On march 1st Rick told me he had just installed a cryo freezer, but asked me not to mention it on Audiogon for a awhile because he was afraid of getting swamped with orders. Oh man, it looks like his fears have been realized! The following monday I purchased what he said would be the first fully cryo'd Audition Package from him. I was told it would be about 2 1/2 weeks from that monday to my door, but I'm still waiting, and now I know why.
I think it's pretty damn good of Rick to recall the Power 3s and replace them with cryo'd Power 2s. I think the cryo process adds about 50-100% to the total cost of the cable, not mention that the Power 2 is more than double the cost of the Power 3. I own three Power 2s right now and think they're fantastic. Brett with Virtual Dynamics told me my cryo'd Audition Package would ship on tuesday, so hopefully I'll have them soon. With all this craziness, the people at Virtual Dynamics must be living at the factory 24/7. |
I'm running my three Power 2s into a Monster HTS2000 with good results, but discussions such as these have me wondering if I should invest in a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet and Juice Bar instead. I don't have enough wall outlets in the vicinity of my rack to accommodate the four cryo'd Audition Cords when they arrive. |
Sherod, thanks for the good suggestion. Unfortunately, I don't have any speaker cables at right now. I sold two pairs of Analysis Plus Oval 9 to help finance the cryo'd Audition Package I purchased from Rick.
I think the first thing I'll do is to install the VD speaker cables and try to make a mental comparison with the AP9s from memory. After a bit of listening I'll probably go ahead and install the whole setup and let it burn in. Once I'm satisfied that my system is settled in, I'll start experimenting with the interactions between different conditioners and going straight into the wall. I suppose this could take up to a month.
My Audition Package was shipped out wednesday, so hopefully I won't have to wait to long. I'll do my best to post some useful information once I get a feel for the cables in my setup. Stay tuned. |
Sherod, I was contacted by someone named Erin Lawley at Virtual Dynamics, that may be who you spoke with as well. |
Sherod, I just received my cryo'd Audition Package monday, and just like you I'm in the process of breaking everything in. The Audition PCs which are a three strand design are easier to bend than the Power 2s that I also have. So far the cryo'd Audition cables have greatly improved the size of the soundstage and the three dimensionality of the overall presentation, but lack the warmth I like. We'll see how they sound in a month or so. |
Hey Sherod, actually so far the Auditions sound anything but lifeless. I was already using three Power 2s in my setup for two months, so when the cryo'd Audition Package arrived I removed an Acoustic Zen Tsunami from my amp [probably the best place for quicker break in] and replaced it with the one Audition PC that made the shipment. All my previous ICs and SCs were replaced with the Auditions.
A little over two days into break in and a few things stand out. First, even straight out of the box, these are very smooth cables. For reference, I was using Cardas Golden Cross from the DAC to preamp before switching out for the Virtual Dynamics. The only thing missing is the midrange glow and overall warmth of the Golden Cross. But, this is after all only two days, and there is tons more information [good] being relayed now! After a month of break in, if I'm not satisfied with the midrange I'll try inserting the Cardas back into the line up.
Second, the Virtual Dynamics cables and cords emit a very large and holographic soundstage, almost in some ways otherworldly. As a consequence, the center image became very unfocused. However, I was able to fix that by toeing in the speakers about 15-20° more than they were before.
Things are defintiely improving even after only a few days. I'll check back later. |
I agree Bluenose, "so right" is what it's all about!! |
Better save a seat in your boat for me Viggen, I received my cryo'd Audition Package monday but it was missing three PCs. Not to worry though, I contacted Brett and he assured me that they would build the three cords and FEDEX them to me. They sent my cables Canada Post and it only took five days to Los Angeles, but now that they're also using FEDEX things will get even snappier.
Bluenose, that's a good question because it's not always possible to have the power conditioner near an outlet, so a quality extension cord would be great. |
Hi Stbhorn. The "cryo" is a cryogenic freezing treatment that Rick can apply to any of his cords and cables if you desire. Yes, it costs more, in many cases it doubles the cost of the cable.
Rick explained to me that the process brings the molecules tighter together, making a much denser structure which results in better conductivity. Other benefits of the process is that it results in a smoother, more coherant sound because there is less air in the matrix. And from what I understand, if you have one of his cables and send it back to him, he can still cryo it jacket and all.
A friend of mine told me that he knew someone that was trying to develop this process for use in treating guitar strings some twenty years ago. He said this fellow experiemented on different kinds of objects and noted that one of the great benefits was that it made all items far more durable. He even cryo'd his wifes pantyhose, and she enthusiastically noted that they lasted much much longer and were less prone to running. He went on to say that objects after being treated and returned to room temperature, showed no negative side effects.
I wonder if cryo treating a KFC Chunky Chicken Pot Pie can make a good thing even better?
