[leif8660]

Hello friends,

We have had many people asking about the differences between the VR-9 and 11 vs the new ULTRA 9 and 11.  So I thought I would post a short article on this.

The Sonic Differences Between VR Series and ULTRA Series


VR-9SE Mk2 versus ULTRA 9 ~ VR-11SE Mk2 versus ULTRA 11



ULTRA SYSTEM SPEAKER TECHNOLOGY

Although Von Schweikert Audio has been highly successful with the original VR series, time marches on and new technology replaces the old. Although we continue to refine our existing models on a yearly basis when possible, there are times when a completely new model is warranted. This is usually due to the massive degree of changes required to keep a model at the forefront of engineering and sound reproduction. Thus was born the ULTRA series of new models. This paper seeks to identify and describe the sonic differences between the designs. If you are familiar with our new ULTRA technology and just want to read about the sonic attributes that ULTRA brings to the table, feel free to skip the technology portion and go right into the SONIC portion of this paper, below.

HISTORY OF THE “ULTRA” PROJECT

The first model of the ULTRA series was the one-off ULTRA VR-111XS, a six-tower system designed and built as a “no compromise” product. The audiophile who commissioned this system was prepared to spend “whatever it took” and waited almost three years for the R&D to be completed. It is fair to say that his system (including his concert hall built to house this personal stereo system), is the finest sound system that we’ve ever experienced, regardless of cost. Photos of this system are archived at the Von Schweikert Audio Facebook page. This project was begun in 2012 and shipped in 2015. This summer (2016), highly respected reviewers are traveling to experience the entire systems featuring the ULTRA VR-111XS first hand. For everyone else, we are issuing some advance information on the ULTRA 9 and ULTRA 11 models which are the first production model flagships to take advantage of these leaps in engineering and performance that were achieved with the ULTRA VR-111s.

Due to our patron’s obsession and desire for us to break beyond the boundaries of what was possible to buy on a commercial basis, we tried all worthy techniques to reproduce sound. Numerous prototypes were constructed, both in the virtual and real worlds. Every conceivable method to convert an electrical signal into physical diaphragm motion was theorized, developed, studied, perfected or rejected. This was the single most exhaustive product development in our more than 40 years of loudspeaker design. Every drive unit, every type of cabinet construction, circuit design, circuit parts and wire brand, type and quality was tested, using A/B/X methodology. Even the fasteners and attachment of the drive units to the stone and aluminum layered front baffle was researched, along with methods to shield and isolate the crossover boards and wiring. Proprietary isolation methods were developed for the Crossover Towers, using layers of powdered metals suspended in a painted coating. This enclosure isolates the crossover circuit from EMI and RFI (electromagnetic and radio frequency interference). We discovered these common interferences as a source of “fog” in conventional speakers that do not effectively shield their crossovers. As far as we know, the ULTRA series is the only speaker system in the world that uses this advanced technology.

We mention these small aspects of the overall project to show the level of dedication that was employed to design the ULTRA VR-111XS system. The entire ULTRA project is a tour de force of advanced engineering, especially when comparing our design to anything on the market, at any price.


VERIFICATION PROCESS

First, we wrote an extensive assessment of what was required to achieve the “state-of-the-art” in speaker design and then followed this set of standards, using protocols developed by the ISO (International Standards Organization) and NASA. Subsequently we used five different types of test systems in order to quantify exactly what was being heard. Indeed, without a “yard stick” to measure our progress, the project could have gone sideways, not forwards. Tests using both analog and digital machines included Impulse Response, Impedance Measurement, Frequency Response Measurement, Distortion Analyzation, Vibration and Resonance, Phase Response, Cumulative Spectral Decay, Dispersion over a global 360-degree sound field, and Listening Tests using Live versus Recorded program material. The ULTRA series of speaker systems encompass all the necessary requirements to convey the illusion of a “live” sound field to a degree not formerly possible.


SONIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OUR VR-9 & 11SE Mk2 SERIES AND NEW ULTRA 9 & 11 SERIES

1. NEW-THINK DRIVER TECHNOLOGY: Our new German and Danish ULTRA drive units use a relatively rare cone and magnetic drive system which are Patented and reduces the magnetic motor distortion and mechanical cone breakup distortion to almost “zero.” This means the sound is clearer, less harsh, and more dimensional than the “sound” of our original drive units in the VR-9SE Mk2 and VR-11SE Mk2. The new ULTRA style cones are made from an extremely light weight sandwich honeycomb material (90% of the honeycomb is air) with an outer layer of ceramic to keep the cone stiff. The rigidity and lack of distortion of our new ULTRA cones is a major difference in the overall sound quality of the old versus new models. The new 30mm ULTRA tweeters also use a sandwich membrane of vinyl-coated Beryllium metal which does not sound metallic; most listeners assume they’re soft domes until they hear the added sparkle and “air” at the extreme top of the dome’s range. In the lower treble range they’re as smooth and creamy as any soft dome but have far more clarity due to the lack of dome breakup. The 330mm (15”) subwoofers use extremely light weight woven carbon fiber sandwich cones that cannot bend, driven with dual magnets and dual voice coils to increase the speed and efficiency of the deep bass notes. The 330mm subwoofers have such light cones and huge magnetic structures that they appear to be as fast as the 30mm tweeters and 160mm midrange drivers – the integration, speed, and coherence is very similar to an electrostatic panel. However, unlike electrostatic panels, the ULTRA sound is more dynamic, louder, richer, and wider in dispersion, bringing the entire sound field of the recording venue into your room. The overall realism of these new drivers is amazing. The light weight, sandwich technology is the most critical characteristic.

2. Clarity: The ULTRA 11 does not sound like a speaker. It is invisible to the ear. Our older models, the VR-9 and 11SE Mk2, sound like very good speakers, but they are not sonically invisible. The ULTRA 9 & 11 are “invisible” since they do not generate their own sound, called “self noise,” from the speaker cabinets or raw drivers. The ULTRA 9 & 11 design is very pure, clear and harmonically rich; the sonic difference over conventional technology is astonishing. Anyone can hear this difference since it is like comparing day and night. Much of the clarity is due to the better drive units and the cabinet. The new ULTRA cabinet is several times less resonant than the original VR-11SE Mk2 cabinet, see below. The rest of the improvements come from the wire and parts, which we believe are contributing significantly to the clarity and musicality over the original wire and capacitors.

NOTE: Regarding the “sound” of capacitors, inductors, resistors, and wire: the differences between low cost and the very best parts is not small; a European “film” capacitor might cost as little as $10 for an 8 mFd unit, while a Deulund or Jensen oil cap might cost $300 for the same 8 mFd value! The sound difference is not subtle unless the drive units and cabinets are masking the sound with large quantities of coloration. When you have assembled the best drivers (high clarity, low distortion) into the best cabinet (non-resonant), the circuitry can be easily heard as everything is interrelated and at a very high level of sensitivity. Any coloration in the crossover parts and wire either adds or subtracts detail from the music. For instance, most mid-priced capacitors wound with metalized aluminum foil tend to sound “thin” while oil filled paper capacitors with copper windings sound very rich and full bodied. Inductor coils with metal in their cores tend to have a smeared and somewhat harsh sound, while air in the core has no sound generated by magnetic field distortion, since there is no metal in the core. Resistors can have small amounts of coloration such as harshness unless the best quality metal film types are used.

Although there is quite a body of scientific evidence that simple wire does affect the sound, many so-called engineers do not believe this since they do not have access to sophisticated measurement equipment as used in the world’s most advanced laboratories utilized by aerospace companies that invent and fabricate their own processes. The Patented aerospace wire designed and fabricated by MasterBuilt in the USA that we use inside our new ULTRA series of speakers has a richer, denser harmonic structure, less distortion, and hence, greater clarity and detail. These differences are not subtle when used with very high quality ancillary parts such as the new ULTRA drivers and cabinet. As the ULTRA wire is an exotic product formulated for the aerospace industry and is not simple wire per se, but is an amalgamation of rare earth and precious alloys. This means it is extremely expensive, since it is not an “off the shelf” type of product. We would not burden the cost of manufacturing the ULTRA speakers with this wire unless there was an extremely audible improvement to the overall sound. We and many others believe that using ULTRA wire is one of the largest upgrades you can make to your stereo system. In fact, the ULTRA series of new speakers is based in large part on the use of this ULTRA wire.

