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Cryogenics and Cables

Cryogenics Treatment

Last month the topic of cryogenic treatment of cables appeared following an article that appeared in the July edition of Hi-Fi News. It was my company that treated the samples that were used in that article. Since the article appeared I have received numerous requests/inquiries regarding the processing of audio cable and other audio components. Most of my clientele are from the motor racing and engineering communities; hi-end audio is new to us and we are approaching this market with caution. Yes we are able to achieve very good results (and consistent) with copper and silver. The cryogenic process that we use is not merely taking a component and immersing it in LN2. We do not immerse items directly into LN2 for several reason, thermal shock, damage to the component, and personal safety etc. I would recommend that no one should ever attempt this either. I would also advise against treating an entire component such a preamp. The samples that were used in the aforementioned article were treated in a cryogenic chamber, with a computer to regulate the ramp-down, soak, and ramp-up. Dependent on the material being treated calls for different treatment parameters. I have treated cables in their finished form (coverings on) and I have treated cables prior to final assembly. We have gotten good results from both, but the better results were achieved on the material that was treated prior to assembly. The reason for this is that deep cryogenics has been incorporated into part of the heat treating process which would damage these covers or other non-metallic / non-heat resistant materials.

I guess what I am trying to say is that deep cryogenics can be applied to some audio components, but it should only be carried out by person’s with experience using LN2 and proper processing equipment.

Please remember:
LN2 causes severe frost burns to flesh
LN2 is an asphyxiating gas and should only be used in large ventilated areas

If anyone would like to know more about cryogenics then I would suggest you read the book titled
“Cryogenics”, written by Bill Bryson. Or drop me a line

Regards
Gregory Bartlett
Frozen Solid, DCT



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Topic - Cryogenics and Cables - Gregory Bartlett 06:19:25 08/24/01 (10)


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