Thermal Relief vs. Solid

[BlackTooth61]

Hi everyone!

I know that thermal relief pads are easier to solder. Is there any disadvantage to use thermal relieves in audio applications? Or which one is better to use?

Btw, I'm using professionally manufactured PCBs, not own etched.

[Rob Strand]

Usually the solderability overrides all.  High current power electronics using the PCB as a heatsink is where you have to start treading the fine line.

You could argue the pads are more easily damaged during repair but in reality connections without thermal reliefs need a lot more heat and you can deplate the whole ground plane, disconnecting it from the plate through.