…and what type of cleaner, tools and technique?
Never, although I have the stuff to do it on hand. I might do it now since you started this thread.
I just wish I didn’t have to be a contortionist to get at my cables. And every time I do try my P20 spits out a power plug or two. Self ejecting power sockets, why?
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Caig Pro Gold annually, MOL.
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That’s a bridge too far!
Kudos to anyone disciplined enough to do that on a regular basis.
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I do it on a regular basis only because I am tweaking, not on purpose to clean them. 
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I imagine unplugging and plugging interconnects in and out cleans them a bit.
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There is also the issue of selecting the correct costume and headgear for such a task. I imagine shoes make a difference as well.
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I certainly don’t do it often or regularly.
My task would also require being at odd angles for extended periods. That’s why instead of doing it, I started a topic. I’ll act once I have the requisite six months of responses.
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Totally fun!!
Oh yeah; proper personal protective equipment is a must.
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I’m surprised some of you guys don’t do this regularly! I would bet you’d hear a bigger difference than those silly fuses … (snicker). I use Craig products and 95+% isopropyl alcohol. The red Craig stuff is best for cleaning, the gold stuff is more preservative, at least that’s what the literature says. The alcohol cleans off any residue. For silver connectors (on my AudioQuest cables) I use a silver cloth.
This brings me to tubes … I’ve been thinking of asking how folks clean tube pins and sockets. This is particularly pertinent since just over a week ago my system lost the left channel. My first thought, and easiest to check, was the BHK pre tubes. I pulled them with the intent of just swapping places to see if it was a bad tube. But no, I had to clean the pins and sockets. Pins aren’t too hard, but sockets, that’s more of a challenge. I used some Caig red and a toothpick, spinning it but trying not to spread the leaves of the socket. The toothpick got darker so I must have removed something (hopefully not the “smoke”). Put everything back together and all was well. Did it sound better? Hard to say as I was watching TV when all this happened and wasn’t paying that close attention.
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Tin foil and new balance I would assume…
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And jorts.
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Indeed, but a touch up with a none too harsh solvent can make a difference. first time I did it I was surprised at how dirty my cleaning tool was after just cleaning 6 RCA jacks on my preamp. The sound opened up noticeably. Either Caig ProGold or Caig DeOxit works in my experience.
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I have cleaned tube sockets with no preservative what so ever, using a specialty tool. Think tapered mini bottlle brush and you have the idea. Yes it makes a difference. Also, considering those bent on tweaking and trying various cables, cleaning your connections is easy, and more importantly effective. For my analog system it takes half an hour or less.
For my lake home system it is done at the start of each year’s spring residency. I also, torque all of my speaker driver fasteners annually. Surprisingly they tend to need it.
For those on the fence I could provide instructions, tools, and necessary solvents to get you started for say $34k. PM me for the requisite PSA forum insider discount.
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New one on me! Assuming they are currently available at my local REI?
Amazing thread. The depths of this hobby never cease to fascinate me. Next someone will clean a RCA and report crispers highs and deeper bass.
I almost ordered weedeewops cleaning kit as it seems like a bargin but I forgot my gear is self cleaning. Buy, enjoy, trade in twelve months.
However im probably changing out gear next week and I bet i look and every termination lol
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I agree. A little cleaning makes a difference.
I like Caig products.
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A corrosion builds up on RCA or XLR terminations a minor diode effect can occur impacting the sound.
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