Soldering question

Getting ready to rewire my spare set of platinums. Do you need any kind of special solder.I recall some places selling special solder for use in accoustical applications. Should I be looking into that??? Art

I would use silver solder....normal flux.

Cardas Quad-Eutectic solder, none better.

http://www.soniccraft.com/products/conn ... cardas.htm

I've got a couple rules of thumb I use. I use silver solder in low voltage/current signal path connections, like op-amps and the feeding connections. I use PbSn for power applications. I don't use lead-free solder because it doesn't melt right (that's just me). You are right in the middle. You are pushing some voltage and current, but it is the signal path. What I would do in this case is ask if this is a piece I plan to keep forever and if so, spring for high silver content solder. I have some 16 gauge 7% Ag solder I use on output device leads and binding posts. The problem using it is that you need to solder at much higher temperatures (like over 400ºC) for it to flow right, so don't dawdle while you have the iron on the component. Use alligator clips for heat sinks. Watch those ribbon leads. If you're gonna flip it later, use regular solder. That's what's in there now. I've never heard of acoustic solder.

The problem using it is that you need to solder at much higher temperatures (like over 400ºC) for it to flow right, so don't dawdle while you have the iron on the component. Use alligator clips for heat sinks.

I absolutely agree with Bill; clip heat sinks work WONDERS for reducing heat transfer. They're REALLY good a keeping the heat from melting speaker wire insulation.