After only four days of constant play, I'm nothing short of stunned at how these cables are sounding. Huge, holographic imaging that's smooth as silk. The goofy center focus I noted earlier is almost all gone. 80% of it was fixed by toeing in the speakers more, and break-in seems to be curing the rest. The Auditions are still improving, and the coldness I experienced earlier seems to be receding. After full break-in I'll reinsert my Cardas Golden Cross and Acoustic Zen Tsunami and note any differences. I really love the warmth of the Golden Cross, but the Virtual Dynamics have a very seductive quality.
Audiophile Postman? Maybe he drives around in a sound treated mail truck outfitted with a Rogue Tempest, ProAc Tablette 8s and a Wassily Chair, heheh. |
Hey, thanks for the tip Viggen, I would have never thought of that one. I have four separate cables running to each ProAc monitor. So does that mean I have Audition "shotgun" biwire? Did you just use one cable from each of the positive and negative leads from each channel of the amp? Just leave two cables from each side hanging? I have some Analysis Plus Silver Oval jumpers around here somewhere. |
Ahh, very interesting ideas here. Thanks!
Keeping the biwired Audition speaker cables the way they are and adding jumpers will be easy for me, because the cables use all banana termination and my jumpers are spades.
Bluenose, right now I have Power 2s on my transport, DAC and preamp, and the cryo'd Audition on my amp. I figure the amp will burn in the PC the fastest, then when the other three Auditions come in I'll switch the burned in Audition to the transport and swap out the Power 2s to my home theater.
Viggen, Bluenose, it sounds like the three of us are getting very similar results with Rick's cables and cords. Pretty neat. I have never experienced this type of ethereal, holographic soundstaging in my room before. Not even close. That quality is very seductive, and once everything is settled in I'll have to see how the Golden Cross and Tsunami sound in my system, and which sound I prefer. Not to mention all the tube rolling I have planned as well.
No need for me to buy anything for awhile. Lot's of fun ahead! |
Looking good, looking good. Bluenose, I have everything hooked into a Monster HTS 2000 right now. Maybe some day down the road I may experiment with it out of the system, but so far I'm getting fantastic results with it in.
Bro, let us know when and how you are able to resolve your problem. I'm sure we could learn from your experience one way or another. Good luck. |
Bro, that's good news. It's always great when the barrier to enjoying your music is broken down, and even better when you know exactly what the fix is.
Viggen, I tried running my biwired Audition Scs to my ProAcs with AP Silver jumpers. It worked on one speaker but seemed the other just wouldn't play. If I removed one cable it played, but otherwise wouldn't work all hooked up. I experimented with reversing phase on one tweeter, then an entire speaker, and while both seemed to snap the center image in it killed the size of the soundstage. Here's the weird thing. I retuend everything to normal, and my center focus issue was completely gone. I don't get it, but I don't care because now I have both a huge soundstage and good center focus.
The Auditions are still improving, and I couldn't be happier. |
Yes, I am Sherod! To the point where I care less about break-in on the Auditions, and am beginning to experiment with different tubes in my DAC and preamp. I already know I love the Virtual Dynamics and they'll only improve, so I've gone ahead and started trying some tubes out. It'll be interesting when my three remaining cryo'd Audition PCs arrive. By then the rest of my system should be close to full burn-in. |
Stbhorn that's great. It's funny, because for me I didn't notice much of a difference in bass, but experienced a huge improvement in soundstaging and clarity. The again, I haven't put any Virtual Dynamics cables or cords on my powered sub yet.
It seems that the Virtual Dynamics cables clear up any congestion in your system and allows it to flow unimpeded. In my case I guess my cables were restricting soundstaging. I'm still amazed at what I'm hearing. |
Those damn "buy" buttons, I can't seem to resist them.
During break-in I've noticed big jumps in sonic improvement, then a plateau, then another big jump. I've had the cryo'd Audition Package for almost three weeks now, and we'll see if there are any more improvements.
An ARC amp without a detachable PC? I would have never guessed that either.
I just checked FEDEX tracking and my three missing cryo'd Audition PCs have arrived at my doorstep! My plan is to move the one cryo'd Audition PC I do have from my amp to my transport, and replace all the Power 2s with the new Auditions.
We'll see how that goes! |
Hah, Viggen always trying to shift blame! Gotta watch out for this one Sherod. :)
OK, it's 8am Los Angles time, I'm having my coffee, and planning on installing the three Cryo'd Audition PCs after a brief listen of my current set up. Then later in the day I'll drop some nice NOS tubes in my Kora DAC and have some more fun.
Keep hitting that buy button Viggen! Ain't it fun. |
Good assumption Viggen. Actually, having no wife can be kinda dangerous with our hobby/passion. It's too easy to make a buy decision when we don't have to consider someone else. My last girlfriend thought my system was pretty cool sounding and looking, but she wasn't thrilled with all the time I spent with it.
Still no Audition PC? When my last PCs shipped from Virtual Dynamics, they alerted me via e-mail and supplied a FEDEX tracking number. Hopefully you'll get a headsup soon.
It's still early in the break-in process, but so far I don't hear a significant difference from the Power 2s yet. But we'll see. |
Hi Onyx. Recently, I upgraded from all Power 2s to all cryo'd Auditions. When I first made the switch I felt the Power 2s were better, but after three weeks the superiority of the cryo'd Auditions is starting to show. Blacker background, and an even bigger soundstage then what the Power 2s presented.
