Home Cable Asylum

Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

Cryogenics and the Medieval Mind

In the past few months, the notion of the “true” cryogenic process as it applies to audio cables, parts, and components has come to the fore with typically alarming misinformation. While there is a prevalence in audio chat spheres to propound the correct and “true” way of doing just about everything, this same mindset by a burgeoning number of two-minute experts seems to be dictating what is right and true in cryogenics as the process applies to manufacturing audio cables and treating other components. Below is the primary definition of cryogenics as stated in Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia, 24th edition -1998

“Cryogenics, study and use of materials at very low temperatures. The limits of cryogenic temperatures have not been established, but proposed limits include temperatures below -150° C
(-238° F, or 123° above absolute zero on the Kelvin scale) and temperatures below the normal boiling point of oxygen, -183° C (-297° F).”

With the industrial use of cryogenics there is a vast range of processes for metallurgical treatment, the most common of which is the tempering of metals and alloys for tensile strength. While these tempering processes vary widely with the desired technique of each manufacturer, there is no right and “true” method recognized by the cryogenic industry. Each cryo facility uses its own methods to achieve the intended results. And while the scientific community has done considerable research into the effects of various cryogenic processes, these findings are generally regarded as guidelines, not canon, by the cryogenics industry. Whether the temperature of the liquid nitrogen is –298 F or –315 F is only relative to the molecular structure, material displacement, and duration of the process. Engine blocks, surgical tools, golf clubs and audio interconnect wire do not require the same or even similar process. Each manufacturer must develop cryo techniques that specifically apply to their product requirements.

Debate over the verity and efficacy of cryogenic vapor vs. deep-immersion treatment for audio applications is another example of the medieval mindset in search of another “true’ religion. Both processes work and can be equally effective if used for the best possible result. In the highly subjective world of audio appreciation, only our ears, not scientific theory of what is correct can tell us the “truth” about which process is best suited for our application.

Bruce Richardson



This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Crux Audio  


Topic - Cryogenics and the Medieval Mind - voodooman 08:14:25 07/24/02 (1)


You can not post to an archived thread.