Wow, Rick emailed my Audiogon correlated email address. I actually didn't need him to email me since I already got my Audition cyro treated powercord last week which I ordered in March.
So far, the cord is being burned in by placing it on my transport and with the transport left on repeat. Yes, I know amps burn them in faster, but I don't want to play music all day long.
So, now I got 2 Power 2 and 1 Audition powercords burning in at the same time. |
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Hmmm, I have three Power 2s sitting around in pizza boxes with nothing to do. Bluenose, you have me thinking about some good things they would do for my HT setup. I'm sure my monster 5 channel ATI amp would love a Virtual Dynamics Power Cord and so would my NHT subwoofer amp.
I bet that Vampires VHS was mixed to enhance the bass track for greater impact. It must sound huge through the Newforms. Lloyd, how do the Newforms sound with Virtual Dynamics cables and cords, and what components are you using?
Viggen, after burn in where do you think the Power 2s and the Audition cord will end up in your system? Yeah, putting the new cord on your transport will take longer, but I went through the same thing and two weeks later I'm enjoying the music. The triple stranded Audition is easier to bend and shape then the Power 2, but the bigger IEC plug on it almost couldn't clear the fuse holder on one of my components. |
The vampire movie was shaking good....these are the original r8-2's made in 1993 with two 8" peerless drivers aside using 30" newform ribbons...I'm using mapleshade ribbon jumper cables on the ribbon crossover and also as jumpers between the peerless woofers....with AZ satori single run onto the top woofer...this integrated the drivers as good as anything I've tried....I have an oddball system. Old and modest....roxan zerxes TT, alphason arm, AToc9 and denon 304 cartriges, a Bruce Armstrong rebuild[cd player-Nonpariel]....your cd setup would better it but the analogue section was completely rebuilt, he did 5 of them..simaudio4070se, the old krell pam3[good phono], Yamaha tuner and Nak tape....AZ matrix on amp to pre, ixos itocia on cd..VD autition of amp into wall...pre, tt, cd into panamax with a croed vd power 2 into the wall...everthing else plugged into monster2000 with powerwrap....it isn't pretty, it ain't tubes but it can make music and the VD PC's really show that....Gunbei, I always liked proac's. You've got yourself a very fine system there....oh, I've tweaked the whole setup to the max.....every tweak has a sound it seems... |
Now that most of the owners of the new cryo'd Power 2's have had a chance to enjoy them through the final break-ins,anyone had thoughts of trading up to one of Rick's top-of-the line power cords? I'd like to hear some feedback from someone who has a signature,reference,nite,and if they worked up to these models starting with the Power 3's or 2's.Also has anyone had a chance to compare VD ic's with other popular ic's? I was contemplating looking at one of their ic's.One certainty of the difference the Power 2 has done to my system is make everything more cohesive or "organic" (as the newer buzz-word)implies.I've compared the sound with stock power cords and it's like the difference between having and not having gas and electricity in your home.I wonder how I ever lived without a good power cord. Yours truly in happy listening. |
Gunbei,
Currently, I have 1 Power2 from wall to amp and 1 from juicebar to DAC. The Audition goes from juicebar to transport. I havne't played around enough with the Audition to say where it is best used in my system.
I am using the ARC integrated amp as preamp. My system sounds marginally better with a preamp than without. Remember, this component doesn't have detachable powercord. I feel the benefits/sonic characteristics of using VD on my other components are reduced because I am forced to use the stock cord on the preamp. This makes powercord comparison that much harder. |
Viggen, I noticed that in the past you have posted regarding integrating the PS Audio Ultimate Outlet and Juice Bar with Virtual Dynamics cords. I've been thinking of upgrading my Monster HTS 2000 and have considered PS Audio products, but am unsure how to attack it.
Currently, I have 4 cryo'd Auditions hooked up to my gear, with the PC on my amp going directly into the wall, with the other Auditions hooked up to the HTS 2000. I also have three Power 2s awaiting duty. I also have a home theater to consider in this equation. |
Check out website www.thesoundbroker.com Kevin is promoting a new,revelatory line conditioner called Exact Power EP-15.Read the specs and comments.Pretty interesting. |
Hey Gun,
Rick told me he's got some high quality splitters for ac outlet. Ask him about it.