3. Dynamic Range: The new drive units have a longer physical excursion potential and when the
new-design ULTRA drivers are moving a lot of air, the sound is more dynamic and exciting. On very loud peaks, the new drivers do not “break up;” they sound sweet even when the music is very loud. The ULTRA 11 sounds more “real” in part due to less distortion at any volume level. At very quiet levels, the sound is full and rich, with a dense harmonic structure. The VR-11SE Mk2 is “colored” by comparison, but then, so is every other speaker system on the market when played at very low levels. At high volume levels, the ULTRA series does not “shout” at you or get hard and distorted; the sound merely becomes larger. It has the same effect as walking closer to the stage when a full symphony is playing at mezzo forte levels; it is thrilling to hear!

4. Image Focus: Our engineering team has designed a new Rear Firing Ambience Retrieval System. The original version used only a single rear super tweeter, but the new version uses three different drive units (not shown in the drawings on our website at this time, but revised drawings are coming). There is the ribbon super tweeter in the center, and above and below the tall ribbon there are new lower-range magnesium dome tweeters that extend the lower frequency range of the Ambience sound behind the speaker. This new Ambience Retrieval System recreates and projects a hall effect similar to the original reverberation, if the recording contains this natural effect. The new Ambience system creates a more dimensional sound, with more depth and a very solid body to each instrument. The new ULTRA 11 sounds more like an omni-directional speaker than any other design (except for true omnis) and is very exciting to listen to. We have found that being able to control the volume of the rear firing Ambience is of vast importance if the speakers need to be placed in front of reflective walls, making our design more user friendly than a true omni speaker which lack this adjustability. Due to the new Ambience system, the ULTRA’s are very open and involving and will illuminate any room with stereo sound at any listening position, just like a live performance.

5. Bandwidth: Although the subwoofers and super tweeters of the original VR-9 & 11SE Mk2 had very good response at the bottom and top ends of the frequency range, the new drive units have a wider bandwidth with more extension. The deep bass is far tighter and cleaner, while the new super tweeters have a cleaner sound at high frequencies. This added quality at the frequency extremes highlights the nature of the extremely clear and transparent midrange frequency range; system coherence was paramount in the ULTRA design. It goes without saying that the measurements of the new ULTRA series are new benchmarks in what’s possible with sound reproduction.

6.   Coherence: Almost every speaker system on the market uses a variety of different materials to push the air in order to reproduce sound. Back in the 1930’s, paper cones and metal horns were dominant for the theater speakers of the era, but over the past 80 years, stiffer materials were tried. A wide variety of plastics, metals, ceramics, and laminated paper, foam, and fabrics were tried. The goal was to design a very stiff but lightweight membrane; two penalties of this concept were: a) ringing or bending of the cone materials at their characteristic resonant frequencies, and: b) sonic colorations were being added by the sound of the materials themselves. To solve these problems, we resorted to sandwich cones and domes that would eliminate both of these common problems. These technologies were designed by us for our proprietary use, although we do not build the drivers ourselves. They are manufactured by the largest and most accomplished manufacturers on the planet which happen to reside in Germany and Denmark, so the quality and control of uniformity is at the state-of-the-art. Since we can control every aspect of each driver, from the 330mm (15”) subwoofers up to the 12mm (1/2”) wide super tweeter ribbons, we have utilized materials that have the same tonal characteristics, so that the drivers all sound as “one single driver” or “one voice.” You might say that the new series is ULTRA coherent; in fact, we would.

Our previous models VR-9 and VR-11 used different materials for bass, mid, and treble that were “voiced” by our crossover circuits to sound and behave as a single sounding driver array. Although we were quite successful with that approach, the best approach is to use the same type of material(s) that have the same sonic qualities and transfer functions, as the ear is not easily fooled. We believe that the ULTRA series of speakers have the most coherent sound of any design on the market when the dynamic range, bandwidth, and image focus is factored into the sonic equation.

