AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Virtue Audio Owners => Topic started by: virtue on 6 Jun 2010, 05:38 pm
-
Fellas,
The first TWO.2s have landed and are breaking in. I thought I'd kick off a thread to discuss listening impressions. Early impressions are good.
Folks have noticed that it runs a bit warmer than the ONE/ONE.2s and sounds even better.
Seth
-
I now have the TWO.2 from the tour.
My quick impression are:
Extremely quiet-aboslutely no hiss or hum
Detail, Detail, Detail-this was a shocker to me. I really didn't expect this much micro-detail. The tone is "warm" with great detail and clarity. I was shocked!
Easy on the ears-In my second listening session I listened for ~2.5 hrs. No fatigue. I'm very sensitive to that.
The unit runs slightly warm to the touch but still much cooler then my Class A mono blocks. I have the TWO.2 on my 3 ways that are 89dB 1W / 1M with a minimum impedance of 4.7 @ 70Hz. I was able to drive this speaker at 80db with no problem at all. I was curious to know if I could clip the amp..I had my speakers at 98dB and stopped as that was enough with AC/DC at those levels.
The build quality is great...the Propeller binding posts are cool. :)
The setup that I'm using is:
Mac Mini (4GB RAM, SSD HD, Amarra & iomega Mini Max with music files) > Wavelength Crimson (Denominator Module) > Virtue > Custom 3 way
I look forward to trying this little wonder with the GR NX1's that are on the way to me. This setup with an ipod might make it's way to my work lab... :dance:
To Seth, Gary Dodd (battery kit), Camille (great customer service) and all the others that make Virtue a reality GREAT JOB! It's very impressive.
-
Who has the other? Thoughts?
-
Who has the other? Thoughts?
I'd love to hear from the other folks??
Whats the deal with Caps?? Auri vs. Virtu....are they like changing tubes but in a solid state world??
-
That pretty much nails it. :thumb:
Whats the deal with Caps?? Auri vs. Virtu....are they like changing tubes but in a solid state world??
-
For cap discussion, check out the "Sensation M451 mods- listening impressions" topic.
-
For cap discussion, check out the "Sensation M451 mods- listening impressions" topic.
Thanks-will do....another neat thing to learn about :thumb:
-
Jason, is your amp sample running on batteries? Pretty impressive report. Thanks!
(check out my sig...)
-
Jason, is your amp sample running on batteries? Pretty impressive report. Thanks!
(check out my sig...)
Yes, it is. I'll post some pics later.
Nice sig! nature that is. :bowdown:
-
Battery Kit
(http://)
-
jtwrace-you are not using the sub output yet?? planning on trying it?? :thumb: :thumb:
-
jtwrace-you are not using the sub output yet?? planning on trying it?? :thumb: :thumb:
I'm not using it with this setup. When I move it to my electrostats I will try it. I've got it on right now as I type this and it's great. Listening to "Simple Man" from Shinedown (my Mini is on shuffle). It's just fantastic. :thumb: to Seth and Virtue.
-
I have the TWO.2 on my 3 ways that are 89dB 1W / 1M with a minimum impedance of 4.7 @ 70Hz. I was able to drive this speaker at 80db with no problem at all.
well glad to hear - b/c you used less than 0.3 watts :eyebrows: :green:
other than that - thx for the casual review ... always interesting to read - keep em coming.
cheers
al
-
Fellas,
The first TWO.2s have landed and are breaking in.
seth,
are those prototypes? ... or the real deal? (i mean are production units pouring in an being shipped) :drool:
thx,
al
-
seth,
are those prototypes? ... or the real deal? (i mean are production units pouring in an being shipped) :drool:
thx,
al
Look like production units to me. Order yours up! :thumb:
-
I'm pretty sure they are the real deal...mine is gonna match the color of JBL logo!!..LOL!! :thumb: I keep checking if its shipped yet like a kid in a candy store.
jtwrace-do the sub yet???? The crossover point if I just attach a powered sub is determined on the sub itself correct?? or is there a known value of where they crossover in the amp?? Sorry-I'm pumped!!! :oops:
-
These are very much production. We made a bunch of them, half with Auricap 2.2s. Xover of the high-pass is around 80hz, gentle slope, performed by jumpering in the 0.1 input cap for the 2.2. The 0.1s are all Virtucaps, a very good but standard MPP cap that Audience helped to design for us.
