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Opinions on Walker High Definition Links

I think I have become a tweaker. I tried the Walker SST silver cream and was favorably impressed. I am now thinking about the Walker HDL's and would appreciate any observations you might have on this product. Current setup includes Audio Physic Virgo II speakers, Rogue M150 amps, Camelot Uther IV DAC/Preamp, Theta Basic II transport and Tara Labs air 1 interconnects and speaker cable. I have been researching component upgrades but have not found anything exciting that doesn't require a hugh capital outlay therefore I am looking at tweaks to optimize my current system.
Thanks
Steve
sgunther
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
I've always liked them better in place than out. I forget the benefit exactly. In general terms I'd say they make the presentation sound more natural. Sorry I'm unable to be more specific. It's been awhile since I've played with them.

Glad to hear about you decision to join the ranks of the tweaker. This is where things get fun, because this is where you'll find your ultimate satisfaction IME.
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
The man who designed my speakers was over one day and noticed the Walkers on my speakers and asked what they were for. When explained, he brought out his spectrum analyzer and we measured some white noise (I was only using them on the tweeters) through the speakers. The treble was noticeably smoother on the analyzer with the links in place, which might explain why I felt they seemed to slightly lessen the high frequency "hash" you sometimes hear in a system. A tweak that works, though it certainly was not the equivalent of a component upgrade. Pricey, though.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
As mentioned above, the Walker Audio HDLs definitely do work. Several members of our local audio group have tried them in their systems, and not one has been willing to take them out again. The benefits can be system dependent, but Lloyd's money back return policy makes this an easy thing to try for yourself.

The new Mark IIIs are an improvement, too. In listening to Lloyd's own system, the new Mark III HDLs made a very positive difference with his Kharmas that the earlier Reference HDLs did not demonstrate on the same speaker (just an example of system dependency).
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slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I have the Reference HDLs on my Magnepans. They act to filter RFI, with the result being the elimination of "hash" in the upper frequencies. Treble information is more natural sounding, soundstage width and depth seems greater. I didn't realize before that I had "hash", but it sure does sound better without it/with the HDLs in.
sdatch
204 posts
 
Rcprince, that is an interesting anecdote, and it is nice to see measurable proof to corroborate what many of us have heard. I have used these in my system as well, and noticed a subtle, but definite effect of making the overall sound less fatigueing. A smoother treble response makes sense and correlates with what I heard.
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