Thanks, Doug, for that discussion. I think I will build a wide version of a strong stand--maybe 2 ft. wide at the top and wider at the bottom just to try this orientation out. I'd make the bottom 2 ply thick of MDF and also make it deeper in the other dimension. Depending on what Sound Anchor says on the cost of a wide version one stand under each speaker vs. 2 slightly smaller versions under each speaker, I'll make a decision if I find it is worthwhile to change to on occasion. It will be like having 2 different speakers to listen to at separate times with different qualities of presentation.
VMPS speakers--Who has had great success in bringing their VMPS speakers to new heights?
The RM40's BCSE MLS speakers have become my ultimate speaker. From the moment I heard the VMPS speakers with the ribbon drivers, I thought they were awesome. I had been out of the hi-fi loop for a long time prior to hearing about Audiogon from a friend. Therefore, after reading about other notable speakers and parts of systems, I tried many things to get a feel for different sounding systems. During this time, I found out about system compatibility and how to take the sound to another level--also received many lessons in going the wrong way at times.
I actually had this exact pair earlier in my sound quest but was convinced by well meaning manufacturers that their speaker would trounce the RM40s. Thus, I tried a couple different speakers and quickly learned that I had a winner in the RM40s. I now will never make the mistake of selling them again--thanks also to a good friend who advised me of that when asked. So, I became determined to see how far the RM40s could go.
It has brought me to the point that I thought they need a more organic sound with longer sustains to the notes--they were already very quick in their attack. They've been sitting on Sistrum SP-101 platforms for a few years. Brian Cheney told me to never put the speakers on points or in any other way lift them off the floor. The Sistrums, after a week or so, made an immediate improvement to the live quality of the music, the clarity and transparency at all frequencies, the dynamics, soundstage clues, and it allowed me to take all bass traps out of my system--there was absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in sound, at that point, with them in or out of the system. There had been prior to installing the Sistrums. The only drawback to using them was the bass wasn't quite as strong as before--much clearer and more dynamic however.
With the help of second opinions from friends who've heard my system many times on different occasions, usually after a major change, I began to finally voice the system through component upgrades and wire changes. Getting the TRL DUDE preamp was a big improvement in bass power, dynamics and overall clarity. I was very fortunate to have Dan at Modwright replace my MW 9100 Signature Truth which was having a problem in my system that after a few trips to MW to cure--never happened at their place all 3 times I returned it and yet it would do the same problem of a woofer not playing on one speaker while it was in my system each time. Dan actually sent me a new, fully upgraded MW 5400 at N/C to replace the one I was having problems with. Dan is unbelievable in customer service. My digital section was now awesome sounding in all ways. Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps were added later that brought more clarity and dynamics along with outstanding bass to the 40s. A Whest 3.0 RDT SE phono pre came after that. Excellent clarity and transparency with a balanced frequency range.
At this point I added a TRL power cord to the DUDE with even more powerful sound in all ways and more detail too, including more grunt in the bass. Also added a Core Power Technologies 150 to run from my Synergistic Research QLS-6 power strip with all my front end components connected to a dedicated Maestro outlet. More everything. The other power cords used are Dynamic Design Spirit II on the MW, Mojo Enigma on the power supply to the MW, Wywires Juice II on the mono amps, and Amadi Phil Reference on the Whest. My heavily modded Lenco TT has its own PC for now. The arm is a loaded Trans-Fi Terminator with a Benz Micro Ruby 3 w/ myrtlewood body.
A couple friends brought over some ICs--the Teo GC and JW Reference. I had very nice silver wired ICs but was looking for more organic sound. The Teo's provided the organic sound and my friend let me use the JW's for awhile. I now have Teo GCs on both my from end components with the JW at my preamp to amps. The JW added more jump factor to the sound. Having 2 Teo's running CDs or phonos was good, but adding the JW for one Teo was even better.
Synergistic Research added their fantastic UEF panels and dots to my room which is a must hear demonstration at the audio shows to know all they do in a system.
I have many other tweaks and parts upgrades in the near future that will put things over the top. I could easily live with what I've got now forever, BUT...it's become a total quest to see where these components that I love the sound of as a system can ultimately get. Parts upgrades to my amps and the DUDE along with high end fuses--NONE so far, making my Sistrum racks shorter, R/X tube dampers from Herbie's and the SBH for CDs, and finally, putting Quicksilver Gold on all the contacts. The 2 components getting the parts upgrades will take the RM40s where no one has ever heard them soundwise.
