Stealth Audio Dream Petite

Oh, how I miss just a few years ago when Stealth was selling directly to the customer for a reasonable price. Maybe when they see that other manufacturers,i.e. Virtual Dynamics, BMI,etc, who went back to selling direct after a dealership trial,will start to sell directly once again to be more competitive. I would love to try some day the Stealth dream line, but the prices through a dealer at this time are waaaay out of my budget.

Hi,
I was wondering your thoughts on the VD. What I like most about them is their speed and dynamic contrast. I find they have a very low noise floor too allowing details through with good soundstaging.

I have had major problems fitting them though, in fact a total nightmare. Do the stealth cables have the same impact and detail as the VD LEs etc?

The Stealth cables have more detail than the VD line, but the VD line has more dynamic impact. I was originally impressed with VD cords/cables for their dynamic, powerful presentation. However, I find them to be too forward, and the soundstage too flat and 2-Dimensional for my tastes.
The Stealth cables/cords won't give you that gut-wrenching bass, and if you like a front row presentation you will probably prefer the VD line. I have moved on to Stealth because I do not like the immediacy of the VD line. I prefer the Stealth's more relaxed, laid back, 3-D presentation. Some may call this a mid-hall presentation. These two cable lines could not be more different from a soundstage perspective.
The Stealth has good bass, it goes deep, but is better defined or tighter than the VD. The VD's bass is more robust and therefore sounds more powerful. The Stealth has more definition throughout the audio band, IMHO. You will hear details in the high's that you will never know existed with the VD line. The Stealth presents these details in a non-fatiguing fashion though, unlike the Nordost Valhalla, which IMHO provides stunning detail, but can sound thin and harsh. Stealth seems to provide the detail of the Valhalla, while still sounding musical.

Cheers,
John

John,
thanks so much for your very clear response. I know exactly what you mean.

In my system I am finding the slightly forward presentation more useful. Due to my slightly insensitive planar speakers, I find that a slight injection of impact is rewarding.

I have a lot of detail and depth, but I was looking for that last bit of front row! The AP gold I was using is a brilliant cable, but it maybe a little laid back in comparison to the VD master LE in dynamics.

You mention the Stealth has more detail in the highs which is interesting. I run a DCS source, and it has incredible definition especially in the highs. I cant imagine there is more to be had. I seem to have a lot of air above the note. Things like ride cymbals shimmer with detail after the hit of the drum stick.

I do take your point about depth.

I have found it hard to get both width and depth at the same time in soundstage, especially if you have pinpoint type imagery. In my experience I seem to get one at the slight expense of the other.

Have you found the anything that can do both? I have had tube amps that give the impression its happening but usually with a problem somewhere else.

Chadeffect, to be honest, no, I haven't found anything that presents depth and width. I've also noticed that the more depth I get in a soundstage the narrower it gets, and bringing the stage more forward increases the stage width and height. I did find at one point my stage got too deep, I felt like the band was out in my driveway. I was able to move several rows forward by placing a DCCA Reference Master on my power conditioner. However, for the most part I like a deep, 3-D presentation, say around row 12.

It's all a matter of balance, you may just want to change one cord to move forward or back. It sounds like you want to move even more forward, are you using all VD cables and cords? If not, try adding some more.

FWIW, it may be hard to believe, but the Stealth cables/cords will provide more detail and air in the high's. However, if you feel that your dcS already is providing great high's with the VD, the Stealth may be too much of a good thing. I do know some who find the Stealth sonic signature 'bright'. My system is a bit on the warm side, so the more abundant detail of the Stealth is well appreciated here.

Cheers,
John