My ARC's resistor for one of the power tube just blew.... wtf..... |
So Rick is talking to Viggen all the time now...I hate it when Rick plays favorites.I wish he would update his website. It's been under construction for a while now.Looks the same as it did 3 months ago.I want to get one of these splitters. Did Rick mention a price? |
Sherod, just send Rick an e-mail...he always seems to respond...... |
Bluenose(Lloyd) I was kidding about Rick with Viggen because Viggen seemed left out in the beginning during all this recall chaos. Rick and I communicate from time to time. |
I just talked to a friend in Hawaii who connected a new VD cryo'd power 2 to his cdp and when he compared the polarity of them he found the polarity of the power2 reversed. Has anyone else checked the polarity on their cords and found them reversed.I am going to check mine tomorrow and report. I was curious if this reverse polarity on the cord was either an intentional part of the design or a mistake in quality control. Perhaps Rick can enlighten us on this. |
A have question that I need help with about my VD Power 2 Cryo.
The big blade on my Virtual Dynamics AC plug (line) plugs into the corresponding (line) or white wire of the wall receptacle.
However, when I check the VD cord for continuity on the female IEC end of the cord, the polarity seems to be reversed. Looking at the end of the VD - IEC (looking into the holes) the right side hole (neutral) shows continuity with big blade (line) or left side of the VD - AC plug.
This being the case, when the CDP male IEC is plugged into the VD cord, the "line" side of the CDP male plug will be plugging into the "neutral" side of the VD female IEC.
Conversely, the "neutral" side of the CDP male IEC will be pluggin into the "line" side of the VD cord.
Isn't this reversing the polarity?
Have any of you guys checked the polarity on your VD Power 2 Cryo ?
When I check a regular extension cord, the "line" male end matches the "line" female end.
Thanks for your help. |
Aloha Rick,
I appreciate you talking with me to clear this up. I misunderstood how the IEC and neutral and hot wires were connected.
Now that Rick has straightened me out, I hope the VD cord is as good as his customer service. I must say I am very impressed with Rick emailing me and giving me his phone number. It must have been late for him when he emailed me.
And there is one aside that I must add, but it is important. I did not purchase this cord new from Rick. I bought it "as new" from an Audiogon member who purchased two and decided to sell one without ever using it. When I called Rick, the first thing I said to him was I didn't buy the cord from him and I would understand if he didn't have the time to help me with the problem. His exact words were, "I 'll give you the same time I would give someone who just spent $10K with me."
I own a business also and customer service is king in my business. And I try to support other businesses that exihibit the same concern for customer service as I do.
Rick, as I said, if your power cord is as good as your customer service, I will certainly be buying more of your products. But regardless of what type of results my components demonstrate, people should know what kind of business owner you are.
Aloha,
Warren |
Fiddler, great to hear of your very positive experience dealing with Rick directly. I can vouch for his customer service and generosity as well, not to mention that the cryo'd Audition Package I purchased from him two months ago has completely transformed my system in nothing but positive ways. Good luck with the cryo'd Power 2! |
For those who have considered or are considering a version of a Virtual Dynamics extension to connect to a component that is hard-wired, I just completed a week-long A-B with the VD cryo'd Power 2 extension on my hard-wired DVD player and it was night and day difference. With the extension, not only was the noise floor dramatically reduced allowing subtle nuances through which previously were not heard, but the soundstage was dramatically opened and enlarged and voices and instruments had a more palpable presence sounding just more real and life-like; and this was with just the extension so I can imagine what it would sound like connected more directly into an iec connection. I strongly recommend a VD extension for all your hard-wired stuff. I'm going to order another extension and a new splitter for my T.V. and cable box. Movies have never been so much fun to watch. Incidently, I just took the wife to a movie theatre and what used to sound impressive there now sounds terrible after getting spoiled on my home system. |
That's good to hear, as I have a hard-wired Phase Linear amp for my subwoofers that could use improvement in that area. I read somewhere that it is a good idea to cut as short as possible the hard-wired cable and reterminate it with a quality plug, in order to reduce the effect of the cheap cord. I'll probably order the VD extension cord. |
Well, I just ordered a P3 extension and splitter for my T.V. and cable box. Brett also said for those who have limited power outlets, they have a new power bar in the final stages of testing about ready for introduction. And for all you home theatre buffs, they have a new component video cable in the Audition series that according to Brett is unbelievable. He says the colors, shadows, and fine resolution are dramatically improved. I was just watching the 60's version of Cleopatra and was wanting to see Elizabeth Taylor's unique lavendar eyes in their full glory. I may have to order these component cables to do that. Also, just about everything is available in a cryo'd version. It adds about $85.00 to a P3 cord. And Brett also said for those not on with Paypal, they are now set up to take major credit cards. |
How much is the P3 extension Sherod? I'm using a cryo'd P2 on my cdp and a P3 on my amp and have loved the results! I'm thinking of adding a P3 extension to my dvd and another P3 to my tube pre. Would there be a big difference when I replace a asylum cord on my pre with a P3? Thanks. |
Bradz, they have a special now for a cryo'd P3, $75.00. The cryo'd extension is just $10.00 more. I think whatever version you order, the extension adds 10.00. If you like what you have now, you'll be just as pleased with the extension. Ask for Brett. He's Rick's order taker, a real nice guy. If you are short of outlets, they have a splitter(cryo'd, of course, for $25.00). I just ordered one of these as well.They are really pushing the cryo'd version on everything and I think it's the best way to go. For a nominal fee, they'll cryo any piece you previously ordered uncryo'd. Happy Listening. |
I've been hoping they would come out with some type of power strip. As far as you know, is it kinda like the PS Audio Juice Bar? If it is, I could find a use for at least two of them.