Ed, the red color is a little orangy, sort of a fire-engine red. It may be close to your JBL logo. Regardless, I think it's beautiful as are all the other colors. The colored units use a textured paint which makes them matte and non-reflective. It's a nice touch. Also, the TWO.2s have less of a laser-beam LED than the ONE.2s.
Someone please tell me how glaring it is, I've not seen one personally as they're going straight to Cami to ship out of Arizona.
-
Seth-So if I'm going to use a powered sub right away-which I am-I should change the jumpers correct?? I thought the jumper change took out the attenuator or is that another jumper and I'm confused here-which is likely?
Orange is what I was going for, I saw the color in a shot Mariusz posted
-
What sub are you using?
-
What sub are you using?
Polk- PSW10...there is a crossover setting dial,volume control and stereo inputs of which one is open for this little puppy....
-
Polk- PSW10...there is a crossover setting dial,volume control and stereo inputs of which one is open for this little puppy....
What is the FR of your speakers?
-
Overall 35hz-200hz
Lower -3dB Limit 40Hz dB
Upper -3dB Limit 160Hz dB
Crossover
(subwoofer) variable 80Hz - 160Hz
Inputs Speaker level, line level
Outputs Speaker level
One of the above should hopefully answer that.... :thumb:
-
The 4312A's you mean??
45hz-20khz
Sensitivity 91db
-
Overall 35hz-200hz
Lower -3dB Limit 40Hz dB
Upper -3dB Limit 160Hz dB
Crossover
(subwoofer) variable 80Hz - 160Hz
Inputs Speaker level, line level
Outputs Speaker level
One of the above should hopefully answer that.... :thumb:
Looks like you should just use the crossover in the Virtue. Since your crossover in the sub will not go lower that's your best bet. 80Hz is always a good place to start. My speakers have a similar response and I cross at 77Hz. You'll be the judge!
-
The one I ordered has Auricaps so if I'm reading everything correctly and leave it as shipped I should be OK?? Things won't blow-up or shoot out at me right?? :thumb:
-
The one I ordered has Auricaps so if I'm reading everything correctly and leave it as shipped I should be OK?? Things won't blow-up or shoot out at me right?? :thumb:
Seth can probably answer better then me but I'd say you are correct. Leave as is.
I don't think you'll have any issues.
-
TWO.2 is due Friday...I promise I won't go nuts right away---RIGHT!!!! :drool:
-
Seth-I am good to go with my TWO.2 (Auricaps) to just hook up a sub-Polk PSW10-without changing jumpers???
Gonna start small with 2.1...JBL-L20T's and sub
then all bets are off..right to the 4312A's in a 2.0
-
Seth-I am good to go with my TWO.2 (Auricaps) to just hook up a sub-Polk PSW10-without changing jumpers???
Gonna start small with 2.1...JBL-L20T's and sub
then all bets are off..right to the 4312A's in a 2.0
You don't have to change the jumpers on your new Two.2, it's an option you have. If you do change the jumpers, set the crossover frequency on your sub to 80 Hz. If you leave the jumpers the way they come out of the factory, set the crossover fequency to your speakers -3dB roll-off point. The manuals I've seen say 45-32000 Hz, -6db, so my uneducated guess is somewhere around 55-60 Hz. Play around with it until it sounds right. Enjoy!
-
Just a note: the auricaps are the big caps and the smaller caps are the virtuecaps so if you switch the jumper to the 80hz crossover you will be using the virtuecaps instead of the auricaps.
-
Thanks guys!! Its out for delivery and I'm a bit pumped!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
-
a quick Q. to all TWO.2 owners...
can it be jumpered to serve as power amp (bypassing the volume pot) ... just like the old ones could?
thx
al
-
al128-I believe so but not 100% sure.
