HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

I have tried a few "audio" solders and they have been ok. I was going to try some lead free stuff Paul at Evolution Audio was raving about but he seems to have stopped trading. Can anyone recommend a good lead free solder ? Thanks in advance Paul

Lead free, 3.8% silver. Looks decent.

Just be aware that lead free solder may require a higher temperature soldering iron.

Why do you want lead free ? I use lead solder all the time, it's still available and a lot easier to use than the lead free.

karatestu wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:10 pm Why do you want lead free ? I use lead solder all the time, it's still available and a lot easier to use than the lead free.

+1

+2

With only 1 hand, I really do not need anything that makes it harder

+3
No particular reason other than someone whose opinion I rated was very enthusiastic and after a bit of head scratching I think it might well have been the Mundorf stuff with the high silver content as I recall him saying it came from Germany. My digital soldering iron says it reaches 340c How accurate that temp reading is I don’t know but hopefully it’s hot enough to work it. I doubt very much I will be penning another thread stating it’s sonically better but I am by nature curious and in short lengths it’s not going to break the bank so what the hell?
Whilst we are at it I am tempted to replace the standard pvc sheathed copper cable with silver plated PTFE sheathed cable, any thoughts on a good wire gauge for amps and speaker internal wiring ? All the best Paul

nilsatisnisioptimum wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 5:13 pm +3
No particular reason other than someone whose opinion I rated was very enthusiastic and after a bit of head scratching I think it might well have been the Mundorf stuff with the high silver content as I recall him saying it came from Germany. My digital soldering iron says it reaches 340c How accurate that temp reading is I don’t know but hopefully it’s hot enough to work it. I doubt very much I will be penning another thread stating it’s sonically better but I am by nature curious and in short lengths it’s not going to break the bank so what the hell?

I was issued with a reel of solder in 1973 as a third year apprentice, I still have some of it left. I therefore suggest that a 100g reel will last you a very long time.

nilsatisnisioptimum wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 5:13 pmWhilst we are at it I am tempted to replace the standard pvc sheathed copper cable with silver plated PTFE sheathed cable, any thoughts on a good wire gauge for amps and speaker internal wiring ? All the best Paul

I doubt you would hear much difference but it is your money.

The money for 5m of the fancy solder and PTFE sheathed cable will be less than £30 including postage and as I enjoy playing around with some of my system that’s good value in today’s world. As to whether I hear any improvement, well I’m starting on the basis that it probably won’t so I am not going to be upset if that is actually the case. On a positive note, my curiosity will be satisfied and there’s a slight possibility it might sound better and to my way of thinking it’s more fun than watching the tele on a dark wet evening

It's fun and you'll of been there done that. But I'd have yourself committed if you hear a difference