Virtual Dynamics Recall

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.