I got my TWO.2 today and well lets just say, I feel like I got my first grownup stereo!!!!..I don't know how you guys can be so calm and reserved when the music is this good!!!! :wink:
-
al128-I believe so but not 100% sure.
I got my TWO.2 today and well lets just say, I feel like I got my first grownup stereo!!!!..I don't know how you guys can be so calm and reserved when the music is this good!!!! :wink:
Just wait until those Auricaps get a chance to settle in, it'll get even better (much better). As Seth has mentioned, Auricaps are known for needing LOTS of break-in, 200 hours or more. So sit back, put on the tunes, and enjoy. You will definitely notice the sound changing over time, don't be alarmed, it's just the nature of the amp. Cheers.
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31461)
Life is GOOD!!!!
-
I think this TWO.2 broke in because hooked up to the JBL 4312A's this morning these babies are singing sweet music. Easily drives them, and effortlessly brings out all facets of the music being played. The low end to high end sweet sound all around. Its truly amazing to me how these units perform once they open up and breathe!!!
I enjoy Pat Metheny, Steely Dan, fusion jazz and progressive rock all of which play with great clarity and precision via the TWO.2.
The low end is nice and tight and the highs are silky smooth. I'm thrilled to have this piece of gear and finally realize what 2 channel audio
is about. As a newcomer to this hobby I rely on people like you guys from audiocircle to guide me through the process of collecting gear that will accurately portray the music I enjoy and love. Someone took the time to say "I think you'll like the TWO"..and he was so very right!!
Cami, Seth and everybody at Virtue Audio--well done!!!
Everything from the build quality, ease of setup, and most importantly sound are all top notch-this unit is a keeper!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31600)
SWEET!!!!!!
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31600)
SWEET!!!!!!
+1
-
As my unit continues to open up I am struck by how effortlessly the TWO brings music to life. I have heard several pieces of music as if for the first time. The emotion of performance is easily conveyed, and the dynamic range is like nothing I have ever heard before from an integrated amp or any other type of amp for that matter.
I have played and loved music for a very long time, I love the excitement this hobby brings and I love my TWO.2 for presenting both to me!
Ed L. :thumb:
-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31600)
SWEET!!!!!!
Nice Beaver Eclein :thumb:
Only received the TWO today so still breaking it in BUT being able to switch between a Piano led system with a 901 or TWO, well, having pawed-over the goodness and badness of most of the available Class-T amplifiers out there, what is instantly noticeable aurally is the lower spectrum. Always recognisable in the mid and upper part of the spectrum this must be the smallest Class-T to have such defined lows...i'll be back with a better review but i am stunned, i really am with the potential of what Virtue have, and its evident that time has been spent in the right places in the search of clarity across the board.
......seeing the Beaver made me prematurely post lol :lol:
-
The gopher sings the "Caddyshack-I'm All Right.." Very cool!!! Enjoy the music!!! :thumb:
-
ok, that's too cool, I gotta order me a gopher.
-
OK..now that I have had it for a week(and really like the unit)..I want to tinker/tweak/violate the TWO.2!!
I got a DAC that can be a pre-amp so thats an option...take out vol.pot from the mix?
Mess with the jumpers and tweak the sub out?? That would bypass Auricaps I think though right??
Pumpkinman was here awhile ago and gave me a high-five so I'm on the right track and believe me when I say if it ain't broke don't fix it but I gotta tinker...!! :eyebrows:
-
TWO.2 in a 2.1 setup with 80hz. filter is one sweet rig I must say...Its just very musical, sounds very alive and the drum sounds I'm hearing sound like actual drums and cymbals sound, very natural tones you can visualize in front of you. I understand why they call it "reference grade"...enough of my babble, suffice it to say its a keeper for me. Thanks Virtue for making a great product!!!! :thumb: :thumb:
-
I hit on a great setup with this TWO.2 for anybody who is interested: Squeezebox DUET-<SRBCoax-<Tube DAC-<TWO.2-< 2.1 Speaker configuration.
