I realise this is not a loudspeaker question, but hopefully it's close enough.
I am currently re-terminating an old run of Kimber 8TC. I was a little shocked after stripping the wires, as they looked as in photo below. This looks like crappy quality. I am pretty sure it is real Kimber. I got it from another hifi enthousiast who was upgrading. And it was before Aliexpress existed. The cable could be 15 years old.
Should I be worried? Any advice?
I am currently re-terminating an old run of Kimber 8TC. I was a little shocked after stripping the wires, as they looked as in photo below. This looks like crappy quality. I am pretty sure it is real Kimber. I got it from another hifi enthousiast who was upgrading. And it was before Aliexpress existed. The cable could be 15 years old.
Should I be worried? Any advice?
I have the same cable from the late 90’s. I think that I have seen oxidation on it in the past but I cleaned it off with a mild acid (CLR) and rinsed with water and isopropanol. You could also use an abrasive slurry of baking soda in water followed by a water rinse and a rinse with isopropanol.
At 15 years old and in an uncontrolled environment I think that this is to be expected. The PTFE jacket is not hermetic. Air will migrate over time and voila; oxidation.
At 15 years old and in an uncontrolled environment I think that this is to be expected. The PTFE jacket is not hermetic. Air will migrate over time and voila; oxidation.
It's normal behavior. You can cut and strip the wires until you see non oxidated copper.
Kimber or no Kimber, copper = copper and will start to oxidize as soon as it's bare and in contact with air.
Kimber or no Kimber, copper = copper and will start to oxidize as soon as it's bare and in contact with air.
I have been assuming that the isolation seals the copper off. But, maybe this is normal.
Should I expect audible improvements replacing the cable?
Should I expect audible improvements replacing the cable?
Copper oxide is red/brown, the green is likely one or more of copper carbonate/acetates/chloride, a.k.a. verdigris, and may be an indication of moisture during storage. PVC insulation is permeable to water vapour and most gasses (ie CO2) - I suspect chloride in this instance as PVC contains chlorine. Just clean it up and don't worry, once the wire is indoors no more verdigris is likely to form as the insulation dries out, and its very superficial. However if the insulation appears brittle or gummy, that would be a cause to worry.
The metallic copper carrying the current isn't changed, only the nature of the insulation has changed, now including some salts of copper. At audio frequencies nothing to worry about.
The insulation is not pvc but ptfe.
I checked some old silver plated Teflon insulated hook-up wire in my garage and the silver was bright as new after 10 years in the (semi) outdoors.
Makes me wonder what's going on. I may check this with Kimber themselves.
I checked some old silver plated Teflon insulated hook-up wire in my garage and the silver was bright as new after 10 years in the (semi) outdoors.
Makes me wonder what's going on. I may check this with Kimber themselves.
Moisture/heat has caused this.
It does not affect the cable really, ends can be cleaned off with different types of copper cleaner, Deoxit is a common brand with loads of selection. If it was'nt so messy residue wise, some coke in a plastic cup does it even.
Always a good idea to use oxide inhibitors on bare copper anyways when terminating where it does not make a mess.
like :
https://www.interstateelectricsuppl...-Oxide-Inhibitor-4-oz-Plastic-Bottle/p2121037
It does not affect the cable really, ends can be cleaned off with different types of copper cleaner, Deoxit is a common brand with loads of selection. If it was'nt so messy residue wise, some coke in a plastic cup does it even.
Always a good idea to use oxide inhibitors on bare copper anyways when terminating where it does not make a mess.
like :
https://www.interstateelectricsuppl...-Oxide-Inhibitor-4-oz-Plastic-Bottle/p2121037
Kimber say that this has happened incidentally. They figure that only the cable ends are affected, since they believe it started with bare ends oxidising which then continued into the cable.
This would align better with my experience with the hook up cable than the explanation that the ptfe would not seal perfectly. It seems it does.
Kimber also say that this should not affect performance. Since they would be the most likely party to recommend replacing the cable, I trust there is indeed no reason to be worried.
Case closed. Thanks to all members who contributed.
This would align better with my experience with the hook up cable than the explanation that the ptfe would not seal perfectly. It seems it does.
Kimber also say that this should not affect performance. Since they would be the most likely party to recommend replacing the cable, I trust there is indeed no reason to be worried.
Case closed. Thanks to all members who contributed.
Silver (probably Tin) is NOT Copper .
Copper is a wonderful metal, best for electrical conduction in the Real World, but unless specially protected or on a dry place it will eventually tarnish.
Tin/silver are much better but can also corrode under humid conditions.
Sadly I have lots of vintage components, think 70s 80s transistors and ICs which don't take solder any more.
Yet they are Factory tinned, but Buenos Aires is a mildly humid city.
Oh well.
Fwiw I lightly scratch >10 y.o. resistor and capacitor legs to make them shiny again before inserting in PCBs, go figure.
Your wiring is neither bad quality nor something to complain to Factory, they are just showing their age.
My latest pictures also show my age ... should I complain to Mom? 😄😄😄
Hi JMFahey,
Sorry to say this, but you are completely missing the point. At least, I fail to see the relevance of your post in light of this thread.
Sorry to say this, but you are completely missing the point. At least, I fail to see the relevance of your post in light of this thread.
Silver sulfide which would be comparable to his copper oxidation, is not electrically conductive.
That will lead to heat buildup, potentially fire if one would put enough current through it over time.
Exactly like aluminium conductors, silver requires Oxide inhibitor compounds for safe use as a electrical conductors.
(Of course in your audio cables this exact thing is not really a issue, due to the low power demands)
Wrongly treated aluminium cables/conductors are the reason for a lot of fires in electrical installations.
Tinned copper is indeed a better solution in corrosive enviornments.
And oxide inhibitors is good practise to use, anywhere a conductor gets exposed to air, like then end terminations.