[Brian Cheney]

In response to some inquiries I must note we switched to lead-free, 4% silver solder for all production last December. 

I was no fan of previous silver solders due to their high melting point and tendency towards cold joints.  This new stuff melts at 475 degrees F, however,  and flows like water with the 900 degree irons we use.

[mjosef]

Ummm...did you " hear" a difference? 

On a serious note, its good to know that you are reducing the presence of lead products in the home. Hats off to you. 

[Brian Cheney]

It's very difficult to isolate the sonic signature of solder considering all that's going on in a loudspeaker.  Theoretically there should be an advantage, and other manufacturers who have followed suit report improvements.  I'll take that on faith for now.

[avahifi]

Brian, what is your brand and source of lead free solder?

Thanks,

Frank Van Alstine

[Brian Cheney]

We are using the 4% silver solder from Parts Express.

[OTL]

A 900°F soldering iron?  I would think that 450°F to 550°F would be more than sufficient for 80% or so of your work.  With a clean, proper tip and a good solder bridge an iron set to 500°F will tin a 12 Ga wire in a few seconds.

Only time I crank my iron anywhere near 900°F is for binding posts or multiple connections on a large turret.  Normally my iron is in the 450°F, neighborhood when using lead/silver solder.

Are you guys in that much of a hurry, or does the "new" solder require that much more heat?

[Brian Cheney]

We solder very thick wire and apply a lot of heat.  The 900 degree irons work best in this application.  We did it with the 63/37 solder we used to use, and do it with the 4% silver solder as well.  We're not talking PCB's here.