Author Topic: Can anyone reccomend a solder  (Read 15159 times)

Offline TopRound‎

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Can anyone reccomend a solder
« on: December 25, 2022, 05:55:00 PM »
Got my son a Bottlehead kit to build. Is there a solder people prefer to use for audio gear that has sonic benefits as opposed to say just regular solder. Does audiophile solder make a difference or just snake oil?

any input as I don't solder and don't plan to.....

thanks

mike
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Offline GDHAL

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2022, 06:03:51 PM »
Yes, there are audiophile appropriate solder. Here's a thread on AG about it.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-solder?

I think Pete from TWL uses correct solder. He would be a good person to chime in or contact.

Best

Hal

EDIT: another good person to reach out to with solder questions would be Ralph Karsten at Atmasphere
« Last Edit: December 25, 2022, 06:06:49 PM by GDHAL »
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Offline S Clark

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2022, 07:43:38 PM »
This is quality stuff.  Cardas Quad eutectic, melts evenly and under 200*C.  Expensive but not stupid.  I resoldered my JVC TT81 turntable... probably 100+ solder joints. 
https://www.amazon.com/Cardas-Soldering-Eutectic-Silver-Solder/dp/B015X68HXW
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Offline ejk

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2022, 02:55:43 AM »
Yes, there are audiophile appropriate solder. Here's a thread on AG about it.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-solder?

I think Pete from TWL uses correct solder. He would be a good person to chime in or contact.

Best

Hal

EDIT: another good person to reach out to with solder questions would be Ralph Karsten at Atmasphere

Since Nick locked the other thread, I wanted to add this.

Did you hand tighten or torque? :thumb:

https://emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/60385/erc-loading-tray-stuck-closed
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Offline GDHAL

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2022, 06:02:08 AM »
Hi Evan. Interesting that you should find that very recent thread of mine. I write interesting because I wouldn't have thought you check the Emotiva forum.

In answer to your question, I tightened (of course after removing in order to gain access) the screws (15 Phillips head) using a standard hand held screwdriver. I did not measure torque in any way. Once the screw was snug and tight (to the extent one cannot loosen it with fingers alone) I moved on to the next screw, until all 15 we're back in place.

Overtightened screws are no good. It leads to striped heads and conceivably other problems.

I'm really glad I was able to resolve the issue.  :)

Best.

Hal


Yes, there are audiophile appropriate solder. Here's a thread on AG about it.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-solder?

I think Pete from TWL uses correct solder. He would be a good person to chime in or contact.

Best

Hal

EDIT: another good person to reach out to with solder questions would be Ralph Karsten at Atmasphere

Since Nick locked the other thread, I wanted to add this.

Did you hand tighten or torque? :thumb:

https://emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/60385/erc-loading-tray-stuck-closed
GoldenEar Triton Reference (pair), Musical Fidelity M6si, Schiit Yggdrasil-OG-B, Oppo UDP-205, Emotiva ERC-3, LG OLED65C9PUA, Salamander Synergy Triple Unit SL20, Audeze LCD-X, GIK acoustic paneling
http://halr.x10.mx/other.html

Offline HAL

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2022, 06:12:43 AM »
My favorite solder and been using it for years for audio gear.  I like eutectic solder.  Out of stock, but found it on Ebay as well.

https://www.radioshack.com/products/silver-bearing-solder?_pos=3&_sid=bf923b4a9&_ss=r

Offline rollo

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2022, 09:28:14 AM »
  Lead free silver solder. Enjoy the build.

charles
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Offline jmc207

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2022, 09:59:51 PM »
In his video on soldering Doc Smalle mentions eutectic solders like Kester 63/37 or the Cardas leaded version being good and the easiest to work with. Or, no more than 2% silver solder if you want to go that way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN16Pi7pcfk

Offline Triode Pete

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Re: Can anyone reccomend a solder
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2022, 11:33:08 AM »
Quad Eutectic Solder patented by Western Electric... http://www.cardas.com/solder.php

Cheers,
Pete

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