Bradz, I'm glad the VD cords are working for you. Adding the VD extension cord to hardwired components sounds like a good idea too. I may follow your lead on that one.
Sherod, can you run two power bars from one splitter? Oh heck, I think I'll just give Rick and Brett a call. Thanks guys! |
Good idea, Gunbei. Rick would be much better with the details. All I know is what Brett mentioned on the phone when I ordered another extension. He said the power strip was almost available, but didn't go into details with me. I don't really know much about the splitter either.I just ordered a cryo'd one for $25.00 and am going to connect my T.V. and cable box into it. I think Viggen had a talk with Rick a couple of weeks ago about the splitter. |
I talked to Rick back in Feb. He was offering me a deal on the Audition package and tossing in the splitter when I told him I needed a line conditioner with multiple outlets to power up 4 components. He said his high quality splitter would work better for me than getting a line conditioner since his powercables doesn't need to be connected to one. |
Have you received the splitter Sherod from VD and what have your results been? |
Haven't received yet. Brett didn't give me a time-line so I'll give him a call if not in this week. I'll keep you posted when they arrive and their performance. |
I'm considering buying two more Power 2 pc's for my system and have been wondering at the same time if the audition package would do me more justice. My system is : Cary 303/100 w/ Power 2 cryo'd -> Coincident cst ic. -> Rogue 99 Magnum w/ Absolute pc (temporary) -> Coincident cst ic. -> Innersound esl amp w/ Power 3 -> AP Oval 9 biwired -> Magnepan 1.6qr. Should I purchuse two more Power 2 cryo'd (minimum investment) or think about purchusing the Auditon package? Thanks for any suggestions and opinions. |
Hi Bradz, my upgrade was very similar to what you are considering.
I had a system that included Cardas Lightning L15, Cardas Golden Cross, Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II, Analysis Plus BiOval 9s and Virtual Dynamics Power 2s, then in early march I bought an all cryo'd Audition Package from Rick. When I took the plunge I was very afraid of losing the warmth provided by the Golden Cross.
It's been two months since I got the Cryo'd Auditions and they have been a revelation. Replacing the mish mash of cables I was using with an all VD setup was like a hi-fi high-colonic. The music now flows smoothly and unrestricted. Initially, the Auditions were smooth with a huge soundstage, but a bit icy. After a week the iciness went away and the overall sound started to settle in. Rick had mentioned that going to a revealing cable scheme like his would result in more noticeable differences when tube-rolling and this has been very true for me. I feel the overall presentation is so open now that even using warm tubes doesn't compromise any transparency, air and soundstage size. I'm no longer fighting the battle of retaining warmth, while reducing harshness and gaining air and transparency. So many variables have been removed, so I can now devote time to tube rolling and just plain listening.