This is the first setup I've used with the SB that has me smiling from ear to ear. Its the perfect setup for me and my computer music.
Wav files via SB to DAC to Two.2 with the 80hz filter in place just sounds so smooth and even throughout the entire frequency range.
If you have one of these units and a SB I urge to try it out...pretty cool, I'm diggin it!! :thumb: :thumb:
-
I turned a great setup into an excellent one by changing the jumpers to disable the TWO.2's volume control attenuator and converted my Tube DAC to a pre-amp. This is definitely the way to go for me and my gear. There is just so much more behind the music on every level, more depth, more detail and even better imaging. The blend between my front speakers and the sub is seamless and with added punch but not boomy at all.
There is plenty of power here for me with this unit, I can easily fill my 12 X 18 foot room with music and have tremendous headroom to spare. This is the first time I have ever used a dedicated amp and pre-amp in my setup. I doubt I'll ever change that because the
benefit it provides as far as muscle behind the music is very nice...I didn't realize what a difference changing the configuration would have
but its very impressive.
:drool:
-
Hmm, eventually I'll be running either an Emotiva UMC-1 or the new XMC-1 (probably the latter but I won't know until they release a price, still, the specs are astounding), and when it comes time for that I'm gonna wanna probably find a way to disable the preamp on the Sensation.
Still, I'm just looking forward to hearing all this bone-stock. I'll probably keel over with how good it's gonna be.
-
Hopefully you don't keel over...at least until it breaks in. :wink:
:rock:
-
That's the part that's going to KILL me, the break in. My Mac Ultra Silver+ interconnects just showed up and it says:
"...this break in process can take up to several hundred hours to fully settle in".
So after ALL I'll have gone through to get everything up and running, all I can then do is turn it on and walk away for a week :?
Still, it's cool owning such stuff for the first time, I've never owned cables that said loudly : do not twist or touch or bend them at 90 degrees! They are pure precious metals. Handle by connectors only!
I've never seen that before. I'm used to treating cables like afterthoughts.
-
Rclark-Plug it in and listen, enjoy, its not like you can't listen as they sound great out of the box...heck I was thrilled 10 minutes after I plugged it in...just remember it gets better and better and better...LOL> Enjoy!!! :thumb:
-
Seconded. Burn-in means that something gets better after a period of use, NOT that it sounds awful until that period has passed.
Be careful not to let hype, and forum gossip spoil your enjoyment of this hobby. It's quite easy to make any hi-fi sound bad if you believe that something is 'wrong'! :wink:
-
Rclark-Plug it in and listen, enjoy, its not like you can't listen as they sound great out of the box...heck I was thrilled 10 minutes after I plugged it in...just remember it gets better and better and better...LOL> Enjoy!!! :thumb:
Seconded. Burn-in means that something gets better after a period of use, NOT that it sounds awful until that period has passed.
Be careful not to let hype, and forum gossip spoil your enjoyment of this hobby. It's quite easy to make any hi-fi sound bad if you believe that something is 'wrong'! :wink:
Amen. My original One with the 30v/130w power supply continues to amaze me since it "woke up" from the break-in period. Great stuff, these little amps... :thumb:
-
lol ok because the word "rollercoaster" had been used so i'm imagining carnival funhouse nightmares of change in the sound until a sudden focusing and filling out..
-
Roller-coaster is right. This is the high-end. Worse, with the wrong speakers, the amps are no great shakes. They're also better with bigger supplies, quieter with batteries, etc. There is no need to sugar coat, split hairs, apologize, etc.
That's the net-net. Let's move on to another topic and continue to provide useful and interesting new information for existing customers and prospects, with every post.
-
huh?
-
Rclark-what did you finally decide on??
-
I've had a one.2 now for two weeks that was on tour and it sounded great right out of the box. So much so that i ordered a Sensation. It must be sounding better and better by now but i am enjoying it so much that i just enjoy the music and no longer worry about how it sounds compared to yesterday. I havnt just listened and enjoyed without being critical for a long time . Burn in means nothing if it doesnt sound decent from the get go. just my opinion
-
Either a 451 or 901. Since I'll order upgrades for either it's tough to tell whether there will be any difference between them. Right now I'm waiting on Ruben's flatpack for n3, I'll build the kit, and near the end finalize my amp selection. I have cables and interconnects and in a few days new cdp.
