Does freezing effect cds

Due to size constraints I have a lot if my cd collection in a room that can go well below freezing. Is this dangerous for them has anyone had problems?

thanks

 

The only way I can see to test this is to take a throwaway CD, subject it to sub-zero temperatures, thaw it out, then play it over time to see.

 

good suggestion grant. Something you dont have to worry about in southern Arizona do you? (I come from Phoenix)

 

The lowest temperatures I have ever experienced outside of a commercial frozen food freezer is maybe 13 degrees. So if you are from Phoenix, you have experienced it all, just about. I don't know if you have ever been through Death Valley in the middle of summer, though...

 

I've heard of people cryogenically treating CDs in an attempt to improvehow they sound - although the jury is very much still out on that - never heard of any ill effects as a result of that treatment. My first thought would be that storing CDs in a room that has large swings in temperature increases the risk of condensation damage to the artwork - now that would concern me.

All the best - Andrew

 

I've always thought that playing cd's that have been frozen is that the sound tends to become cooler and more brittle.

 

Actually, I remember freezing CDs was something of a audiophile fad for a while. I never did it, but people would claim it improved the sound. I don't recall what the scientific rationale was.

A bigger issue is moisture accumulating in your booklets and tray cards. It's not like water will be dripping off the CDs or anything, but temperature changes do damage paper as it absorbs and releases water. The liner notes and tray cards may start to wrinkle around the spindle and edges (where trace moisture enters and exits the jewel box), especially if the paper already has a lot of ink on it, like the black tray cards for DCC and MFSL discs.

I also suspect that the cycle of freezing and thawing would damage the glue used in box sets and their booklets.

If you must store CDs in a freezing room, I would strongly suggest you line the sides of a cardboard box with newspaper sections, to wick moisture. And use 2X4s or a palette to lift the boxes off the floor and away from the wall, which will help prevent a spill, leak, condensation, and even rodents from damaging your collection.

 

Moisture causes oxidation, and plastic would be less flexible and more brittle if frozen. I'd think ice and moisture would be a greater threat to the CD than simply a drip in temperature. Think about how a CD is made- a very thin layer of aluminum (or gold if you're lucky) encapsulated in plastic. I don't know what binding process is utilized to place the metal within the plastic, but if any type of adhesive is used, I'd think freezing temperatures would be detrimental to the binding process.

 

I give mine the 12 Guage 000 Buck treatment for a truly "explosive" sound.

 

I believe that extreme temperature variations would eventually harm CDs.
When the layers of a CD contract and expand with temperature they could eventually develop tiny cracks or damage the adhesive that holds them together. Add some moisture to the equation and you have extra trouble as that expands and contracts (as well as oxidizing the aluminum layer).
This is why we shouldn't leave original CDs in our cars (which I still do, shame shame).
Dan C

 

Yes, it's the variations.

But for some reason, Cds I've left in the car changer (overnight, freezing) seem to bounce back without a problem. CDRs/CDs...

 

I'm thinking that the damage would be subtle and happen over time, maybe years. Like an old building with cracks in the facade.

All of my CDs I've left in the car seem fine now too. Except for a couple of CD-Rs, which were lousy crappy blanks to start with.
Dan C

 

Freezing CD's would have to affect them.

Try contacting Microboards Technology @ 952-556-1614

or www.microboardsproaudio.com

they distribute Taiyo Yuden CDR Blanks

Please let us know what they tell you.

 

I've had "car only" CDs, some for at least six or seven years, none of which have experienced any detrimental effects from freezing and thawing at least three months out of each year.

 

It sounds like in the end it is better not to risk it. I'll look into getting a little heat into that room as it wouldnt hurt either. I could also imagine that the different materiels in a cd could expand and contract differently in freezing and thawing situations and that could cause problems

 

I believe that Sunlight exposure would be the quickest way to ruin a
CD.

Extreme cold and heat won't ruin a CD nearly as fast as sunlight.

 

Likely true. Freezing temperature, in an of itself, should not damage a CD if it was properly manufactured to begin with. I take CD's out with me while I walk in the winter without incident. Even long-term exposure to cold should not cause damage. Rapid heating and cooling over time, though - maybe.

I remember Stereo Review claiming they tested various CD's way back when by taking CD's from a freezer and even placing them in boiling water. Not recommended, of course, but those particular discs survived.

 

This is actually very beneficial, sonically speaking. This causes the pits to "settle" for a smoother, more consistent sound. Adding a spoonful of olive oil to the boiling water helps remove the digital harshness in the upper midrange and also helps keep the CD's from sticking together if you are doing more than one at a time.

 

Quite correct. As an added benefit, the 'compliancy factor' is increased by the heat the disc absorbs when boiled therefore "spreading" in a more uniform matter when placed under the steamroller. (if you are trying this at home and don't have a spare steamroller stashed away you may be able to get away with an old style wringer washer.)

 

But if you add olive oil to the water the sauce won't stick so beware.

 

You don't add olive oil to the water. Doesn't mix well. Some chopped jalapenos, however, and olé. Anyone for Tito Puentes?

 

No, no Casino. The Jalapenos will make the recording sound too hot.however, a nice subtle 40 year old double malt Scotch will make the mid-range sound heavenly.

 

Easy on the Scotch or the Cee Dee will get a brutal case of the Spins and everything will sound like the Chipmunks!

 

And mellow, Dave.

But I mentioned Tito in case anyone wanted it hot...

 

Ed Meitner has done some work on this.

See www.emmlabs.com