Virtual Dynamics offers a 14-day trial period which really isn't enough time to hear all the benefits their cables have to offer, but the results after one month have made me very happy. |
I received yesterday my cryo'd Power3 extension and splitter( 3-way power connector) After initial plugging in of T.V. and cable box, picture was slightly blurry and sound from a good cable channel( Encore,Sundance,etc) was ssslightly constricted. After about 3 hours, picture started to clear up and sound opened up. After 12 hours, sound was significantly more palpable with greater dynamic range, but the big surprise was the picture quality. Black background was significantly blacker, I mean "black" !! And colors were much more vivid. Especially reds and blues.There was much better color contrast of separating the lights from darks, the purples, maroons and other off colors stood out better and the overall picture had an almost HDTV look. I can't believe a simple power cord can do so much .I was amazed beyond my wildest expections. Only when I recently upgraded my component video cable and S-Video cable did I get this much improvement. All I can say is: Put an extension on all, and I mean all, your hard-wired components. This is the best value for sound improvement that you can do to your system. The only other thing I did was upgrade my outlets to the new FIM 880 outlet. I had already bought this before I got involved with Virtual dynamics or I would have bought their outlets as well. I still may order one for comparison. I am glad to hear that you are settled in with your Audition cords, Gunbei.Any thoughts of upgrading to Rick's upper models in the near future? I read in another thread where someone bought all nites for their system and they were in heaven, sipping expensive wine while they sat mesmerized with the newfound sound. Have a great weekend, everybody. |
That's very encouraging Sherod! I never even considered that power cords could improve picture quality too, but I guess it makes sense. I definitely plan on getting one of Rick's power bars/strips when it becomes available and the extension cord is a consideration as well, but moving up to cryo'd Reference, Signature or Nites is way out of my ballpark right now. Besides, I don't think the level of my components warrants such nice cables and cords. Yet...heheh. |
Oh,Gunbei, but your system is more than worthy enough. I can hear those Blue Circle components crying for more. I'll bet Rick would work you out a Brother-in-law deal on your next upgrade package. Am I right Rick? |
Gunbei. Ask Rick about the upgrad when You're ready. Remember besides the audition on my amp I have a croyed power2 Extension on the little panamax surge protector? This feeds the preamp, cd and tt. Well, yesterday I started a tweaking bing replacing "stuff under the compnonents,[Im a confirmed tweakaholic-there is no cure], one by one. The extension cord allowed the "sound resulting" from each tweak to be clearly heard. I listened for fullness of timbre, guitar riffs, quality of bass, and sibilence. Now the cd player is floating on marbles in the spoons held by clay in little bottlecaps that sit on hardrock maple...and I can't believe the improvment across the board...then I put on some vinyl,I was in heaven. The music seemed to leap off the platter and fill the room. Bass was sooo clearrr. You know what I mean. The ambience of live recorded music was startling as if notes and sounds were simply there in space....I'm babbeling but you get the point. If Rick offers a juice bar with his cord it will be a no brainer. Gunbie, I'm sure those blue circles would say "thank-you"..tweaking can make or break some systems, IMO. |
Sherod
I think I read somewhere else where you had some Zu Mother AC cords, how do you like them compared to your VD Cords?
As I told Gunbei recently I now have a small collection of VD cables, 2 Ref Cryo AC cords and 1 Signature Cryo IC will post some impressions as I try these in various positions in my system. The size/stiffness of the Audition, reference, signature AC cords is somewhat of a hassle but fortunately they retain shape they are bent to so it can be
managed with a little work.
Bluenose
Do it the easy way, get some Daruma II bearing sets they will sound even better and cost is very reasonable. Galen Carol sells them for $85 set of three.
Gunbei
That modest little Monster HTS2000 is really great for the money, I think the design was an accident because it sounds better for audio than any other Monster product, including the new PB2100 which replaces it. I really think you have to go to a balanced or power regeneration unit (PS Audio) to
do significantly better. I do like using the PS Audio high current Ultimate Outlet for amps, but again requires another AC cord in the chain.
For me if I used power strip like VD or PS Audio Juice Bar I would have to turn everything off and unplug from wall when done listening each time (a real hassle) since I am very reluctant to use no surge protection at all with gear plugged in 24/7. |
Of course I could run a PS Audio Juice bar or VD strip from another Ultimate Outlet for my front end gear and get the surge protection, but then the cost is close to buying used PS Audio P300 which would be better solution for front end gear. |
Yes, Megasam.I do have a Mother cord on my pre/pro at this time.I haven't had a chance to compare to VD cords but the combination of the two has been very musical for me.I have always been a mix and match cable guy, but I may try Gunbei's method of all V.D. cords with my next upgrade.I'm going to try to live with what I have for a while(probably similar to trying to quit smoking cold turkey)as I have spent a lot of money these last 6 months. |
Thanks for the info, Megasam. I agree with you on the monster2000. As I have one, I'm going to try the cryoed power 2 on it when I get back next week. I'm curious to see how it works on a power line conditioner like the monster> The panamax is strictly a surge protector. |
Thanks guys for the compliments. I appreciate them. I know my components are crying for cryo'd VD Nites, but my wallet is crying for a rest! Plenty mad at me that piece of stitched leather is.
