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The Classic Preamplifier was introduced with copper winding wire and 0.6mm silver coated copper internal hook up wire (hook up wire is used for the transformer lead out wires and all the internal wiring of the preamplifier - source selector loom, input and output wiring etc.).
Over time, we had several requests for custom versions wound and wired in silver. These requests were mostly from customers who already had other silver components in their systems and wished to keep an all silver signal path. These requests came reasonably regularly so we decided to offer the silver version as a production model. We use 99.99% pure silver wire for all transformer windings, all lead out wires and all the internal input and output wiring within the preamplifier. The silver versions or our preamplifiers also use silver input and output RCA connectors on the rear panel.
It is important to note that while it is more expensive, we do not regard the silver model as a premium version. From our point of view, the only difference is in the wire. We make the transformers to the same quality and specification. The difference in price is simply a reflection of the increased manufacturing costs. Silver winding wire is extremely expensive and it's also harder and more time consuming to work with. We overcome this by slowing the winding down but of course, this adds to the manufacturing time.
With regard to the differences in performance, our experience is that it depends entirely on the system and on the listeners preference. In some systems, the silver clearly sounds better, in other systems the copper is best. In yet more systems, it's simply not possible to tell a difference (regardless of the price or quality of the system). So, like to much Hi Fi it comes down to the individual's personal taste. Wherever possible we urge customers to audition both version but a good rule of thumb is that the silver version is generally preferred where there are other silver components in the signal path.
If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us.