-
I have found that bypassing the volume pot and running the speakers full-range has become my setup of choice. I was using the high pass filter for awhile and decided to switch to full range via the jumpers since I turned the TWO into an amp only..sounds fabulous with those Auricaps singing away..this will remain my setup at least for this week!! Enjoy!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
-
Very interesting, Ed. I'm going to disable the pot on the tour unit when I get home today.
-
Gopher...I think you'll really like the way it sounds, and the depth gets even better...These little babies are just so easy to make sing..let us know how you like it??
:thumb:
-
I have had my TWO.2 for a month and a half and haven't stopped enjoying music since it was delivered. This little integrated is worth far more than its pricetag. I love movies, used to watch them all the time, haven't seen one since the amp arrived..the music is so inviting and engaging. I'm so grateful that I found these amps when I did, saved me a lot of time looking around, if your remotely thinking about a Virtue amp, maybe on the fence..jump in!!!! This is the best piece I have ever heard, ever...OK...phew!! Just had to get that out...all better now.
Thanks Seth :rock:
-
Here is my Two.2 with Sonicap Gen I and Gen 2 bypass caps.
Thanks to Jason for verifying the board for me as I started desoldering a couple weeks ago and just got back to finishing the job. :duh:
This is still in the garage but I will be comparing to my classic Two with auricaps. Initial impression is very positive. I see why Danny Richie likes sonicaps.
Installation is kind of a pain as the One and Two are designed to be cute and not for DIY, so everything is very cramped. Plus sonicaps have uninsulated solid leads and due to the cramped conditions on the Two you have to insulate the leads and for the same reason stranded leads would be much easier to work with.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Y763BwnG2WE/TFJ198Gzu_I/AAAAAAAABJE/2touBgZ2uo0/s800/Virtue%20Two%20Sonicaps%20001.JPG)
-
Nice! What's the voltage of the Sonicap 2.2uf? Did you use 0.1uf or 0.01uf for the Gen II?
-
They are the 200vdc sonicaps. I used .1uf for the bypass cap.
I will be comparing this to the Classic Two with auricaps and than add a bypass cap to the Classic Two and see what kind of a difference that makes.
Nice! What's the voltage of the Sonicap 2.2uf? Did you use 0.1uf or 0.01uf for the Gen II?
-
I have had my TWO.2 for a month and a half and haven't stopped enjoying music since it was delivered. This little integrated is worth far more than its pricetag. I love movies, used to watch them all the time, haven't seen one since the amp arrived..the music is so inviting and engaging. I'm so grateful that I found these amps when I did, saved me a lot of time looking around, if your remotely thinking about a Virtue amp, maybe on the fence..jump in!!!! This is the best piece I have ever heard, ever...OK...phew!! Just had to get that out...all better now.
Thanks Seth :rock:
lol....I know what you mean. I even called DirectTV last week and had them shut off my service. No need to watch TV any more.
-
It would be interesting to know the comparison. I just got the M451 last month. I'm still researching which cap to use. Is there a reason you chose .1uf instead of .01uf and Sonicap Gen II instead of Platinum? I'm not sure if I got this right. .1uf will bypass around 80hz while the .01uf will bypass at around 800hz. Thanks!
They are the 200vdc sonicaps. I used .1uf for the bypass cap.
I will be comparing this to the Classic Two with auricaps and than add a bypass cap to the Classic Two and see what kind of a difference that makes.
-
I got the sonicaps from Danny Richie of GR Research and that is the value he uses for bypass caps. The idea behind the bypass cap is that it helps discharge the cap faster. A .1uf cap will be carrying an audible portion of the spectrum and a .01uf cap will not. In my case (with the Gen II) it probably doesn't matter if the cap is audible or not because it is similar quality to the Gen I. When going with the platinum I would think you want to go with a .1uf versus .01uf because the platinum cap is of much higher quality, but Gary Dodd is the expert and he likes the .01uf in amps so I would defer to his opinion. The only reason I went with the Gen II instead of the platinum is cost. I am playing around with bypass caps right now and the platinum are just too much for my budget.
