How Good is Walker Extreme SST Contact Enhancer

Sirspeedy, I've posted numerous times here about SST because I have the same "over the top" reaction to it as these "over the top" rave reviews of which you're skeptical. In my system, Walker Audio Extreme SST makes a clearly and significantly positive sonic improvement. The same is true for two other members of our local audio group who have experimented with it, and we have several more who now have it to try so perhaps they will chime in at some point since they also post on Audiogon. In my opinion, the only question is whether the improvement is worth the cost "to you." For me, it makes such a material difference that it is WELL worth the cost.

Jes45, the caution about how one uses SST or any contact enhancer is well taken. And, I've been using it on all of my tube pins with no mishaps, just like Arthur Salvatore, just like Srajan Ebaen, just like David Robinson, just like Bill Gaw, just like Lloyd Walker in his personal system. And I've talked with Lloyd Walker who says (as of three weeks ago, prior to CES) that he's received zero reports of any users having a negative experience using it on their tube pins. Still, it is important to follow the instructions and use it SPARINGLY.
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That may very well be, Rushton. I'm just sharing what one amp manufacturer warned me about. It seems that he has had several pairs of amps and pre-amps returned lately for repairs because silver conductive paste leaked down and shorted between the tube pins on the underside of the tube socket. Your list of names is impressive, however, it does not change the fact that the repairs were required because of the tube pin terminals had shorted out with the silver conductive paste, does it? These guys still had to ship their amps or pre-amps back for repairs ...

I understand your point of view, you haven't had any issues ... yet. It is not my desire to be-rate any of the numerous silver conductive products, I'd used it for years in the military, it is nothing new. I only wish to share the warning of a manufacturer who has seen several units fail because of use (or perhaps mis-use) of a product.

In regard to Lloyd not recieving any complaints, I will repeat what I had over at Tweakers Asylum; How many guys are going to call someone up and admit that they were foolish enough screwed up their amps? (And worse, to be without music while the unit is repaired!) It's human nature to keep our faults to ourselves and our victories well known. It's known that you and Lloyd are very good friends, so if you made a mistake or had a problem, it is probable that you'd report it to your friend, Lloyd. (Most folks don't have the friendships with manufacturers that you do).

As I'd stated earlier, I have no interest in damaging the reputation of any of the numerous silver conductive pastes sold in the audiophile market today. I DO feel it is my responsibility to share the info given to me by a man that deals with improper or mis-use of the product, as I'm sure that you can understand.

This said, I will not use silver conductive paste on my tube pins.

Jes45, can you comment on your experiences with using the paste on other areas of your system (i.e. IC's, PC's, etc.). Is your warning (which is well taken) only against use on tube pins, or are there more global concerns. Do you find that it provides performance enhancement to the degree that it is worth considering?

Rushton,I respect your opinions,as I've read quite a few of your posts,and you seem to be quite reliable.I will have an opportunity to hear within 2 weeks the results on EBM's set-up as he is a friend,and I know his system well.Don't get me wrong I don't consider myself a contrarian and hope I come away from that listening session with my hand on my wallet.I just wish that the mark-ups on some(most)of the products in this hobby would seem reasonable to me,and the SST looks like it is rediculously overpriced.However,what do I know,I just bought my wife a 300.00 COACH(FREAKIN')pocketbook!!So who am I to pass judgement.Anyway,thanks for the feedback,and I'll post my own observation,on a system that I'm intimately familiar with,in the future.