View Full Version : Deoxit
realysm42
04-04-2012, 20:56
This might sound like a really stupid question, but can you use this to clean Plug sockets?
If you can (Which I assume you can) do you need to use a cotton bud to remove excess before you power up?
Yes, spray a small amount on the male plug, wipe off any excess, insert the plug into the socket and remove...repeat a few times...you're done.
realysm42
04-04-2012, 23:28
Cheers.
I wouldn't recommend using any contact enhancers in a tube socket.
Just a contact cleaner as use over time breaks down and becomes a gummy varnish.
Do some research before trusting any product reviews or referrals.
Yes, spray a small amount on the male plug, wipe off any excess, insert the plug into the socket and remove...repeat a few times...you're done.
My technique, too. Also good for other difficult sockets like XLR.
realysm42
05-04-2012, 11:01
I wouldn't recommend using any contact enhancers in a tube socket.
Just a contact cleaner as use over time breaks down and becomes a gummy varnish.
Do some research before trusting any product reviews or referrals.
What's a tube socket? Isn't deoxit's standard line just a contact cleaner?
What's a tube socket? Isn't deoxit's standard line just a contact cleaner?
He means a valve socket on a valve amp for the valve to slot into.
Valve...;)
realysm42
05-04-2012, 12:27
That's what me a tink ya na, seen! :eek:
The bog standard deoxit isn't an enhancer though is it, it just cleans contacts and heals any minor wounds they might have; or is that the 'enhancement' right there?
There's rather a lot to choose from...
ursus262
05-04-2012, 12:30
I wholeheartedly recommend Deoxit, as it not only cleans the contacts, but also conditions them. The oxides are held in suspension and it reduces the impedance across the contact junction.
Using it made a clear difference on my system. There is also Deoxit Gold that you can apply after using the normal Deoxit. I use that as well.
Dave
I use vodka and cotton buds. Vodka is a lot cheaper than the fancy alternatives and you can't buy isopropyl alcohol around my way anymore, presumably there are too many potential suicide bombers around...:rolleyes:
You can buy IPA from ebay. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IPA-ISOPROPYL-ALCOHOL-ISOPROPANOL-1-LITRE-min-99-pure-/320872712803?pt=UK_BOI_Medical_Lab_Equipment_Lab_S upplies_ET&hash=item4ab5810a63) Probably work out cheaper than Vodka.
Vodka isn't a good choice as it leaves a small residue (if it was pure, it would taste awful).
Acetone is a very good cleaner/degreaser and can be obtained from boat chandleries. However, Deoxit goes further than just cleaning as previously stated.
I just recently got a new tube DAC and I believe that's where I read a warning about using products that contain contact enhancers. The warning stated that the film they leave breaks down with heat over time and builds up becoming a gummy varnish.
And can not be removed from tube sockets,meaning expensive replacement.
Personally I won't use it any more. A Qtip with Alcohol cleans connections well enough and leaves no trace of residue.
I'm not saying any one product will or wont cause this problem,I just don't want to take the chance of having to replace 18 tube sockets in my amp,headphone amp and Dac.
That just sounds very expensive to me.
ursus262
05-04-2012, 16:39
Well, you wouldn't use it where heat is involved, but for cleaning contacts on interconnects and on mains cables, Deoxit is superb!
ursus262
05-04-2012, 16:40
I use vodka and cotton buds. Vodka is a lot cheaper than the fancy alternatives and you can't buy isopropyl alcohol around my way anymore, presumably there are too many potential suicide bombers around...:rolleyes:
Well, Staffordshire is full of drunks and nutters, so it's probably for the best :ner:
Valve pins can be cleaned by standing the pins in Wonder Wheels! Works a treat or you can use a fibre glass pen...just watch out for the small fibers.
realysm42
05-04-2012, 18:25
I don't have any valves to concern myself with thankfully(sadly?) so I think I'm going to take the plunge.
Nice one dudes :cool:
isuckedmandelsonslemons
06-04-2012, 07:47
Are we saying that isopropyl alcohol will do the same job as deoxit? I happen to have a few bottles laid down in my drinks cabinet
brian2957
06-04-2012, 07:53
I don't have any valves to concern myself with thankfully(sadly?) so I think I'm going to take the plunge.
Nice one dudes :cool:
Hi Martin , I use Deoxit on all my mains plugs , interconnect plugs and speaker plugs. Well worth the effort IMO . Just remember to let the plugs , particularly the mains plugs , dry off before re-installing.
Brian.
ursus262
06-04-2012, 20:56
Are we saying that isopropyl alcohol will do the same job as deoxit? I happen to have a few bottles laid down in my drinks cabinet
:eek:
Beechwoods
06-04-2012, 21:02
Maplin sell IPA in litre bottles. Enough to last a few lifetimes' tape deck transport cleaning.