It would be interesting to know the comparison. I just got the M451 last month. I'm still researching which cap to use. Is there a reason you chose .1uf instead of .01uf and Sonicap Gen II instead of Platinum? I'm not sure if I got this right. .1uf will bypass around 80hz while the .01uf will bypass at around 800hz. Thanks!
-
They are the 200vdc sonicaps. I used .1uf for the bypass cap.
I will be comparing this to the Classic Two with auricaps and than add a bypass cap to the Classic Two and see what kind of a difference that makes.
could you pls follow through with this A-B'ing? ... would be too interesting to know
cheers
al
-
+1 on letting us know how you make out....my TWO.2 has Auricaps and I want to find out if the Sonicaps are something I should try, mine sounds superb right now, can it actually sound better?? :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
-
i am by no means a fanboy type of person, :nono:
... but the TWO.2 is a darn good piece of audio-equipment ...
amazing sound (and when I say that, I do NOT mean "for the price") ...
i mean "amazing sound, period!"
I wanted to do a shootout w/ other small amps I have (Miniwatt, KingRex) ... but the TWO.2 sounds CLEARLY better than either of those - it doesnt even make sense to do the shootout in my setup (EMU 0404USB-DAC - amp - Hornshoppe The Horn) :thumb:
kudos, seth, kudos! :notworthy:
salu2
Al
-
Going on vacation this week, but I will definitely do this. :thumb:
could you pls follow through with this A-B'ing? ... would be too interesting to know
cheers
al
-
Thanks dvenardos for the helpful information! I'll play around with different caps (Sonicap Gen I & II, Mundorf SIO, Multicap RTX) for few months then I'll experiment on bypassing.
-
Hey Al,
Thanks for the kudos! I really appreciate it... we've done many things wrong but the TWO.2 was not one of them. You waited long enough for yours.... thank you!
Seth
-
I took my TWO.2 down with me to visit my kids over the weekend and had them driving some JBL 4311B Control Monitors in a large living room, and the TWO easily drove them and filled the room with great sound. My kids now understand why Dad is so "into Hi-Fi"...I am
a fanboy!!!... Can you be a fanboy at 52?? :dance:
-
Back from vacation. I got the Two.2 bypassing the pot, in my main system, and breaking in. :thumb:
+1 on letting us know how you make out....my TWO.2 has Auricaps and I want to find out if the Sonicaps are something I should try, mine sounds superb right now, can it actually sound better?? :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
-
Danny Richie said that the sonicaps are slightly cleaner and have less coloration. I wish I could report something different, but so far I am stuck with, "What he said.". :notworthy:
-
dvenardos--How is the new sound???
-
They sound very good. Clean and articulate, uncolored. I am going to add bypass caps to the auricaps and see if that makes any difference to their sound. The sonicaps are slightly cleaner than the auricaps and more neutral. The auricaps have a slightly warm coloring, which isn't bad. I like both caps, but I like the sonicaps better.
dvenardos--How is the new sound???
-
Thanks for the kudos! I really appreciate it... we've done many things wrong but the TWO.2 was not one of them.
Above from Virtue,!. give yourself more credit then that,, Anybody can do low or lower priced goods,but to make them to stand up to audiophile standards is a whole new deal,and not price gouge when you clearly could is a sign of a good company.Especially in light of all the digital amps that are out there. Someday i will give one a try hopefully.
-
dvenardos- Thanks for the update...decisions, decisions...
bummrush- If at all possible, try a Virtue unit, I'm very happy with my TWO.2, I got lucky and found a great company and a great guy in Seth right from the get go--saved me a ton of wasted time finding the right combination, its all about the music and its very apparent when you do business with them that the music is number #1 :dance:
-
I will see what happens,i've been very lucky to get exceptional buys on some stuff,so i will see what happens there and go from there.
