Monster Speaker Wire Turning Green
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getter365
H.H. SCOTT stereomaster
Think "Statue of Liberty". That is Copper Oxide. Scrape it off to make a good electrical connection since it is not very conductive and may compromise your connection. It should only occur on the surface of the strands and not penetrate where there is no oxygen. Sometimes, copper oxidation can be black too. I bought some zip cord to use as speaker wire and it formed copper oxide along the whole length. Guess it was not very oxygen free copper.
JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
That's Copper sulfate. It is not a conductor. Exposure to air and the moisture in it will always turn Copper green. You can trim your cables back to where it's not tarnished re-terminate and cover the joints with heat shrink tubing.
It's probably best to replace the wire.
If you use Silver wires/cables you don't have to worry. The oxide (tarnish) of Silver is a conductor.
It's probably best to replace the wire.
If you use Silver wires/cables you don't have to worry. The oxide (tarnish) of Silver is a conductor.
goodolpg
Just an old fart trying to help.
Here you go...
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=425846
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=425846
charles 1973
Super Member
FWIU That green is a chemical reaction of the insulation off gassing (not oxigen) and it's reacting with the copper. Thats why it happens anywhere in the wire. Perhaps temp and humidity effect it suseptability to this gas. Mine was still copper the last time I had it out 3 years ago. For the price of 14 or 16 gauge lampcord I'd just replace it just to be sure.
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sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
I'm sure Monster will have some lengthy explanation as to how that will actually improve the sound ...
I wouldn't worry too much about the sections the cat chewed on as long as there are no broken strands. You'll still have connectivity thru the core of the wires. Just tape them over to restore the insulation. You will need to trim the ends back, and I'd suggest you treat them with some DeOxit every now and then to keep it from happening again.
I wouldn't worry too much about the sections the cat chewed on as long as there are no broken strands. You'll still have connectivity thru the core of the wires. Just tape them over to restore the insulation. You will need to trim the ends back, and I'd suggest you treat them with some DeOxit every now and then to keep it from happening again.
goodolpg
Just an old fart trying to help.
Actually sKiZo, I bought more Monster Cable (rather cheaply too) on sale several months ago. The "greened" cable I had bought maybe 15 or 20 years ago.
But, about 4 weeks ago, I hit a garage sale and bought 115 ft. of Audioquest Type 4 cable for $10.
The original "greened" Monster cable is long gone...
Good thing I didn't yell at the cat...perhaps I was wrong in my theory about air causing the "greening".
But, about 4 weeks ago, I hit a garage sale and bought 115 ft. of Audioquest Type 4 cable for $10.
The original "greened" Monster cable is long gone...
Good thing I didn't yell at the cat...perhaps I was wrong in my theory about air causing the "greening".
sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
At least it's "audiophile grade" green ... 
When I needed speaker wire for the big boxes, I raided a local auto sound shop. Rest of the house, including the main rear speakers sets on the quad, are all Belden 0-oxy twisted twin. Certainly not top of the line, but it all does a right nice job of getting sound from point A to wherever. Something like 60¢ a foot if I remember right.
Common misconception that "zero-oxy" cable won't tarnish. The "zero-oxy" refers to an extrusion process that makes for longer molecule chains in the wire which increases continuity and conductivity and reduces loss. Only thing that can really prevent tarnish is either surface treatment of the strands prior to insulation, or something in the insulation itself that prevents oxidation.
When I needed speaker wire for the big boxes, I raided a local auto sound shop. Rest of the house, including the main rear speakers sets on the quad, are all Belden 0-oxy twisted twin. Certainly not top of the line, but it all does a right nice job of getting sound from point A to wherever. Something like 60¢ a foot if I remember right.
Common misconception that "zero-oxy" cable won't tarnish. The "zero-oxy" refers to an extrusion process that makes for longer molecule chains in the wire which increases continuity and conductivity and reduces loss. Only thing that can really prevent tarnish is either surface treatment of the strands prior to insulation, or something in the insulation itself that prevents oxidation.
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JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
Not correct. Please observe the Statue Of Liberty. Any Copper exposed to the elements will eventually turn Green. Air attacked the ends of the cable and the spots where the cat chewed through the insulation.
charles 1973
Super Member
What I meant by not oxygen, is the insulation is off gassing something else. And it's this gas in addition to the nomal changes of copper when exposed to the elements is what causes premature corrosion to these specific cables deep inside the jacket. The exposed cable is of course corroded from oxygen, thats why it's a good Idea every few years to peel back some fresh cable on connections on any cables we can do that with.
When I strip wire, I "tin" it (coat it with solder) This protects the wire from oxidation.
sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
Ack, ack, ack ...
(sorry ... hairball)
Actually ... tinning can help, but I find it also weakens the connectivity, especially if your gear has spring clips. I strip the wire bare, then give it a quick one-two with some 00 wool, then flatten it with a pair of flatnose pliers prior to inserting it in the clip. Maximizes the contact it does.
Same holds true for terminal and post connectors, but not as bad because you can apply more pressure to increase the contact.
Rather than tinning, I'd suggest a touch of DeOxit Gold every now and then. Leaves the wire flexible to fit the connector and also increases the quality of the connection. Stuff's expensive, but that little bottle goes a long way.
Goes without saying it's a good idea to leave yourself some extra when cutting new wires for refreshing the ends over time.
(sorry ... hairball)
Actually ... tinning can help, but I find it also weakens the connectivity, especially if your gear has spring clips. I strip the wire bare, then give it a quick one-two with some 00 wool, then flatten it with a pair of flatnose pliers prior to inserting it in the clip. Maximizes the contact it does.
Same holds true for terminal and post connectors, but not as bad because you can apply more pressure to increase the contact.
Rather than tinning, I'd suggest a touch of DeOxit Gold every now and then. Leaves the wire flexible to fit the connector and also increases the quality of the connection. Stuff's expensive, but that little bottle goes a long way.
Goes without saying it's a good idea to leave yourself some extra when cutting new wires for refreshing the ends over time.
Oh, I wouldn't say tinning is such a bad idea. The connection has a brief burn in. Otherwise, it works just well as any other anti-oxidizing trick out there and yes, even with spring clips. :thmbsp:
