Which Silver Solder ?

[RobbieGong]

I have QED Silver Spiral speaker cable. The many tiny strands were stripped and silver soldered to form a half inch or so for bare wire into the amp. A couple of these formed ends are starting to break off where the cable jacket starts and need re-soldering to make them strong again. Any really good quality silver solder recommendations please

[RobbieGong]

Think I might just get some of Maplins 4% silver solder, hopefully that should do the trick and have good conductivity.

[walpurgis]

To be honest Robert, I'm not convinced of the need for silver solder in most audio applications.

The conductor cross section in most solder joints is large enough for the metal constituents of the solder joint to not really be important. It's rather like people worrying about what metal phono plugs or speaker plugs are made from. It does not matter much (within reason). I'd be more concerned about the plating.

If people don't believe me, check out conductor cross section and resistance for various metals!

[RobbieGong]

Are you saying that any solder will be fine to strengthen and secure the bare end of this speaker wire going as is into the back of the amp ?

[walpurgis]

Are you saying that any solder will be fine to strengthen and secure the bare end of this speaker wire going as is into the back of the amp ?

Yes mate.

If you can hear the difference between soldered joints. You've got better ears than me. :D

[RobbieGong]

Yes mate.

If you can hear the difference between soldered joints. You've got better ears than me. :D

Wasn't thinking sonics believe it or not, thinking a good re- attach and conductivity. I'll sort something out no probs

[CageyH]

Try and avoid the lead free stuff if you can. It's more difficult to use.

[tiguan]

Try and avoid the lead free stuff if you can. It's more difficult to use.

I have also same experience if you will use silver avoid lead free ones or own a very good soldering and rework station.
Due to one of this solders I put one PSU board to trash.

But if you want to use Lead free silver solders these are technical figures.


WBT
Diameter: 0.9mm
Melting Temp: 426°F (219°C)
Silver 3.8%, Copper 0.7%, Tin 95.5%

Cardas Tri - Eutectic
Resin Core
Diameter: 0.8mm
Melting Point: 430°F (221°C)
Silver 4%, Tin, Copper - ratio proprietary

Mundorf Supreme
Diameter: 1.0mm
Melting Point: 554°F (290°C)
Gold 0.1%, Silver 9.5%, Copper 1.8%, Tin 88.6%

Johnson Eutectic IA-423
Rosin Core FLUX RECOMMENDED
Diameter: 0.8mm
Melting Point: 423°F (217°C)
Silver 4.7%, Copper 1.7%, Tin 93.6%

Furutech
Rosin Core (Ersin 362 Flux)
Diameter: 0.7mm
Melting Point 428°F (220℃)
Silver 4%, Tin 96%

[337alant]

I like the leaded WBT 0820 but its expensive dont buy the lead free type it pants! 0825
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WBT-4-SILVER-SOLDER-0-8MM-PRICED-PER-METRE-FOR-AUDIOPHILE-CABLES-INTERCONNECT-/171541203361?hash=item27f0a709a1:g:azYAAOSwv1RUZM0 R

This is nice solder but has no silver
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARDAS-QUAD-EUTECTIC-SOLDER-5M-LENGTH-FOR-HI-FI-CABLE/171237279065?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26 asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D996d1ae648fe4f1482a4 701aa08f91fa%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26m ehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D400563981428

Be carfull that what apears to be a full spool of solder may only be a meter so check the length you are paying for

Alan

[RobbieGong]

I like the leaded WBT 0820 but its expensive dont buy the lead free type it pants! 0825
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WBT-4-SILVER-SOLDER-0-8MM-PRICED-PER-METRE-FOR-AUDIOPHILE-CABLES-INTERCONNECT-/171541203361?hash=item27f0a709a1:g:azYAAOSwv1RUZM0 R

This is nice solder but has no silver
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARDAS-QUAD-EUTECTIC-SOLDER-5M-LENGTH-FOR-HI-FI-CABLE/171237279065?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26 asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D996d1ae648fe4f1482a4 701aa08f91fa%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26m ehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D400563981428

Be carfull that what apears to be a full spool of solder may only be a meter so check the length you are paying for

Alan

Thanks guys/Alan, The WBT 0820 looks like exactly what I'm after so cheers for the steer / link, much appreciated - I've just ordered some of that :)

[danilo]

Sometimes simply reheating the wire end ?? Is enough to cause existing solder to migrate a bit .. fixing what your are worried about. Try it?