I’ve wondered several times if the mix that solder is made of matters. So I did some tests. Same cable, same connectors with different solder composition. Normally I just use 60/40 60% tin 40% lead.
Composition of the solder used in this test:
- Stannol S-Sn60Pb39Cu1 (Fg 2.2%)
- Basic Fluxsolder 60/40
- Mundorf Sn 88,6 Cu 1,8 Ag 9,5 Au 0,1 (Fg 3,5%)
- Argum-462 Massief Sn 95 Ag 5 (Without Fg)
In order to properly assess the solder, you must indicate on what criteria do I judge the solder. I’ll rate the solder on the following criteria:
- Blockage in signal transmission
- Transparency
- Natural tone
Each criteria can be rated with 5 points
| Blockage in signal transmission | Transparency | Natural timbre | |
| Stannol S-Sn60Pb39Cu1 (Fg 2.2%) | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Basic Fluxsolder 60/40 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Mundorf Sn 88,6 Cu 1,8 Ag 9,5 Au 0,1 (Fg 3,5%) | 5 | 4,5 | 5 |
| Argum-462 Massive Sn 95 Ag 5 (Without Fg) | 4 | 4 | 4,5 |
Okay we start with the standard 60/40. There is a kind of pollution around the sound that does not go away. You won’t realize this until you’ve heard the other solder. Less flowing, less transparent. I couldn’t hear any difference in the stannol and the standard solder to be honest. As a result the total score is the same.
Then the Argum-462 that is solder that is actually used by plumbers. So you have to use soft flux to get a good connection. And when you do so, the result is actually good, really good I must say. I bought this solder second hand 1 kg for 30 Euro. Mundorf and Sannol Green (Sn 95,5 Ag3,8 Cu0,7) are both more expensive to compare to the Argum. Especially Mundorf extreemly high priced if you want 1 kg ….. Great sound! Also a very good transparency and natural timbre. This solder is from the old day’s today you only can buy Sn 97 Ag 3! It’s good to realize this!!!!
Winner is Mundorf in all aspacts slightly better performance that the Argum solder. At the top of audio reproduction of sound the details matters. Mundorf proves that alle details can be right. Great really great sound….Highly recommended!!!