Reference cables do a much cheaper deoxit alternative.
Maplin sell IPA in litre bottles.
Greene King?
Beechwoods
06-04-2012, 21:49
To be honest it tastes a lot better than the Greene King beers they sell round here!
To be honest it tastes a lot better than the Greene King beers they sell round here!
And I thought you were supposed to sniff it! :doh: something else I've been doing wrong all these years... ;)
realysm42
07-04-2012, 11:18
Are we saying that isopropyl alcohol will do the same job as deoxit? I happen to have a few bottles laid down in my drinks cabinet
From what I've read here, it's not as good, while it cleans the same, it doesn't repair scar tissue and therefore the connection between plug and socket :)
ursus262
07-04-2012, 11:56
From what I've read here, it's not as good, while it cleans the same, it doesn't repair scar tissue and therefore the connection between plug and socket :)
There is a straightforward difference between IPA and Deoxit; IPA simply removes all traces of grease and oil, leaving behind bare metal which oxidises again, and maintains the impedance across the junction of the mating surfaces. Deoxit removes the oxidation layer, and holds it in suspension so that the impedance across the mating surfaces are much reduced.
We noticed this effect when, before I moved to digital transfer of video, when I was still using SCART connectors. The noise from the picture disappeared and everything seemed so much more real and focussed. The same was also true of the sound on my hi fi as well.
Deoxit worked well in our case, and we are pleased with the results.
I just recently got a new tube DAC and I believe that's where I read a warning about using products that contain contact enhancers. The warning stated that the film they leave breaks down with heat over time and builds up becoming a gummy varnish.
And can not be removed from tube sockets,meaning expensive replacement.
Personally I won't use it any more. A Qtip with Alcohol cleans connections well enough and leaves no trace of residue.
I'm not saying any one product will or wont cause this problem,I just don't want to take the chance of having to replace 18 tube sockets in my amp,headphone amp and Dac.
That just sounds very expensive to me.
I think that you may have been misinformed. Not all contact enhancers are the same and as far as Reference Fidelity Product's "Planet Protector" goes, I'd need to point out that this will not leave any gummy deposits at all. It cleans, removes oxidation and grease and then leaves an ultra thin coating of contact lube which improves contact area, protects sockets and pins against further excessive wear and is designed to improve signal transmission. It is perfect for use on valve bases as well as signal contacts. Thought I'd better clarify the position regarding RFC's product as I didn't want anyone mislead into thinking it shared similar characteristics to the ones you're concerned about ;)
I think that you may have been misinformed. Not all contact enhancers are the same and as far as Reference Fidelity Product's "Planet Protector" goes, I'd need to point out that this will not leave any gummy deposits at all. It cleans, removes oxidation and grease and then leaves an ultra thin coating of contact lube which improves contact area, protects sockets and pins against further excessive wear and is designed to improve signal transmission. It is perfect for use on valve bases as well as signal contacts. Thought I'd better clarify the position regarding RFC's product as I didn't want anyone mislead into thinking it shared similar characteristics to the ones you're concerned about ;)
I have never heard of RFC I live in the U.S. is it available in the states?
I have been buying alot of NOS tubes and some of the pins need cleaning.
I was going to stand them in 50/50 CLR and water for 30 sec.
But would like to wipe them with something after the fresh water rinse and drying.
I have never heard of RFC I live in the U.S. is it available in the states?
I have been buying alot of NOS tubes and some of the pins need cleaning.
I was going to stand them in 50/50 CLR and water for 30 sec.
But would like to wipe them with something after the fresh water rinse and drying.
Hi
Reference Fidelity Components is a relatively new UK based company formed last year which is why you may not have heard of it. The details of the cleaner mentioned can be found here (http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/products/accessories/planet-protector-2/)
You may be able to source similar products in the States.
ursus262
09-04-2012, 16:01
Guys
Take a look at this
http://www.audiotweaks.com/tweaks/tweak_114.htm
Mirrors my experience. We won't be without a can in the house
You've reminded me that I had run out. I've just ordered some more :)
Got the can and going to re-treat all my connections tonight.
realysm42
12-04-2012, 21:44
Right, as you lot have forced me to buy the gold stuff as well, you can at least advise me if I can use it on all contacts, or are there certain surfaces that I should avoid?
I don't use the Gold spray, just the D5 cleaner/preserver.
realysm42
13-04-2012, 07:24
Cheers Martin; anyone else?
realysm42
13-04-2012, 17:43
Just had a first, tentative go with this stuff properly.
I'm not sure I'd ever follow the instructions on the tin, if you put too much of this stuff on your gear, you're going to end up with pain aren't you? As in things going pop if you're too liberal in application.
