Audio T Verdict
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is one of those unusually simple Hi-Fi upgrades that concentrates on something every system relies on: the quality of the physical electrical connections between its components.
Even a connector that looks perfectly smooth to the naked eye contains microscopic pits and imperfections. Chord Company's two-stage treatment first cleans and prepares the contact surface before applying a conductive polymer designed to fill those tiny gaps, increasing the effective contact area between plug and socket.
It can be used on a wide variety of suitable metal contacts, from speaker-cable plugs and interconnects to power-cable connections, making a single treatment kit useful throughout an entire Hi-Fi system.
Only a small amount is required, and Chord Company recommends repeating the polymer treatment approximately once every 12 months after the initial preparation.
It does require a little patience, particularly during the first application, but for anyone who enjoys giving their system the occasional bit of TLC, ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is a rather more purposeful exercise than simply polishing the amplifier lid.
Chord Company ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid Contact Cleaner
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is a specialist two-stage treatment developed to improve the physical electrical connection between suitable metal plugs and sockets in Hi-Fi and audiovisual systems.
The treatment uses:
- A polishing pre-treatment to prepare and clean the contact surface
- A conductive polymer treatment designed to fill microscopic surface imperfections
The result is intended to maximise the effective contact area between mating metal surfaces and reduce connection resistance.
Four Years in Development
Chord Company spent more than:
Four years developing ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid.
The project involved an industrial chemist and Japanese audio specialist Andante Largo, with more than 500 different formulations evaluated before the final treatment was selected.
More Than 500 Prototype Formulations
Contact-treatment products are not a new idea, so Chord Company's development programme concentrated on producing a formulation able to operate consistently across the extremely wide range of signal levels encountered in a Hi-Fi system.
This included very low-voltage connections as well as considerably higher-voltage electrical contacts.
Why Contact Area Matters
Two metal connectors may appear perfectly smooth and tightly fitted, but under magnification their surfaces contain tiny peaks, pits and imperfections.
As a result, the true physical contact area can be considerably smaller than the visible surfaces suggest.
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is designed to help fill those microscopic gaps and increase the effective connection area.
More Contact Area, Lower Connection Resistance
A secure mechanical connection is fundamental to a good electrical connection.
Chord Company's treatment is designed to complement that mechanical connection by filling microscopic surface imperfections that would otherwise contribute nothing to the electrical contact area.
Two-Stage Treatment
The initial ChordOhmic process consists of two distinct stages:
- Prepare and clean the contacts with Transmission Fluid Polish
- Apply Transmission Fluid Polymer to the prepared metal surfaces
The polishing stage is required for the initial treatment, while Chord Company's periodic maintenance process uses the polymer alone.
Switch Off and Disconnect Equipment First
Always switch off and disconnect the equipment or cable being treated before applying either ChordOhmic liquid.
Never apply the treatment to live electrical contacts.
Step One: Polish the Contacts
For the first treatment, Chord Company instructs users to shake the Transmission Fluid Polish bottle thoroughly before opening.
A small amount of polish is then applied to the appropriate contact surface and used to clean the metal.
On an older or previously untreated connection, the applicator may initially lift visible contamination from the surface. The process can be repeated until very little dirt is being removed.
The contact should then be wiped clean with a dry cotton cloth or paper towel.
Step Two: Apply the Conductive Polymer
The Transmission Fluid Polymer should also be shaken thoroughly before use because the active material is held in suspension within its carrier liquid.
A small amount is applied to the prepared metal surface before being allowed to dry.
Allow 10 to 60 Minutes to Dry
Chord Company recommends allowing each polymer application to dry for:
10 to 60 minutes.
The manufacturer's guidance states that a longer drying period is preferable.
Once dry, the thin white film remaining on the contact should be removed with a clean applicator.
Three Polymer Applications
For the initial treatment, Chord Company recommends:
Three applications of Transmission Fluid Polymer.
Each coat should be allowed to dry before the remaining film is removed and the next coat is applied.
The third application is intended to maximise the operational life of the treatment.
Don't Rush the Drying Time
The application itself only requires a very small amount of fluid, but the drying period is important.
