2chains

Total noob here! Searched around but couldn't find answer on this. Is there any difference btw gold/copper and platinum wire/connectors? Is one better than the other or personal preference? Can I assume the dissimilar metals used together eg copper wire with plaatinum connectors speed up corrosion? Any info would be appreciated...thanks

Denonite

iTrader: (1)

absolutely no audible benefits...but there are many financial ones for exotic cable/connector makers.

fresh1

iTrader: (2)

I'd assume silver is the best, but if you get platinum you'll sound really cool

2chains

thanks!...looking to hookup 4 g and trying to learn as much as possible here! I found 4g stranded welding wire which is copper so wasn't sure which way to go with connectors...still have to decide on my system, basically starting from scratch amp speakers for my tacoma

Dukk

The biggest difference between 'gold' and 'platinum/chrome' connectors is cosmetic.

It is more important to find a decent quality connector that will crimp well and hang on to the cable. Some of the cheaper brands are terrible - the connector has weak crimp strength and either lets the cable slip or worse yet they crack when crimped down.

zoomer

iTrader: (3)

Why do you assume this? Silver has worse conductivity than copper.

Denonite

iTrader: (1)

^^really, not according to most metal conductivity and resistance charts I've seen..this one for example:

http://www.tibtech.com/conductivity.php

zoomer

iTrader: (3)

OK My bad. I stand corrected. Silver is 10% more conductive than Copper.

why not just use copper conductor that is thicker gauge? cheaper!

2chains

thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to go with 4g stranded welding cable for amp hookup under seat ...just can't decide on what speakers will give me best bang for the buck... will probably go with component ones for sure for my tacoma!

kevmurray

Connectors are only plated with the precious metals and the reason has little to do with the resistance of the metal. Mostly it's for cosmetics, to prevent corrosion and the soft nature of the metals makes for good surface contact. Copper will corrode for sure without any plating and while silver may be the best conductor but it can tarnish. Gold applies easily, is soft and wont corrode. Platinum is probably the same though I'm not sure about the hardness rating. Dissimilar metal corrosion is not an issue with any of these metals. Welcome to the forum.