[mrmusic]

Just a quick note to all ACers about a conductive contact enhancer.  We have had a customer experience a problem with his cabling that we have traced to a silver bearing contact enhancer.  He applied the enhancer to his interconnects and plugged them in.  The action of inserting the plug into the socket scraped the enhancer backward into the plug body, forming a conductive bridge between the center pin and the ground shield.  Needless to say, shorting the hot-to-ground makes for bad audio.  We will probably be replacing the RCA jacks as well.  I don't want to debate the sonic merits of the enhancer, just a give a warning to those considering using it.  Any and all failures caused by this product will not be covered by anyone's warranty.  This is a "use at your own risk" product, and you should seriously consider whether the potential improvement is worth damaging an expensive component. If you are already using it, use the smallest amount possible and perhaps clean the plugs between applications.

From the weird files at:
SUPERPHON

[Mike B.]

I have a feeling this is one of many potential problems with such products. I read about those using it on tube pins and wonder how long before it deteriorates and causes problems?

[Kim S.]

I generally use contact enhancer on speaker terminals and other connections where the chance of a short is slight.  I tried a little bit on my interconnects.  I could tell an improvement but got nervous about a short and removed it.  I think I can tell an improvement by just having it on my speaker terminals.  As I nonaudio use I put some on a sparkplug connection of an old outboard motor.  It starts much easier now!

[Kevin Haskins]

I'd differentiate between the proper use of a substance and the improper use.    The silver based conductive grease is typically used on metal-metal interfaces where you need good thermal conduction between the two.    It has been popularized by computer nerds who want to overclock their CPU.

Contact cleaners that lubricate and provide protection from oxidation are another product.    Their proper use is on metals that friction fit together for electrical contacts.    This is typically what is used in audio and what should be used on something like a power cord plug.   Used sparingly (any more than a surface layer is wasted) prolongs the life of the connector along with helping to provide a better contact.   I apply the stuff to every power cord I make and 99.9% of people never know it is on there.   

[gooberdude]

I've used one such silver product for a while, though i use it much less now.   The directions state that the shorting issue reported by Mrmusic is a real possibility when too much is used, or if its used the wrong way.   i found the biggest benefit was when it was used on AC plugs, though audible benefits were noticeable w/ IC's & sp cable...but I've since purchased Oyaide outlets and nice plugs so i will not fill an expensive outlet with food grade grease. 

I have used the stuff to great benefit inside my home computer.  treated the IDE cord connections, the power connections, fan connections...everything that unplugs inside.   ripped cd's, my ipod and cd-r's have never sounded so good.

the thought of stuffing grease inside tube pin connectors is scary - how can it ever be cleaned out?

on a side note, the silver grease handily solved a contact issue with a halogen light in my kitchen.

this stuff should really be the icing on the cake and not a needed crutch...


GD

[Wayner]

Pro Gold by Caig is very effective at removing oxides from metal contact surfaces and does not interfer with connections as it has no conducting metals suspended within it. 

W

[djbnh]

The Walker website (maker of Walker E-SST and SST) is emphatic on pointing to the need to apply the product according to directions or dire consequences may result, as mentioned below:

E-SST/SST is highly conductive and must be applied with care according to directions.

Take your time and pay close attention...E-SST and SST are very conductive. If you get it across a connection, you can short out your equipment.

CAUTION!!! Use at your own risk. Please read the instructions fully before proceeding. E-SST/SST is highly conductive. If you bridge the gap between hot and ground with E-SST/SST, you run the risk of damaging your system.

Treating Interconnects

Use one of the supplied applicators to apply a very small amount of E-SST/SST to the male end of the interconnect. Spread it thinly on about ½ or ¾ of the length of the center pin. Apply E-SST/SST to the outside only of the female end in a thin even coat. Now, plug in your interconnect and listen. On XLR interconnects, apply to male pins only.   DO NOT put the applicator into the RCA or you will short it out.

Application takes care and has been well worth the effort, in my system. Thanks to the OP for pointing out what can go wrong when directions are not followed.

[mrmusic]

Thanks to Wayner for pointing out the Pro Gold alternative.  For anyone who missed the point in the original post, the shorting problem was caused by a "conductive" contact enhancer.  There are actual sliver particles suspended in the lubricant.  Products like Pro Gold pose no risk as the product is actually an insulator.  Experience has shown it should be used sparingly, but does seem to reduce oxidation and improve contact reliability.  You can use the non-conductive types without risk of shorting your components .

[nonoise]

I used some silver contact enhancer from Mapleshade and one must take care not to apply too much or the aforementioned will happen. Nothing less than gasoline or white gas (if you can find it) will clean it out. Messy and smelly, yes, but it will do the trick. I used it on everything: plugs, connectors, tube pins, and enjoyed the results. My tubes glowed brighter to the point where I was worried at first, but nothing untowards happened. After a year or so, I noticed a darkening of the sound and cleaned it all off with alcohol and Caig Pro Gold (I put it on spareingly) and the sound became more detailed and the dark, cloudy masking was gone. I haven't used it since.
Be careful.

[G.Michael]

I've tried both Caig Pro Gold and a silver contact enhancer.  I prefer the Pro Gold, not just because the simplicity of using it, but because (to my ears) it gives better sound.

[enjoythemusic]

I've tried both Caig Pro Gold and a silver contact enhancer.  I prefer the Pro Gold, not just because the simplicity of using it, but because (to my ears) it gives better sound.

Like you, use the Caig Pro Gold. Like others said, use this stuff sparingly. Some people seem to think the more the better when it is really best to use the stuff sparingly and wipe clean excess.

Caig MCL is good for potentiometers