Allow each polymer coat to dry properly before removing the remaining film and moving on to the next application.
Annual Contact Maintenance
Following the initial polish-and-polymer treatment, Chord Company recommends maintaining treated contacts approximately:
Once every 12 months.
For this maintenance treatment, the conductive polymer is used without repeating the original polishing stage unless otherwise required.
Water-Based Polymer Formulation
The Transmission Fluid Polymer is:
Water based rather than oil based.
Chord Company developed the treatment to provide consistent operation across different connection types, signal voltages and frequencies.
Designed for Very Low-Level Signals
One of the main aims of the development programme was to create a contact treatment able to operate effectively at very low signal levels.
This is particularly relevant in analogue audio systems, where the electrical output from a phono cartridge can be tiny compared with many other signals found elsewhere in the system.
Long-Term Treatment
Chord Company developed ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid as a long-lasting contact treatment rather than something intended to be reapplied every few weeks.
The recommended annual polymer maintenance interval reflects that longer-term approach.
Suitable for Speaker Cable Connections
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid can be used on suitable metal loudspeaker connections including:
- 4mm banana plugs
- Speaker terminals
- Suitable spade connections
- Other compatible exposed metal contacts
For 4mm banana plugs and speaker terminals, Chord Company's instructions recommend applying the polishing fluid to a paper towel rather than directly using a cotton bud.
Suitable for Interconnect Plugs
The treatment can also be used on suitable metal contacts found on analogue and digital interconnects.
Examples may include:
- RCA connectors
- XLR connectors
- DIN connectors
- BNC connectors
- Suitable jack plugs
Treat the Metal Contacts Only
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is intended for suitable metal electrical contact surfaces.
Use a very small amount and avoid flooding plugs, sockets, surrounding plastics or the inside of equipment.
Suitable for Power Connections
Chord Company also identifies suitable power-cable contacts among the applications for ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid.
Any mains-related connector must be completely disconnected from the electrical supply before treatment and allowed to dry fully before reconnection.
Mains Safety Is Essential
Never work on a live mains connection.
Disconnect the power cable completely from the wall socket and equipment before treating its accessible metal contacts, and follow Chord Company's instructions carefully before reconnecting it.
Female Connectors and Sockets
Extra care is required when using cotton applicators inside female connectors because loose cotton fibres can remain inside the socket.
Chord Company recommends rotating the cotton bud clockwise while withdrawing it and using each applicator only once.
Narrow Sockets
Very small contact areas can be difficult to wipe directly after treatment.
Chord Company recommends inserting and removing the corresponding plug several times where appropriate, cleaning any residual powder or contamination from the plug between insertions.
Silver-Plated Contacts
Silver-plated terminals can become darker during the polishing stage.
Chord Company specifically notes that this is not a problem and that excessive polishing is unnecessary.
Use Only a Small Amount
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is designed to work as a very thin treatment on the contact surface.
There is no need to soak the connector. Careful application of a small amount is preferable to over-application.
Storage
Keep both bottles firmly closed between applications to minimise evaporation.
Store the product upright in its original containers in a cool, well-ventilated location away from children and animals.
Important Safety Information
- Keep away from children and animals
- Do not drink
- For external use only
- Minimise skin contact
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Rinse thoroughly with water if skin or eye contact occurs
- Seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Keep containers tightly closed between uses
- Always follow the supplied Chord Company instructions and safety information
Contact Cleaner or Contact Enhancer?
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid performs both roles during its initial treatment.
Transmission Fluid Polish
- Used during initial treatment
- Cleans and prepares the metal contact
- Removes surface contamination
- Wiped away before polymer treatment
Transmission Fluid Polymer
- Applied after polishing
- Fills microscopic surface imperfections
- Designed to increase effective contact area
- Used for annual maintenance
Not an Aerosol Contact Cleaner
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is applied directly and sparingly to the required contact surfaces.
It is not designed to be sprayed indiscriminately into equipment, switches or sockets.
Does It Replace a Loose or Damaged Connector?
No.
