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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?







dorkwad
dorkwad OP
548 posts
 
Thanks for the tips, Doug.

I'm a compulsive list maker--seriously.  And I also like to draw to scale pictures of my system, just because.  Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound says the number one thing that most folks do is put their equipment between the speakers.  In my room, there are 2 support poles that I've covered with a decorative pine hexagon shaped pole covers, BUT...if I were to put the stuff on the side wall, like Jim says, getting around and to the equipment would be much more difficult.  So it's behind but between the speakers.  I'll have enough length on my cables to reach the speakers fairly easily.  My amps are right by the ground in my Sistrum racks.  I'm getting the rods of my rack cut in two by Star Sound so I'll have 2 racks and the top the the highest component will be about 29" off the ground.  I have the equipment stacked on the floor and am not currently using my analog set-up, so the top is only about 18" off the floor, but an old cheap rack still holds some stuff and is 28" off the floor in that area also.  Putting the equipment down low caused a major improvement in the soundstage in all ways.  I'm hoping it will be at least that good when the racks get reassembled.  The Sistrum racks together with the RTS couplers used to clamp each component to the shelf make a very large difference in the sound in all parameters. 
Very live, dynamic, and transparent with more detail.
kcpo
2 posts
 
Hi dorkwad,
I also own a couple RM-40s, and have enjoyed their capabilities for 6-7 years. I am powering them with two Ampzilla mono blocks, on a recommendation from Brian Cheney before he passed.

In reading your comments, I can see you are much more willing (and able $$) to plumb the depths in our ongoing search for audio nirvana than I. But I have a question for you...I listen to jazz most of the time, and I have regularly noticed a ringing hollowness in the midrange, especially on guitar solos. It doesn't occur with all music, but when it occurs, it's impossible to ignore. I am using a Parasound preamp, an OPPO BDP-95 for playing CDs, and Clear Oval speaker cable. Also using Mogami Balanced XLR Cables between preamp and amplifiers.

There aren't too many owners of the RM-40s out there, and I'm hoping you may have an idea or two for me to try.

Best,
Scott
dorkwad OP
548 posts
 
Hey Scott,

I wrote this about 20 months ago.  I've had quite a few changes in my system since then.  The sound becoming increasingly more involving and organic with each change.  You will also hear much deeper into the recording.

1.) Changed speaker cables to Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme with CTGE jumpers--sound is much more organic and less mechanical.
(I have a pair extra if you would like to try them in your system).

2.) Did the Schroeder method of using 2 sets of identical ICs with 4 sets of splitters for between each of my components.  The change is very large for the better in all parameters of sound.  If you buy used, the cost is not too bad.  The good news is, the change with this method is larger than doubling the cost of the same brand of ICs.  

3.) I added Perfect Path Total Contact enhancer to all contacts including tube pins, spade lugs, IEC contacts, the blades on an AC plug, cartridge pins, RCA male connectors.  There is some difference for the better right after doing this, BUT..there are large jumps in performance near the 4 week mark from application and the 8 week mark.  You just can't unplug anything while this is going on or you will lose some of the benefit.  It is a bit of a pain to do a large system--took me about 5 hours to do mine with both analog and digital setups.  There is a huge amount of info and user's reviews in the Forum.  Disregard any grumbling from those that haven't tried this since THEY DON'T KNOW PERIOD.  Did the end caps of the fuses also, but wouldn't suggest it--very little improvement and it can get a little messy putting the fuse back in its holder.

4.) Perfect Path now makes Alpha-E cards and Omega-E mats that will also help make your system MUCH more real sounding.  All as you have to do is just locate them under or inside the component or speakers.  I haven't done this yet, but will soon.  

Any of these will make significant improvements to your system.  If you did all of them, Lord help you--you will think you died and went to heaven when you listen.  

Let me know how it's going if you try some of these things.

