Cardas solder.

[M Gregg]

Chrisb,

I have now also Emailed Cardas and told them I am concerned about the fumes from their new flux. As you say perhaps the pressure from Emails my have an impact.

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[M Gregg]

Cardas response,

Thank you for contacting Cardas Audio.

We have also noticed a change in the solder and are investigating the cause. So far our analysis indicates the metals and flux are correct but the amount of flux seems wrong. We believe the flux is basically missing and the core is mostly air.
We are manufacturing a new batch now and hope to have it no later than the end of February.

Regarding the smell, we haven't had any similar complaints. We recommend using a fan in a well ventilated area to avoid any irritation.

Reply from Brian Von Bork.
I have asked for a sample to test of the new batch..obviously if its the same then I will have to use something else in future.

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[M Gregg]

Thought I would post this,

Just ignore its completely nuts..😕

Sound quality of solder<<yes bonkers isn't it,,

I tried a few de-solder re-solder on some primary connections of a couple of output transformers..each time re-wetting the actual primary connection to the transformer tab.

I tried Mundorf silver gold and the sound is quite good similar to cardas the solder runs well but doesn't give a shiny finish. I think it sounds better than the Cardas but its just subjective..it doesn't wet the joint quite as well as Cardas..

Next up Audio Note<<a bit of a shock the mid band seemed thin and scooped a bit like it had been adjusted with a mixer..if burn in is a possibility I don't know I didn't leave it long enough to find out...the solder sucker went in and the joint re-soldered with mundorf silver gold.

YMMV take it or leave it..its strange because the Audio note solder is the highest silver content it sets like a paste it runs well but its strange..it gives a dull lead look to the joint...don't know what to think really I thought it worked well in the past..I'm just making up some silver interconnects and will post if I find anything else..

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[mcandmar]

The thing i liked the most about the Cardas solder is how it flows like hot butter, dont think i ever managed to get a dry joint with the stuff.

Interesting responses from Cardas on the subject...

 

[M Gregg]

The thing i liked the most about the Cardas solder is how it flows like hot butter, dont think i ever managed to get a dry joint with the stuff.

Interesting responses from Cardas on the subject...

Yes I like the way Cardas flows. I think I may have seen the last of Cardas I think they have changed the flux so its not viable as far as I'm concerned. I would like to think its just a problem with production..but its unlikely. Cardas has quite good frequency response <<sounds crazy..

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[mcandmar]

I bought a new roll last week and as above, its not the same as the old roll at all. It doesn't flow as well, doesn't seem to have much flux, and most of all it smells really bad. Burning plastic is a very good description.

As i have a good chunk of the old roll left i have been using the two side by side and there is absolutely no doubt about it, the new new is not the same, its just horrid.

Before i get in contact with Cardas i thought i would check in and see if anybody has had any update on this issue?