I've been following this thread with interest because it simply does not track with my experience.
I use Walker Audio Extreme-SST (E-SST). I note that some other posters say they've also used E-SST, but my experience is that connections I've treated and left undisturbed have not deteriorated a year later when I've pulled the connection, cleaned it, and re-listened to it bare.
A year later, the sonics of the year-old treated connection listened to critically just BEFORE pulling and cleaning have always been better. When I re-treat with E-SST, the improved sonics return. It's very consistent.
And, the improvements in resolution, harmonic accuracy, and soundstaging that come from a very thin application of E-SST are significant to my ear. So, after more than six years using SST, I stay with it for all of my metal-to-metal connections.
FWIW, in cleaning the connections in my system, I use 97% pure isopropyl alcohol and/or Kontak. Then a very thin application of E-SST. For those using Caig DeoxIT as a cleaner, I suggest you experiment by rinsing with 97% or more pure isopropyl alcohol before making the connection or applying a preservative/enhancer. In my listening, the DeoxIT leaves a sonic signature unless rinsed.
One thing I've always found interesting about this hobby is that we all do have different experiences to share and I continue to learn from everyone here. I don't doubt that Rtn1 is reporting correctly what he's heard in his system. My contrary experience just continues to reflect the need for each of us to experiment in our own systems and trust our ears.
Best wishes for good listening!
I use Walker Audio Extreme-SST (E-SST). I note that some other posters say they've also used E-SST, but my experience is that connections I've treated and left undisturbed have not deteriorated a year later when I've pulled the connection, cleaned it, and re-listened to it bare.
A year later, the sonics of the year-old treated connection listened to critically just BEFORE pulling and cleaning have always been better. When I re-treat with E-SST, the improved sonics return. It's very consistent.
And, the improvements in resolution, harmonic accuracy, and soundstaging that come from a very thin application of E-SST are significant to my ear. So, after more than six years using SST, I stay with it for all of my metal-to-metal connections.
FWIW, in cleaning the connections in my system, I use 97% pure isopropyl alcohol and/or Kontak. Then a very thin application of E-SST. For those using Caig DeoxIT as a cleaner, I suggest you experiment by rinsing with 97% or more pure isopropyl alcohol before making the connection or applying a preservative/enhancer. In my listening, the DeoxIT leaves a sonic signature unless rinsed.
One thing I've always found interesting about this hobby is that we all do have different experiences to share and I continue to learn from everyone here. I don't doubt that Rtn1 is reporting correctly what he's heard in his system. My contrary experience just continues to reflect the need for each of us to experiment in our own systems and trust our ears.
Best wishes for good listening!