I'm stunned at the difference :D Got the gold stuff coming Monday too :)
I've just done all my power connections and the improvement in air and soundstage is impressive. I must have left it too long. Tomorrow I'll do my signal connections.
Reid Malenfant
13-04-2012, 17:58
I've just done all my power connections and the improvement in air and soundstage is impressive. I must have left it too long. Tomorrow I'll do my signal connections.
:lol: There's me picturing Martin plugging himself into the mains to charge himself up :D
I think I'll take the plunge & see what this Carlos Fandango stuff is about :eyebrows:
Did all my cables last weekend using a can that I've had for ages (it seems to last forever). Took a little while but nice improvement for minimal cost.
Chris
I think I'll take the plunge & see what this Carlos Fandango stuff is about :eyebrows:
Get the D5 aerosol, Mark. You'll be surprised once you've done every connection.
Reid Malenfant
13-04-2012, 18:36
Aye, that's what I've loaded into my ebay. 142g spray a good bit cheaper than any other on there :)
realysm42
13-04-2012, 18:40
I keep flicking through all my music smiling at how much more revealing everything has become, I might sit down and do a whole album one day...
realysm42
16-04-2012, 17:13
Got the Gold stuff today, Stoneaudio are on point with their delivery!
Anyway, I did a quick once over (super careful again) and again I'm impressed, new details popping out all over the place. From initial impressions and limited experience I recommend both items.
I wonder if another very low-cost alternative is to scrub the contacts with IPA and then give them a wipe with Peco's Electrolube? This is an 'oil' used in model railways for cleaning and oiling motors, wheel pick-ups and rails - as it also conducts electricity. Just a thought
BW
Bonky...!
realysm42
16-04-2012, 17:33
Interesting suggestion. Is the Peco stuff actually oil? If it is, I wouldn't want it anywhere near my plugs and electricity.
The deoxit stuff 'dries' after a bit, leaving whatever magic it's meant to behind.
If it's conductive, be VERY careful not to use it on mains connections. Please :eek:
realysm42
16-04-2012, 19:10
I used both deoxit products on my plugs (hence me mentioning extreme caution). I don't know how much of a part that played in the sound being improved though. I guess it's all a culmination of the little bits adding up to a large whole.
Peco Electrolube is now called "PowerLube".
Details include...
"
Electrolube have been the leading supplier of contact lubricants since their invention by the founder in the 1950’s. They increase the reliability and lifetime of all current carrying metal interfaces, including switches, connectors and busbars.
Electrolube has earned an unsurpassed reputation for the manufacture and supply of specialist lubricants to the automotive, military, aerospace, industrial and domestic switch manufacturing sectors. The range has been developed over the years to accommodate many advances in such rapidly advancing industries; combining excellent electrical properties and lubricity, to improve movement and ‘feel’ characteristics, with plastics compatibility.
Contact lubricants are specially formulated greases and oils that reduce friction and enhance the electrical performance of current carrying metal interfaces in switches and connectors. Electrolube products are electrically insulative in thick films, preventing tracking. In ultra thin films, i.e. between closed metal contacts, they allow the current flow, owing to the ‘Quantum Tunnelling Effect’. They also exhibit a neutral pH thereby avoiding surface corrosion.
The effectiveness of even perfectly designed switches can be improved by contact lubricants and, when considered at design stage, significant production cost savings can be achieved by the use of less expensive plastics and contact metals.
Tests have shown that contact lubrication can extend the lifetime of switches by more than 300%, producing excellent performance under all circumstances and preventing the need for expensive maintenance."
More details here:
http://www.electrolube.com/docs/lubricantmain.asp?id=202
I wasn't advocating it - just wondering whether it had an application in our hobby.
BW
Bonky
Electrolube is not conductive in itself as at thicker layers the base oil is an insulator but it IS perfectly safe to use on mains plugs and IC's. It leaves behind a synthetic oil base of low volatility like many other contact lubes, which is left in a very very thin film. It conducts because of an effect called Quantum Tunnelling (wikipedia is your friend!) and is only required to be used sparingly with the excess wiped off. It is very much like the Planet Protector I sell which is also a two part cleaning/lube solution as are many others out there. There's nothing magic about deoxit or all the other expensive contact cleaners in hifi land as most of them work in exactly the same way (ie contain a solvent to de-tarnish and a base oil or synthetic compound as a lube. The layer is very thin so conducts due to the same quantum tunnelling effect). There are very few actual conductive contact lubes available and there's a misconception that the base layer left behind has to be highly conductive as is doesn't. Electrons pass straight through ultra thin lube layers rendering the junction very conductive. The idea is to protect against further tarnishing and provide a greater contact area. Simples
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