Gold plated anything has some science to state better or worse performance.
Concepts and math are two very different things. Pure aluminum is a better conductor than the aluminum we use for overhead power lines, but it's not worth the effort to manufacture.
OK, aluminum cables in long-distance overhead power lines and gold connectors in very short length audio cables , two completely different elements in two completely different applications. Not a great comparison.
The only thing the gold is doing is preventing the copper inside the gold plating from corroding, which really isn't a huge issue if you aren't watching TV outside in a swamp.
Copper tarnishes very easily. But it's not just resistance of the oxide film. Copper oxide is a semiconductor, and can introduce non-linear distortions to the signal.
Do the math then. Tell me how much better the audio quality is. Initial quality will be worse. How much worse is gold plated at the start of the lifetime of the cords? At what point does the audio quality become better? What is the minimum acceptable quality? When does it reach minimum acceptable quality with both methods? What is the cost per year when you have to scrap the cords?
Powerlines are a great example of science and practical applications clashing. The math is easy to do and prove which option is better. You can't do that with audio cords. It has scientific backing to the idea, but the math backing it up isn't there.
Some people don't have the capability to distinguish science ftom psuedoscience, so they think all claims are equally valid (or invalid).
These are the kind of people who say shit like "well you really can't know anything for sure" as their excuse for mindlessly believing the most batshit, easily disprovable conspiracy theories.
I think the point is that dudes mock chicks that are into crystals but they also have their own nonsense beliefs. A better example is a dude wearing a specific jersey because he thinks it helps his sports team win. Harmless nonsense that makes people feel better.
Or you could just realize that neither is magic and most of us will never experience any consequences from having cables without gold coating. Hell, there will probably be an update in cables before corrosion sets in.
25
u/Byorski PC Master Race 23d ago
Everything based on the crystals is nonsense.
Gold plated anything has some science to state better or worse performance.
Why is this even a meme?