The difference isn't as dramatic compared to when I swapped out my Absolute Power Cords in favor of the Virtual Dynamics Power 2s. Now that was a huge improvement. As for how the upgrade would affect your setup, I really couldn't say. But the advantages of the more expensive power cord are the increased filtering of the Audition and the cryo treatment which some feel smooth out the sound.
If you're still uncertain, hopefully other members will chime in with their thoughts. Good luck. |
Hi Fiddler. In my conversations with Rick, it seems he feels that the closer to the source you place the PC the better. I asked him the opposite question you posed, "where would you NOT put the PC if you had to skimp?" He said on the amp. I don't know if I would hardwire the PC to the component. Just a personal preference, but I like the convenience of being able to change cords or upgrade if needed. Give Rick a call, he'll definitely help you out.
I appreciate the kind words Sherod. Rick said that after break-in with his cables and cords, I would realize the true nature of my components, and changing tubes would then really show a difference. When I swapped out my mish mash of cables for an all cryo'd Audition Package the sound became slightly leaner, but opened WAY up. Last weekend, I changed out the Siemens CCAs in my Kora Hermes for a pair of Mullards and am now enjoying full rich sound with all the glorious soundstaging the Virtual Dynamics initially brought to my system. Now my Blue Circle gear display all the detail, pace, and expansiveness that I had hoped for. And with the ability to swap tubes in my preamp and DAC I'm able to tune the music to the way I like it.
So much fun! |
Hmmm, I have three Power 2s sitting around in pizza boxes with nothing to do. Bluenose, you have me thinking about some good things they would do for my HT setup. I'm sure my monster 5 channel ATI amp would love a Virtual Dynamics Power Cord and so would my NHT subwoofer amp.
I bet that Vampires VHS was mixed to enhance the bass track for greater impact. It must sound huge through the Newforms. Lloyd, how do the Newforms sound with Virtual Dynamics cables and cords, and what components are you using?
Viggen, after burn in where do you think the Power 2s and the Audition cord will end up in your system? Yeah, putting the new cord on your transport will take longer, but I went through the same thing and two weeks later I'm enjoying the music. The triple stranded Audition is easier to bend and shape then the Power 2, but the bigger IEC plug on it almost couldn't clear the fuse holder on one of my components. |
Fiddler, great to hear of your very positive experience dealing with Rick directly. I can vouch for his customer service and generosity as well, not to mention that the cryo'd Audition Package I purchased from him two months ago has completely transformed my system in nothing but positive ways. Good luck with the cryo'd Power 2! |
Viggen, I noticed that in the past you have posted regarding integrating the PS Audio Ultimate Outlet and Juice Bar with Virtual Dynamics cords. I've been thinking of upgrading my Monster HTS 2000 and have considered PS Audio products, but am unsure how to attack it.
Currently, I have 4 cryo'd Auditions hooked up to my gear, with the PC on my amp going directly into the wall, with the other Auditions hooked up to the HTS 2000. I also have three Power 2s awaiting duty. I also have a home theater to consider in this equation. |
Thanks guys for the compliments. I appreciate them. I know my components are crying for cryo'd VD Nites, but my wallet is crying for a rest! Plenty mad at me that piece of stitched leather is.
Yeah, I like the HTS2000, but then again I've never tried my current system without it, that's why I'm so interested in Rick's new power strip. You folks have given me the idea of possibly getting an Audition extension cord to place between the HTS2000 and the wall. My amp is plugged directly into the wall, but the rest of my gear goes through the Monster.
It'll be a fun experiment when it comes about, because I still have three Power 2 PCs lying in their pizza boxes awaiting duty. Eventually, they may make their way into my HT setup and onto my subwoofer amp. |
I've been hoping they would come out with some type of power strip. As far as you know, is it kinda like the PS Audio Juice Bar? If it is, I could find a use for at least two of them.
Bradz, I'm glad the VD cords are working for you. Adding the VD extension cord to hardwired components sounds like a good idea too. I may follow your lead on that one.
Sherod, can you run two power bars from one splitter? Oh heck, I think I'll just give Rick and Brett a call. Thanks guys! |
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. |
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. |
Viggen, sorry to hear about the problems with your ARC amp, once fixed I'm sure you'll really enjoy it. In the last seven months I purchased a Blue Circle BC21 preamp and a Kora Hermes DAC and they've been flawless, however they only use two tubes each, unlike an amp which uses many more.
When I was talking to Rick in early March about getting the cryo'd Audition Package, he offered a trade-in for the three Power 2s, but I told him I wanted to keep them for my home theater. He still cut me a generous deal while allowing me keep the Power 2s. I just need to create space and rearrange my two systems so I can fully utilize those three cables. Maybe one day I'll upgrade to the better Virtual Dynamics cables, but for now my I'm enjoying the effect the cryo'd Auditions have had in my system, and so are the ProAc Response 1SCs that are currently being broken-in. |
