more from the 'Dave Plowman school' of uk.rec.audio-ism:

If the material the plug or socket is made from oxidises in perhaps
damp conditions this may well have an effect on the sound quality. And
gold is one of the least likely materials to oxidise. However, make
sure it is indeed gold plated rather than just 'gold' finish. If
Maplin say it's gold plated you should be ok.


Living by the sea (my front door is practically on the beach) cars/bikes
etc do tend to rust more quickly here than elsewhere, so maybe I should go
for gold plated.

Is the only advantage of gold that it oxidises less or does it also help
contact in a new cable like some people claim?

--
Jim H jh
@333
.org