Needless to say, I'm having the time of my life listening to all music with the absolute certainty of massive improvements to the sound with what's coming soon. Thank you to all who've made the products and to friends and advisers that helped me get the sound to this point. It couldn't have happened without you. My desire to acquire new products is over, but I still have the drive to bring each of the parts I have to their potential best and see what it becomes.
Any other VMPS owners have a good plan leading to success?
I actually had this exact pair earlier in my sound quest but was convinced by well meaning manufacturers that their speaker would trounce the RM40s. Thus, I tried a couple different speakers and quickly learned that I had a winner in the RM40s. I now will never make the mistake of selling them again--thanks also to a good friend who advised me of that when asked. So, I became determined to see how far the RM40s could go.
It has brought me to the point that I thought they need a more organic sound with longer sustains to the notes--they were already very quick in their attack. They've been sitting on Sistrum SP-101 platforms for a few years. Brian Cheney told me to never put the speakers on points or in any other way lift them off the floor. The Sistrums, after a week or so, made an immediate improvement to the live quality of the music, the clarity and transparency at all frequencies, the dynamics, soundstage clues, and it allowed me to take all bass traps out of my system--there was absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in sound, at that point, with them in or out of the system. There had been prior to installing the Sistrums. The only drawback to using them was the bass wasn't quite as strong as before--much clearer and more dynamic however.
With the help of second opinions from friends who've heard my system many times on different occasions, usually after a major change, I began to finally voice the system through component upgrades and wire changes. Getting the TRL DUDE preamp was a big improvement in bass power, dynamics and overall clarity. I was very fortunate to have Dan at Modwright replace my MW 9100 Signature Truth which was having a problem in my system that after a few trips to MW to cure--never happened at their place all 3 times I returned it and yet it would do the same problem of a woofer not playing on one speaker while it was in my system each time. Dan actually sent me a new, fully upgraded MW 5400 at N/C to replace the one I was having problems with. Dan is unbelievable in customer service. My digital section was now awesome sounding in all ways. Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps were added later that brought more clarity and dynamics along with outstanding bass to the 40s. A Whest 3.0 RDT SE phono pre came after that. Excellent clarity and transparency with a balanced frequency range.
At this point I added a TRL power cord to the DUDE with even more powerful sound in all ways and more detail too, including more grunt in the bass. Also added a Core Power Technologies 150 to run from my Synergistic Research QLS-6 power strip with all my front end components connected to a dedicated Maestro outlet. More everything. The other power cords used are Dynamic Design Spirit II on the MW, Mojo Enigma on the power supply to the MW, Wywires Juice II on the mono amps, and Amadi Phil Reference on the Whest. My heavily modded Lenco TT has its own PC for now. The arm is a loaded Trans-Fi Terminator with a Benz Micro Ruby 3 w/ myrtlewood body.
A couple friends brought over some ICs--the Teo GC and JW Reference. I had very nice silver wired ICs but was looking for more organic sound. The Teo's provided the organic sound and my friend let me use the JW's for awhile. I now have Teo GCs on both my from end components with the JW at my preamp to amps. The JW added more jump factor to the sound. Having 2 Teo's running CDs or phonos was good, but adding the JW for one Teo was even better.
Synergistic Research added their fantastic UEF panels and dots to my room which is a must hear demonstration at the audio shows to know all they do in a system.
I have many other tweaks and parts upgrades in the near future that will put things over the top. I could easily live with what I've got now forever, BUT...it's become a total quest to see where these components that I love the sound of as a system can ultimately get. Parts upgrades to my amps and the DUDE along with high end fuses--NONE so far, making my Sistrum racks shorter, R/X tube dampers from Herbie's and the SBH for CDs, and finally, putting Quicksilver Gold on all the contacts. The 2 components getting the parts upgrades will take the RM40s where no one has ever heard them soundwise.
Needless to say, I'm having the time of my life listening to all music with the absolute certainty of massive improvements to the sound with what's coming soon. Thank you to all who've made the products and to friends and advisers that helped me get the sound to this point. It couldn't have happened without you. My desire to acquire new products is over, but I still have the drive to bring each of the parts I have to their potential best and see what it becomes.
Any other VMPS owners have a good plan leading to success?
- ...
- 23 posts total
- 23 posts total