synsei
06-08-2012, 16:48
Bit of an old chestnut this one but it's worth a reminder for the results that can be obtained. Keep all your plugs and sockets clean using De-Oxit or a similar product. I tend to do this on average every six months or so and it never ceases to amaze me how much clearer and more defined the music is after completing the task. It can be a big job, especially if, like me, you have cables snaking everywhere but the results are well worth it.
I begin by cleaning the equipments external surfaces with wet wipes to begin with and then finish things off with Mr Muscle window cleaner (which contains no harsh chemicals) to get everything looking shiny and new (you'll need to remove your equipment from your rack anyway so you might as well do this while you're at it). Once the equipment is sparkling I clean all sockets (a particularly big job on the DR5) with IPA then apply De-Oxit to the outer and inner parts of the sockets using pipe cleaners. Once done it is time to clean the cable plugs using the same routine. If like me you happen to smoke then it is a good idea to wipe the cables themselves with wet wipes as you'll be surprised how much nicotine can accrue over time (this goes for your equipment as well). Yes, I know it's a bad habit and yes, I do intend to quit at some point.
Once all your audio sockets and plugs are shiny and clean it is time to start on your mains plugs. If they are particularly black I would suggest using metal polish wadding such as Duraglit to get the worst off before applying De-Oxit. Be sure to wipe the plug prongs off with a wet wipe before applying De-Oxit because you really don't want the metal polish chemicals getting inside your mains sockets (you can use Brasso but take even more care to remove all traces of the product before proceeding to the next step).
I have been busy doing this today and now the task is complete I am reaping the benefits ;)
I begin by cleaning the equipments external surfaces with wet wipes to begin with and then finish things off with Mr Muscle window cleaner (which contains no harsh chemicals) to get everything looking shiny and new (you'll need to remove your equipment from your rack anyway so you might as well do this while you're at it). Once the equipment is sparkling I clean all sockets (a particularly big job on the DR5) with IPA then apply De-Oxit to the outer and inner parts of the sockets using pipe cleaners. Once done it is time to clean the cable plugs using the same routine. If like me you happen to smoke then it is a good idea to wipe the cables themselves with wet wipes as you'll be surprised how much nicotine can accrue over time (this goes for your equipment as well). Yes, I know it's a bad habit and yes, I do intend to quit at some point.
Once all your audio sockets and plugs are shiny and clean it is time to start on your mains plugs. If they are particularly black I would suggest using metal polish wadding such as Duraglit to get the worst off before applying De-Oxit. Be sure to wipe the plug prongs off with a wet wipe before applying De-Oxit because you really don't want the metal polish chemicals getting inside your mains sockets (you can use Brasso but take even more care to remove all traces of the product before proceeding to the next step).
I have been busy doing this today and now the task is complete I am reaping the benefits ;)