Dennis, I do use the IO gel. I put it on right after I determined which direction I liked the cable best, which is how Tommy Dzurak said to do it.
But before I did any of that, I first cleaned the transceiver in the old Wadia DAC. (The transceiver in the transport is new.) I took a 10 cc syringe of 100% grain alcohol (dries really fast) and squirted it forcefully into the transceiver, followed by an air blast. Just to make sure the gel didn't pick up any dirt in there :~))
But before I did any of that, I first cleaned the transceiver in the old Wadia DAC. (The transceiver in the transport is new.) I took a 10 cc syringe of 100% grain alcohol (dries really fast) and squirted it forcefully into the transceiver, followed by an air blast. Just to make sure the gel didn't pick up any dirt in there :~))