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is designed to improve the contact between correctly functioning mating surfaces. It cannot repair a physically broken plug, worn socket, damaged terminal or insecure cable termination.
If a connector is mechanically damaged, it should be repaired or replaced rather than relying on contact treatment.
Does It Need to Be Used on Every Connection?
No.
You can treat selected connections or work through the complete system methodically.
For the clearest comparison, changing one thing at a time makes it easier to assess the result.
Hi-Fi Choice Review
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid was reviewed by Hi-Fi Choice in 2020, with the magazine reporting improvements in clarity, refinement and image focus after treatment.
Because only a very small amount of fluid is required for each connection, the reviewer also noted that the treatment should provide many applications.
Key Features
- Chord Company ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid
- Specialist Hi-Fi contact treatment
- Two-stage initial treatment
- Transmission Fluid Polish
- Conductive Transmission Fluid Polymer
- More than four years in development
- More than 500 formulations evaluated
- Developed with Andante Largo
- Designed with an industrial chemist
- Fills microscopic contact imperfections
- Increases effective contact area
- Designed to reduce connection resistance
- Works at very low signal levels
- Suitable across different connection types
- Water-based polymer formulation
- Suitable for speaker connections
- Suitable for interconnect contacts
- Suitable for compatible power contacts
- Suitable for RCA connections
- Suitable for XLR connections
- Suitable for DIN connections
- Suitable for BNC connections
- Suitable for 4mm banana plugs
- Three polymer coats for initial treatment
- 10 to 60 minute drying time per application
- Annual polymer maintenance recommended
- Long operational life when correctly applied
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid?
It is a two-stage treatment for suitable metal electrical contacts in Hi-Fi and AV systems, combining a polishing pre-treatment with a conductive polymer.
How does it work?
The polymer is designed to fill microscopic pits and imperfections between mating metal surfaces, increasing the effective contact area.
Is it simply a contact cleaner?
No. The first stage cleans and prepares the contact, while the second-stage polymer remains as the contact-enhancing treatment.
How long did Chord Company develop it for?
More than four years, with over 500 formulations evaluated during development.
Who helped develop it?
Chord Company developed the treatment with an industrial chemist and Japanese audio specialist Andante Largo.
Can I use it on speaker plugs?
Yes. Chord Company specifically identifies speaker connections as a suitable application.
Can I use it on RCA plugs?
Yes, on suitable accessible metal contact surfaces.
Can I use it on XLR connections?
Yes, although care should be taken when treating female sockets so cotton fibres are not left inside.
Can I use it on power-cable contacts?
Chord Company identifies power connections as a suitable application. All equipment and mains cables must be completely disconnected from the electrical supply before treatment.
How many polymer coats are required?
Chord Company's initial-treatment instructions specify three polymer applications.
How long should each coat dry?
Between 10 and 60 minutes, with a longer drying time preferred.
Do I polish the contacts every year?
No. Chord Company's maintenance recommendation is to repeat the polymer treatment approximately every 12 months without the polishing stage.
Is the polymer oil based?
No. Chord Company describes the polymer treatment as water based.
Can it repair a loose connector?
No. Damaged, excessively loose or mechanically faulty connectors should be repaired or replaced.
Should I apply lots of fluid?
No. Only a small amount is required on the metal contact surface.
Can I apply it while equipment is switched on?
No. Switch off and disconnect the equipment or cable being treated before application.
Can I use it inside my amplifier?
ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid is intended for accessible external metal contacts. Do not dismantle equipment or indiscriminately apply the liquid internally.
How should it be stored?
Keep the containers firmly closed and upright in a cool, well-ventilated location away from children and animals.
Can Audio T advise on using it?
Yes. If you are unsure whether a particular connection is suitable for treatment, contact your local Audio T store before application.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Advice on suitable contacts and connectors
- Help with correct first-time application
- Speaker and interconnect connection guidance
- ChordOhmic connector expertise
- Complete Chord Company cable advice
- Help identifying worn or damaged connections
- System maintenance advice
- In-store guidance from specialist Hi-Fi staff
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like advice on using ChordOhmic Transmission Fluid or checking whether a particular connection in your system is suitable for treatment.