Yeah, I like the HTS2000, but then again I've never tried my current system without it, that's why I'm so interested in Rick's new power strip. You folks have given me the idea of possibly getting an Audition extension cord to place between the HTS2000 and the wall. My amp is plugged directly into the wall, but the rest of my gear goes through the Monster.
It'll be a fun experiment when it comes about, because I still have three Power 2 PCs lying in their pizza boxes awaiting duty. Eventually, they may make their way into my HT setup and onto my subwoofer amp. |
Well, for now I think I'm going to purchuse two more Power 2 cryo'd pc's to compliment the other Power 2 cryo'd that I'm using on my Cary 303/100 cdp. I've recently bought a phono stage for my Rogue 99 Magnum pre and plan on buying a turntable in the near future. So, needless to say I could use the funds for a turntable instead of buying the Audtion package. Any recommendations for my first turntable? Thanks. |
Bradz, a used rega 3 is a great painless way to get into vinyl although your Rogue 99 could easily handle the big boys. But the rega is fun and gives you a good look at high-end. If your budget will let you go for a better table, do so..best of luck and good listening. |
Gunbei,
Instead of keeping the P2 cords, you could have returned them to Rick through his "trade-up" policy? I guess you wanted to keep those cords just in case.
I actually wanted to add there might or might not be certain virtues by using a splitter instead of the monster line conditioner. I suppose Rick would say something like your system won't sound like it is supposed to until you lose the conditioner; furhtermore, them cords already condition the ac.
Regarding Megasm's concern about surges, Rick told me modern equipment already have fuses that prevents vital parts of the equipment from being damaged.
Boys and girls,
I got a lesson that I learned the hard way to share with you all. I just got my "new" ARC amp back from repair. The repair costs me over $600. Why? For you newbies like myself, buying second tube equipment is tricky business. Here are some rule of thumbs:
1) Don't buy second hand tube equipment.
-This is what everyone in the audio business told me when I was seeking a technician to fix my amp.
2) If you do buy a second hand tube amp, make sure the seller installs the right tubes in the amp!!
-The ARC amps are designed to use 6550C, but the amp I got came with KT88.
-The technician told me these tubes ARC told me using any tubes other than 6550C is risky at best.
3) Don't buy second hand tube equipment!!
4) I don't want to hear personal testimonials about how you have purchased second hand tube amps without any problems.
-In tube amps and preamps, you need every tube to have matching voltage. All the input, driver, and power tubes need to match.
-This prolongs the life of the tubes and equipment, and this sounds the best.
-Hand sellers who mix and match tubes probably don't know what they are doing. Unless you are good with a voltage meter or know of a guy who is, don't get involved with a person who are trying to sell you a tube amp with mystery tubes, even if the tubes are well known and highly recommended by "enthusiasts".
5) I just learned the "rule of thumb" came from old english common law where you are not allowed to beat your wife with a stick that is thicker than the width of your thumb (I have no sources). |
Well people I have burned in My power 2's (about 300 hrs on them) They are wonderful! My Rowland Model 3's are finally singing. Great soundstage, goes about 2ft. beyond my speakers on the right and left. It is a little deeper on these compared to the power 3's. Detail is great, bass is strong. which I need because I am still using a pair of Epos ES-11 speakers. |
Thanks Viggen for the hard-earned advice about not buying used tube equipment. I'll keep that in mind. I especially appreciate the "Rule of Thumb" law. All these years I've been using those dinky Weeping Willow branches,not knowing I could have used ones the size of my thumb. |
Per Viggen all of you should never buy or sell any used tube equipment. While I disagree as emphatically as possible. I guess I should change my mind and agree with him since I am a dealer who sells new tube equipment. Alas, I can't though because too many great deals can be had in the used market. |
JC,
My message are for the newbie tube enthusiasts who are not handy with voltage meters. |
Viggen, sorry to hear about the problems with your ARC amp, once fixed I'm sure you'll really enjoy it. In the last seven months I purchased a Blue Circle BC21 preamp and a Kora Hermes DAC and they've been flawless, however they only use two tubes each, unlike an amp which uses many more.
When I was talking to Rick in early March about getting the cryo'd Audition Package, he offered a trade-in for the three Power 2s, but I told him I wanted to keep them for my home theater. He still cut me a generous deal while allowing me keep the Power 2s. I just need to create space and rearrange my two systems so I can fully utilize those three cables. Maybe one day I'll upgrade to the better Virtual Dynamics cables, but for now my I'm enjoying the effect the cryo'd Auditions have had in my system, and so are the ProAc Response 1SCs that are currently being broken-in. |
