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Who has tried Virtual Dynamics cables?

I recently purchased the Signature line of Virtual Dynamics cables (power, speaker, and interconnects) to replace Transparent Reference speaker, Nordost Quatro Fil interconnects, and Shunyata Powersnake Viper V1 and V2 power cords. I found a significant improvement in clarity, detail, lower background noise, tighter bass, and a greater sense of being there. The improvements were so significant, I took my Shunyata Hydra out of the system. Obviously, I probably should have replaced one set of cables at a time so that I could evaluate one change at a time. However, Rick at Virtual Dynamics indicated the cables work together better and, of course, I couldn't wait to hear them. Has anyone tried them as a complete set?
jimyork
viggen
838 posts
 
Thanks for the tip, Buck.

I might as well start story telling.

Part 1 (first impressions)

1) Received two pizza boxes. The delivery took about one week.
2)Opened box. Revealed one humongous cord that weighs about 5 times the weight of my Lat International power cord. Suppose I am to use it as a whip, it can be lethal.
3) The jacket is very stiff, and it seems to be filled with sand.

Part 2 (no burn in time)

1) My mellow Cal Alpha/Delta became home theaterish.
-Bass is very strong, more detailed mid but sounds cold.
-"Air" is reduced.
2) Listening volume level increased.
-I assume my ears can tolerate turning up the volume because VD reduces junk in the AC.
3) Speaker doing a better dissapearance act.

Part 3 (day 2)
1) Received a PS Audio Juice Bar in mail.
-Removed Rotel line conditioner.
-Plugged (1) Power 3 cord from wall to Juice Bar.
-Plugged (1) Power 3 cord from wall to amp.
2) Replaced old power cords.
-Plugged Lat pc from Juice Bar into dac and trans.
-Plugged Mapleshade pc from Juice Bar into preamp (meridian 518).
3) Sound is very neutral and unfatiguing.
-No more home theater sound.
-Bass not as overly emphasized as before yet still strong.
-Mids has more softness, not dry as before.

Part 1-3 Conclusion:

Stereo components are more dependent on powercords than before in my book. When I added the Lat and Mapleshade cords, they somewhat reduced midrange glare and added some air to my system. By adding the VD power 3, and take it as both good and bad, its like adding a bigger power supply to my amp and front end.

More to come...
buckingham
333 posts
 
Thanks Viggen, I also had the same results with the Virtual Dynamics on the first couple of weeks of break in... Like I said before, plug them in to a high wattage/amplitude amp for a while and give them time to burn in.
viggen
838 posts
 
Hey Buck, I am using a laptop. I don't have anything in the house that uses an IEC input other than my rice cooker (actually my rice cooker doesn't have one either).

Part 4 Swapping Cables

Power Cords
Previously-
(1) Power 3 cable from wall to juice bar
(1) Power 3 cable from wall to amp
(2) Lat AC2 from juice bar to trans/dac
(1) Mapleshade PC from juice bar to preamp
Now-ceteris peribus cept...
(1) Power 3 cable from juice bar to transport
(1) Lat AC2 from juice bar to amp

Comment: I thought the best cable ought to be placed from wall to juice bar thus every component connected to the juice bar would benefit. But, that is not the case. Placing the Power 3 directly into the transport has much better results.

Speaker Cable
Previsouly-
(1) Audiotruth Argent on hi
(1) Audioquest Midnight on low
Now-
Removed Midnight from low
Attached gold plated jumpers

Comment: By adding (2) Power 3 cords, my system has "virtually" increased "dynamics" to the point where the sound is more virtual than natural (no equivocation here sirs). Naturalness returned by switching from bi-wire configuration to full range.

Part 4 conclusion:

It is my goal to be as objective as possible for the sake of readers who might actually read this and base their judgments on this data. However, I remember back when I was 13 years old, and I was listening to Aztec Camera's High Lands, Hard Rain from 2AM until 7AM on vinyl. That was one of my best listening experiences. I just had a similar experience listening to Ryuichi Sakamoto's BTTB. It's been a long time I can listen to music without paying attention to the equipment. I am thinking about upgrading to Audition for my transport. Yes, I am impulsive.

TBC
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Hi, I just wanted to let you all know that Rick with Virtual Dynamics is now offering full cryogenic treatment of his interconnects, power cords and speaker cables. He said even if you already own his cables and cords you can send them back to him for the cryo treatment if you want it done.

Rick just recently got the cryo-freezer and has been able to get the cables down to about minus 190. If you'd like some info on cryogenic treatment, Buckingham directed me to some good info on it at the Jena Labs website.

I ordered the first Audition Package of cables with the full cryo-treatment. I should get them in 2-3 weeks, and after proper break-in I'll post my impressions.
buckingham
333 posts
 
Hey Viggen, It's nice to see that the cables are starting to open up for you. Believe me, the changes you are noticing now are nothing in comparison to what the Virtual Dynamics speaker cables and IC's can add to the system. The Audition PC you are looking at is worth the bump up from the Power 3.
Leave the system on 24/7 and you will keep hearing the improvements for the next few weeks.
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