[Syrah]

Hi All.

I'm thinking it's time to give my RCA connectors a thorough cleaning.  Since I now have two U-sonic baths, one jewelry sized one and a by LP cleaning one, I'm thinking it would be good if I could clean the male RCA connectors on my cables in the bath.

My obvious concern is sticking the connectors in a pool of water, as it could damage them if not rust them since I could not try out every nook and cranny.

Does this sound like a good idea?

Could I use alcohol to keep rust at bay?  Although I've read it should be avoided because of potential fire hazards.  I could give it a go outdoors with my cheap jewelry machine.

Thanks,
Fraser

[BruceSB]

In the non audiophile, laboratory world I have only ever known alcohol to be used in ultrasonic cleaning baths.
No one ever worried about alcohol exploding/catching fire.
They were never ever even put in fume cupboards!
Alcohol will be quite OK.
You will probably be surprised at how well they clean up.
Don't know about the sound difference though!
Hope that helps.
Bruce

[Wayner]

First of all, your connectors are probably made from brass, with some micro amounts of industrial gold plating on them. There is nothing to rust.

Secondly, alcohol doesn't catch fire? Were did you learn that?

Third, I would not leave the connector in there too long. I spent my career as a design draftsman and we use to use Usonic cleaners to clean out ink pen tips. If left in too long, metal is going to start to disappear.

I would rather have you spray your connectors with Deoxit-5 contact cleaner. It doesn't dissolve metal, and is a great cleaner.

Wayner

[Syrah]

Thanks guys.  That was fast.  It sounds like it's worth a try - on a timer...