, invented Stabilant after he sold Dayton Wright. It was tested in extremely harsh conditions and still functioned perfectly after 12 years.  We sell it at American Hi-Fi in Winnipeg Canada - Mike Wright's home town

www.americanhifi.com

@kevemaher 

You have a very nice system and if you don't hear any differences before and after cleaning your connectors, then making measurements is a moot point. I was just trying to warn you of potential issues with using a scrubbing pad on your connectors. By the way, this applies to all metals, not just Ag. Perhaps the degree of corrosion between your cleanings is not enough to produce an audible effect.