Bob 



dorkwad OP
548 posts
 
to kcpo---Update from 8 months ago:

I almost sold the RM40s after buying my pair of lifetime speakers. I hadn’t listened to the VMPS speakers for 17 months and I had made quite a few changes since buying the different speakers.

1.) Now have used the Schroeder Method of doubling the ICs to each component by using 4 sets of splitters, 2 on each end. This was one of the best changes I’ve made in my life--more organic, detailed, dynamic
deeper and better bass with zero drawbacks. I have double Teo GC II’s from both my source components to the preamp and double JW Reference’s going to the amps from the preamp.

2.) Bought LessLoss Reference power cords used to use on the amps--just better in all ways especially the deep bass and lower mids.

3.) Bought Aether Audio power cords to go from the Modwright CD to the power strip and from the phono preamp to the strip. Much cleaner more powerful and better detail.

4.) Added 2 Perfect Path E-Mat+’s to the circuit panel door over the breakers that matter--one inside the door and the other outside. They are still getting better after adding a week ago. Makes all areas of the system sound much better--like the PPTC, except much stronger by the mat.

5.) Bought Clarity Cables Organic speaker cables and jumpers.  Made very nice changes in the overall sound in all ways especially the bottom end and the lower midrange.  Gave better balance between highs and lows.  Great texture and detail in the lows also.

All these changes I did AFTER retiring the RM40s 17 months ago. I just hooked them back up for the first time yesterday and couldn’t believe how they now sounded. The speakers that had replaced them benefitted from the changes, but apparently, the RM40s are absolutely loving it. The timbral changes and changes to the bass and overall balance are now pretty close to ideal. The system still has the clarity with a little more, but more texture, the fill between speakers is much better so I may widen out the speakers a touch, and the bass is flat out scary in its power, punch, and detail. These changes are happening along with a smoother, more beautiful yet live sound. NEVER have I heard speakers sound this good in my home or anyone else’s for that matter. It is too early to tell if they are going to benefit much more or just a little from a couple things I already had bought--the E-Mats +, which are just starting to make a nice difference, and the addition of 5 SR Orange fuses to 3 of the components. I will be installing the fuses today.

Will keep you appraised if there is significant change for the positive in the coming weeks. The mats are supposed to get better in small jumps for about 2-3 weeks after installation. My quest to see if there is a set of speakers to supplant the 40s is over.

Needless to say, I will be keeping this awesome pair of RM40 BCSE w/ MLS cabinets.

Bob


dorkwad OP
548 posts
 
kcpo,

I have made several improvements in the past year taking the sound to a level I just didn't think I'd ever hear.  It has become so rich with lifelike tone.   I have not changed components in quite a few years so I guess the increase in sound quality has come from even better cables and my room is now pretty spectacular.  The room cost including treatments was about $2500.  I still have built in bass traps in the corners that are not finished yet.  I believe I've hit the perfect amount of treatment keeping the sound live but without any harshness of any type.  If my idea of bass trapping behind the new media cabinets using pegboard as the backer works well and the bass becomes even more incredible with no downsides, I'll be in for a real treat.  Today, I added 2 little black boxes with each one plugged into the same outlet as my mono amps.  This was a BIG change.  I'm told this will get better for at least 3-4 weeks.  If this becomes true, WOW!!!  Will keep you advised on what's going on.  Needless to say, the RM40's I have are not only keeping up with the changes, they seem able to keep getting better with no end in sight.  Brian Cheney made this pair very special--but I no longer take them for granted.   I have been very blessed to have assembled this system.  I won't say there is nothing more I can do because I know it's probably false.  I am trying out a possibly fantastic speaker cable and for me, revolutionary method of connecting the cables to the binding posts.  If these sound significantly better than the already very good cables I'm now using, it's going to be shocking when my brother comes to listen for both of us.  He's been the one helping me to rebuild my entire basement, including the listening room.  We have combined ideas and he has some skills beyond what I have.  Thank you Steve!!!

Bob
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