Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics.

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But seriously, folks...

Posted by Charles Hansen (M) on June 2, 2003 at 11:53:09

In Reply to: cryo'd resistors posted by jneutron on May 28, 2003 at 13:46:11:

why in the world do you want to go from an oven at 423 K to a LN2 bath at 77 K???

If you were sending your hi-fi gear to the moon this might be a good idea. However, it has nothing to do with good sound.

When cryo-ing parts, it is important to do it gradually. This is to avoid damaging the parts. The normal practice is to take things down over a 12 hour span (or so) to LN2 temperatures and then leave them there for few hours. Then they are slowly brought to room temperature again.

Dunking hot things in LN2 (or better yet liquid He at 4 K!) is a recipe for breakage due to thermal shock. I am surprised that you found things that still worked after this kind of treatment. However, I am willing to bet that there is hidden damage on your parts. Perhaps in the form of micro-fractures in the coating that will allow oxidants into the interior of the part.

If you are looking for improved sonics, send your stuff to 300 Below (they are franchised, look on the web) and they will cryo your stuff the right way. It is only about $50 for 5 pounds.

Good luck,
Charles Hansen

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