[BrandonB]

Is there a specific type of solder to get for speakers and electronics?

[Tyson]

I like Cardas silver and WBT silver.  Just make sure you get the leaded versions.  The lead free solder is crap, IMO.

[nlitworld]

I second the Cardas for almost everything except super tiny surface mount pcb stuff.

[jmimac351]

https://www.cardas.com/supplies





Description: A proprietary blend of copper, silver, tin, and lead.

Proprietary as in "please don't ask for the recipe because we're not telling, and we don't want it to get weird."
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No other solder flows as well, solidifies as uniformly, sounds as good or provides as durable and long lasting solder joints. There's a reason Quad Eutectic is considered the best in audio, and is widely used outside of our industry as well.
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Quad Eutectic Solder was developed in the early days of Cardas Audio when George Cardas realized that the available solders on the market - from hardware store grade to expensive silver-heavy solders - all had shortcomings that lead to degradation in sound quality & long-term reliability. He worked with an English metallurgist to arrive at the perfect blend of elements.
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The four elements in Quad Eutectic Solder are in specific proportion to melt and solidify at a temperature lower than that of any of the component metals! Thus the resultant joint is contiguous  from wire to connector rather than slurry - this provides a perfect and permanent connection that will never breakdown over time.
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Quad Eutectic Solder has a rosin core, and has a melting point of 350º F (177º C). Available on 1/4 pound and 1 pound spools.
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For soldering tips, check out our video series "Soldering With Jesus", starring our head-terminator Jesus Ornelas. 
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Please note: The label on Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder is changed on occasion. If you have a spool with a label that differs from what you see on this page, that does not mean your solder is counterfeit. As long as you buy from an authorized dealer, you're getting genuine Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder, regardless of the label.
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Part numbers:
P41.6 for 1 pound spool
P41.7 fo 1/4 pound spool

[BrandonB]

I just put in an order for Cardas.  WOW! that was more than what I thought it would be.  I have some solder that came with my GR kit. Does anyone know how it compares?   I thought I could get started with it but if the quality is a bit different I can wait.

[jmimac351]

Not sure how any really compare, but "everyone knows that one is good" and sometimes it's easiest to just "pay for the good stuff and move along".  Plenty of other things to grind brain cells on. 

If someone needs to use that, you're having fun... might as well use the good stuff.  If something isn't right, it won't be because of the solder. 

[BrandonB]

Not sure how any really compare, but "everyone knows that one is good" and sometimes it's easiest to just "pay for the good stuff and move along".  Plenty of other things to grind brain cells on. 

If someone needs to use that, you're having fun... might as well use the good stuff.  If something isn't right, it won't be because of the solder. 

I already ordered the Cardas solder.  My obsessiveness got me thinking if I should just wait a few days and do it all in the Cardas solder.

[S Clark]

The Cardas is very forgiving.  If you can wait, why not?

[rotarius]

You cannot go wrong with Kester 44, 60/40. 

[S Clark]

You cannot go wrong with Kester 44, 60/40.

The Kester is clearly a good standard solder and cheaper. I have a roll.  I'd not be surprised if that was what Danny provided.   In my experience, the Cardas flows better. 

[BrandonB]

The Kester is clearly a good standard solder and cheaper. I have a roll.  I'd not be surprised if that was what Danny provided.   In my experience, the Cardas flows better.

I seen the Lester and thought it might even be the same thing.  I went ahead and got a Cardas 1/4lb roll just in case.  I'm just going to wait a few days until it comes in to start.

[rotarius]

Brandon, make sure you use liquid or paste flux on the mating parts for proper solder flow and pooling at the connection. 

[jmimac351]

I've also found a set of "Helping Hands" to be handy. 

[BrandonB]

Brandon, make sure you use liquid or paste flux on the mating parts for proper solder flow and pooling at the connection.

Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.

[nlitworld]

Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.

Yeah it helps. Mandatory... not entirely but why make an already tedious job harder? Cardas paste Flux works great, or in a pinch even the liquid flux from an auto parts store will work just fine. 

[jmimac351]

This video Danny made may be handy for someone:

https://youtu.be/mVcOWx7hQiQ

[rotarius]

Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.

Yes. The flux preps the surfaces for soldering and greatly improves wetting.  No matter what brand of solder you use. 
This is something you can easily see without going into the mechanics of the process.  Try to tin an end of a copper wire without flux, then dip the other end into flux and tin it. 

[jmimac351]

Yes. The flux preps the surfaces for soldering and greatly improves wetting.  No matter what brand of solder you use. 
This is something you can easily see without going into the mechanics of the process.  Try to tin an end of a copper wire without flux, then dip the other end into flux and tin it.

Thanks for that tip.

[BrandonB]

Thanks everyone for the tips.  I have watched Danny's video several times.  I have ordered the solder and flux just waiting on it to come in to start. 

[PumaCat]

I like Cardas silver and WBT silver.  Just make sure you get the leaded versions.  The lead free solder is crap, IMO.

Yes, I use Cardas solder, also. Used it when building up my Encores as well as when assembling my Class-A Nelson Pass-designed Amp Camp amps.