The entire
signal path from preamplifier input to speaker drivers contains
conductive parts which can be magnetized. Connectors, components
pins and even PCB coppertraces may contain nickel or steel. In
addition to being poor conductors, these materials may be magnetized
by a DC current. Most electronics have constant DC leakage, ranging
in quantity from negligible to considerable, depending on the
design. Many preamps and power amps generate a DC pulse when switched
on, before stabilizing. This is particularly true of tube equipment
of the old school. It has also been suggested that even the copper
in cables contains oxides that may be magnetized. The application
of a DC current is precisely the technique employed in the manufacture
of magnets. High end connector manufacturers and others are ver
much aware of this and subjective listening test has often pinpointed
the degrading sonic effects of nickel. It is estimated that 95%
of all gold-plated connectors have a nickel base beneath the gold
plating. When a audio signal passes through a magnetic field,
it is prone to magnetically induced distortion (MID), which manifest
itself as a "whiteness," a lack of intertransient silence and
a reduced soundstage depth. |