-
If you already have the auricaps in the Two hang on for when I install the Sonicap Gen 2 bypass caps. I think that will make a nice combination and would be a very cheap upgrade. I will be able to get back with that next week.
dvenardos- Thanks for the update...decisions, decisions...
-
Cool!!! I got the Auricaps, will wait for your thoughts..it'll be a ways off anyway until I do anything, I like to make lists of possible upgrade/additions/tweaks etc..
TY
-
This is my listening impression I mailed to Seth and he wanted me to post it here.
Hi Seth,
I have had the Virtue (the one with virtue caps and single input) for
the last 20 odd days. It has been broken in for about 60 hours.
For comparison I have had
Conrad Johnson MV 60 SE-- Virtue sounds much cleaner, nuances are
much better presented. The cj is much more tubey sounding but
definitely coloured. Much more so than I liked over long listening
sessions. The difference is more apparent in movie watching.
McIntosh MC275 -- they had a more heavy handed approach to music. The
nuances are even more subdued. The major sounds like treble, midrange
and bass are robustly presented but the intermixing small details are
subdued.
First Watt F5- Here the presentations were different but not better.
The bass was more pronounced in F5 but details are as prevalent as
Virtue audio. In movie watching this means more slam in explosions,
more rumble, more visceral impact.
I have returned Mcintosh and cj and am left with Virtue and F5. The
battery power supply is great and brings it on par with anything else
I have heard.
Is there any way I can bring the bass more slam.
My speakers are klipschorns. I really want to keep the virtue as they
have tremendous WAF (never underestimate it). It allows me to keep my
living room looking tidy.
Can you think of a way in which this can be achieved?
Can you break in the equipment before shipping it out?
Will the sound change much more (it has not changed much in the last
20 hours or so)?
Thanks for your help.
He replied back on Sunday within few hours. Great guy, great company policy.
They have a great product on their hands. I have also heard Marantz reference amplifier with their own pre amplifier with these klipschorns and they were good in their own way but more traditional sounding ( great sounding bass, mids but airiness was missing, more like Mcintosh MC 275).
I have not heard red wine audio or the other british integrated amps.
Still looking for the bass slam in these amps though.
-
Are you using a sub?
-
No sub. Just full range speaker.
-
I use a sub and get that slam if I want it with movies, cut it back a bit for music if need be.... Subs are a good thing in my opinion. If you have a preamp bypass the volume pot on the 2, that'll get ya some slam
-
You won't get your 'slam' with batteries. Try a good mains supply. :wink:
-
While the K-horns are big, they are horns and as such have to be huge in order to do deep bass. The K-horns are only rated down to 40 Hz. Additionally note that they fell out of favor with the early/harsh solid state amps and with stereo as so few rooms have two adjoining corners with the recommended 9 feet of solid wall from the corners where they must be installed. Like so many speakers from the mid 20th century they were bass weak as the available tube amps were tiny and had loose/exagerated bass. So big speakers without deep bass were perfect matches.
It speaks well for the Virtue amps that they are smooth enough to mate well with the K-horns.
-
This makes perfect sense then. The bass was plentiful with cj so i holds to reason that it needs a tube amp with flabby bass. The virtue is good bass only not as much as others.
I would hate to put a subwoofer in a room with 2 gigantic speakers.
Without the batteries they sounded pretty harsh. In fact until I had the batteries on (break in was contributing to it too) the system sounded very harsh, top end was brittle, mids were recessed and there was not much bass to speak of. Almost with in few hours of putting on the battery supply the sound became much more relaxed. I was never sure that a battery power supply makes so much of difference but by jove does it. Probably because the Khorns are 105 db/watt sensitive.
I also have the Miniwatt (the four tube version) and the original T amp- sonic impact. Not a close competition. Again, until I but the batteries on the Miniwatt was clearly more refined but just too quick. I have not tried using the battery power on the sonic impact T amp.
Thanks for all your input. I guess I wanted to post my impressions as I did not see a comparison to cj or Mc275 and like on this thread.