HiFiFun
05-29-09, 04:25 PM
Over the years I've been a proponent of keeping metal contacts clean as debris and oxidation can degrade sound and picture quality.
In a recent case I moved the XLR audio connectors around (with gain up and no-signal) and could hear a crackling noise. It was either a loose connection or oxidation. It wasn’t a loose connection!
So who stores cables with the ends exposed or throws them on the carpet?
In a second case cleaning my HDMI connectors resulting in an improvement in my picture quality. My screen had a slight yellow bias and did not look good at high brightness levels (30-40ft-l).
But usually it’s best to leave well-enough alone? (Especially for the tiny HDMI connectors). Not really as dust and very thin coats of oxidation are all too easy to contaminate.
So what is safe to gently clean but not destroy?
I successfully used QD Contact Cleaner followed by 2-26. Both CRC products are sold at Home Depot. I turn power off, and then open the doors for the contact cleaner squirts. It not that bad but better to be safe as it is flammable. I wait ~3 minutes then use the 2-26 lubricant (which seals and improves electrical properties.)
It’s easy to use too much of the 2-26 but it has a very benign composition.
I kept the cables unplugged on for a few minutes and then connected them to avoid reintroducing new contamination. In the end I treated every electrical connection. I noticed an improvement in picture fidelity over a three day period as the lubricant slowly evaporated.
Note: I’m not recommending anything here: just sharing my experience. All for $11.
In a recent case I moved the XLR audio connectors around (with gain up and no-signal) and could hear a crackling noise. It was either a loose connection or oxidation. It wasn’t a loose connection!
So who stores cables with the ends exposed or throws them on the carpet?
In a second case cleaning my HDMI connectors resulting in an improvement in my picture quality. My screen had a slight yellow bias and did not look good at high brightness levels (30-40ft-l).
But usually it’s best to leave well-enough alone? (Especially for the tiny HDMI connectors). Not really as dust and very thin coats of oxidation are all too easy to contaminate.
So what is safe to gently clean but not destroy?
I successfully used QD Contact Cleaner followed by 2-26. Both CRC products are sold at Home Depot. I turn power off, and then open the doors for the contact cleaner squirts. It not that bad but better to be safe as it is flammable. I wait ~3 minutes then use the 2-26 lubricant (which seals and improves electrical properties.)
It’s easy to use too much of the 2-26 but it has a very benign composition.
I kept the cables unplugged on for a few minutes and then connected them to avoid reintroducing new contamination. In the end I treated every electrical connection. I noticed an improvement in picture fidelity over a three day period as the lubricant slowly evaporated.
Note: I’m not recommending anything here: just sharing my experience. All for $11.