7. Solid Image Focus: The new cabinet is made from a 100mm (4”) composite layer of resin, stone, rubber, and wood powder, similar to the older models. The differing Q (resonant factor) of the three layers creates unequal vibration in the panels, absorbing the movement and hence “resonant coloration.” The Opposing Q’s work like this: +1 – 1 = 0. However, since the new cabinet is made from a single cabinet, it is more structurally stable and can be braced with a better method than our older stacked cube version. Our seven years of experience building the Active Noise Reducing cabinets employing the Triple-Wall Laminates have led to a better construction of these materials, resulting in a Vers. 2.0 of the cabinet design walls. Although the multiple-box designs of the VR-9 and VR-11 were easy to pack and set up, they were a compromise. The two boxes of the VR-9 and three boxes of the VR-11 stacked could wobble a little on loud bass notes and when the stack would wobble, the image would not stay completely focused. The new single cabinet ULTRA version may be a little harder to ship and set up, the solid image focus is worth the extra effort. The illusion of images floating in the air has been greatly improved, with most listeners mentioning that the sound is extremely dimensional and is not coming from the speaker cabinets themselves. This is a primary characteristic of the “invisible” nature of the new ULTRA series and reflects the state-of-the-art in cabinet technology. Although far more expensive to produce, we believe the resulting sonic improvements is worth the expense.

8. Overall Realism: In the past few years, our engineering skills have improved due to the sheer number of “high resolution” prototypes we have built. In addition, we have new engineering tools and measurement equipment housed in a very large semi-anechoic room that does not interfere with our delicate measurements as we have moveable sound traps and can create different shaped and sized rooms inside this huge environment. We spend many hours every day, testing different types of construction and new ideas. Von Schweikert Audio invests a disproportionate amount of resources (money, labor and time) into Research and Development than most other speaker companies. This is obvious in the sheer number of designs we’ve produced in just the last year when compared to all of our competitors.

What this all means is that we have the resources and experience to identify and correct distortion and coloration that we were unable to correct ten years ago; in fact, no company was able to design and fabricate a speaker at the complexity level of our new ULTRA series of speakers, even as little as one year ago. When you hear an ULTRA speaker for the first time, it will forever change your perception on just how close reproduced sound can come to a live performance.

We hope you enjoyed reading this short article. If you have any questions about the engineering, sound quality, or suggested equipment to use with this product, please do not hesitate to contact us; someone from our design team will personally speak with you.

[Mountainjoe]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown Leif! 

I thought I would be happy with the VR-55 for the rest of my days but now you've got me thinking about the Ultra 9s 

Cheers, Joe

[jab]

Hoping to hear the Ultra 9's at RMAF if the model is ready for show and tell then!

[Rx8man]

Any upgradeable possibilities for the VR-55 owners down the road?

[leif8660]

Any upgradeable possibilities for the VR-55 owners down the road?

Hello Rx8man,



The only thing that is missing from the standard VR-55 to make it an ULTRA 55 is the Ultra internal wiring. There isn't anything else to upgrade.  This is what we mean by the VR-55 inheriting much of the technology that went into the VR-111XS speakers. So we used all the same design principles used in our new ULTRA line in the VR-55's, except we used the Signature internal wiring (which is still awesome wire) to keep the retail down.  And we have never shown a VR-55 at an audio show with the Ultra internal wire.  It has always been a "STOCK" VR-55.   But I highly recommend getting the Ultra wire upgrade when the speakers are built so someone doesn't have to ship the speakers back to us for the upgrade.  It takes a lot of time if we have to take the speaker apart to rewire everything.

[leif8660]

Hoping to hear the Ultra 9's at RMAF if the model is ready for show and tell then!

Hi jab,

With all the changes to the Hotel for RMAF,  I think Damon and I are planning on bringing UniField 2MkII's and the Endeavor E-3MkII's for the same room.  If I'm not mistaken, this will be the last show at this hotel.  So RMAF is up in the air at this time.  The ULTRA 11's will make their world premier at The International Sight and Sound show in Singapore in November followed by Axpona 2017.  Damon and I secured the Dearborn room on the lobby level and partnered with Kevin Hayes of VAC.  We will have our new KRONOS turntable along with our J-corder open reel machine.  This is going to ROCK!!!  All analog baby

[leif8660]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown Leif! 

I thought I would be happy with the VR-55 for the rest of my days but now you've got me thinking about the Ultra 9s 

Cheers, Joe

It happens lol................Sorry

[Rx8man]

"I thought I would be happy with the VR-55 for the rest of my days but now you've got me thinking about the Ultra 9s" 

Size and cost aside, I wouldn't think too much about the 9's from what Lief said (in his reply to me) would essentially be internal wiring to bring the 55's to more current standards. 

[Mountainjoe]

"I thought I would be happy with the VR-55 for the rest of my days but now you've got me thinking about the Ultra 9s" 

Size and cost aside, I wouldn't think too much about the 9's from what Lief said (in his reply to me) would essentially be internal wiring to bring the 55's to more current standards.

I think Leif was speaking to an Ultra upgrade to the VR-55 - not necessarily implying that this would bring it to parity with the Ultra 9.

Would be good if Leif can clarify.

Cheers, Joe

[SundayNiagara]

I think Leif was speaking to an Ultra upgrade to the VR-55 - not necessarily implying that this would bring it to parity with the Ultra 9.

Would be good if Leif can clarify.

Cheers, Joe

That's the way I read it.

[gammajo]

MtJoe  The way I look at it, is that unless I win the lotto and can afford substantial upgrades in amps, preamp, wire, open reel or turntable and a large dedicated sound room, our 55's are the sweet spot in the line. We already are enjoying the trickle down technology from the most advanced design. Of course others with great or lesser resources will find different sweet spots with a VSA speaker as part of the nectar.
Still enjoying the hell out of mine!
Joe

[JackD201]

I agree with you my friend. One thing about 9s and the upcoming Ultra 9s is that while they might look compact in pictures, they are actually very large and can dominate a living space. 

[Rx8man]

That was my point, the 55's are already great, I understood what Lief was saying.

Joe and Jack, thanks for clarifying my previous post(s)

[john925]

MtJoe  The way I look at it, is that unless I win the lotto and can afford substantial upgrades in amps, preamp, wire, open reel or turntable and a large dedicated sound room, our 55's are the sweet spot in the line. We already are enjoying the trickle down technology from the most advanced design. Of course others with great or lesser resources will find different sweet spots with a VSA speaker as part of the nectar.
Still enjoying the hell out of mine!
Joe

Joe,

I'm envious of your VR-55. 

[gammajo]

John925 - Thanks, it feels like a miracle that I was able to get them and I am so grateful. - what are you listening through?

[john925]

John925 - Thanks, it feels like a miracle that I was able to get them and I am so grateful. - what are you listening through?

VR-5 MKII with Nuprime REF20 mono.  Now my computer is running roon, HQPlayer, Fidelizer Pro, and AudiophileOptimizer with a very satisfactory result. 

[es347]

VR-5 MKII with Nuprime REF20 mono.  Now my computer is running roon, HQPlayer, Fidelizer Pro, and AudiophileOptimizer with a very satisfactory result.

..you've got some great sonics going on there John!  Fellow VR5 Annies owner here..

[gammajo]

John - not familiar with your front end but with those speakers and amps you should be in sonic heaven.

[JackD201]

I'm coming in very late to the 55 party but new cabinets are in and ready for custom painting. I just received the invoice from Alexis. I'm one of the lucky few who gets to experience Daddy Ultra the 111s so I'm excited to see how little brother does in the flesh. This should set me up for an Ultra upgrade in the future for my 11 MK2s.

[gammajo]

Jack - congratulations - they will be worth the wait - what color did you go with? Did you go with the Ultra inner wire upgrade?
Joe