[gammajo]

Master Built Signature

You may not believe what I am about to tell you, because I barely do and I am listening first-hand. I was willing to accept that wire (above high quality but non-stratospheric) made a small difference in mega systems, but that it was probably not as important in normal systems as a serious upgrade to preamp or source.

I heard many power cords, interconnects and speaker cables, in the $500 to $1,500 range and auditioned and purchased many CD transports, preamps (tube and solid state) and amplifiers. Using live acoustic music and a grand piano in the same room with the system as reference, I finally had my system to a very nice place where all commented that it was clean, clear, resolving without harshness, and involving. It should be noted that I am blessed with very clean power. I am the only house on the outside transformer and the system is wired into a panel separate entirely from the main house.

When asking Albert Von Schweikert for help in deciding what’s next, with me considering new amps, and possible subwoofers, he suggested that I try wiring my system completely with the Master Built Signature series. Having learned to trust him, and the generous return policy – I assented and he sent three power cords, one balanced IC and a set of biwire speaker cables, already broken in. 

I used two CD’s compiled with all my reference tracks spanning orchestral, classical solo (particularly piano and violin), jazz, pop, and rock. Immediately I noticed sound that was about 5% cleaner and clearer, with 10% more air, bloom, and a better sound stage. But the “HOLY COW!” part was that the music was at least 25% more natural and 50% more liquid.  As days passed, I used torture tests: harpsichord, harmonica, organ, brass, woodwind, strings, and percussion all were realistic and wonderful. I tried Metallica and Led Zeppelin to make sure that the liquidity was not artificial and when the music was supposed to be driving and edgy – it was in spades. Yet lovely and liquid music was more so than I have ever heard on any system. Piano which is both liquid and percussive with wood, string, and felt-hammer timbre was spot on.

The overall presentation is shockingly better and more natural. Timbral density and attack/decay at the very high and low frequency extremes is greatly enhanced. Also lowest level detail such as the variations in in-breath for singers from one phrase to another is more naturally apparent – adding greatly to the excitement and realness of the performance. As I relax into listening, the feeling of enjoyment is very close to the best vinyl rigs in density, richness, and naturalness but with the strengths of digital. When I open my eyes the sense of presence of singers and instrumentalists being in the room with you actually increases, speaking to a big increase in presence without any forwardness. This is more than a significant equipment upgrade – it is equivalent to an entire system upgrade! It is substantially better than the changes noticed when I auditioned equipment at four times the current prices of my stuff. I would encourage an audition for people with VR 33 level speakers and above. The investment, while significant is likely to produce more significant satisfaction than any other change you could make. I could not be happier. Thanks Albert!

Equipment:
Ayon CD5’s with 1980 NOS Reflector tubes (Transport, DAC and preamp combined). Nuforce Reference 9 V3SE monoamps (highly modded with on/off and fuse circuits removed, Furtech IEC, Mosaic boxes on top and mass-loaded with lead bags, isolated mechanically and electrically). Von Schweikert VR5 Anniversary MK2 speakers.

[rich58b]

I live in So. Cal. and was able to pick up my order of a pair of VR 33's and have the opportunity to meet Albert Von Schweikert in the process. It would take a couple of paragraphs to say what a great experience that was. He convinced me that I should at least take a pair of the Master Built bi wire cables with me for a trial, to see if I couldn't hear the difference. Having never had the chance to actually A/B a set of speaker wires before, I wasn't convinced that the difference could be what I'd read about. Like you, I assumed that it was only in very high end systems that the speaker cables would make a very noticeable difference.  Albert suggested that I hook up one speaker with my old wire (12 gauge Monster Cable, in a bi wire configuration) and the other speaker with the Master Built.  My VR 33's were brand new, and had no break in time on them when I did the comparison, so I wasn't expecting to hear a lot right away.  But I couldn't believe my ears! It was as though someone had lifted a veil from the sound on one side, and I was hearing my music clearly for the first time. My first impression of the bass was that I had lost a bit at the bottom, but as my ears adjusted to this cleaner sound, I realized that what I was missing was simply the muddiness of what my heavy duty Monster cable wires were adding to the other side!
I now have about 1000 hours on my 33's, and I couldn't be happier with them. They simply sing! I can't recommend these cables highly enough.

[kernelbob]

Hi Gammajo.

Many of your comments in your review of the MasterBuilt Signatures mirrored my experience when I first tried a complete set (I posted my comments in March 2011).  As you mentioned, the sense of "rightness" of musical timbres was one of the most striking characteristics along with extension of bass with improved articulation.

I've gotten used to their performance as the "new normal".  After having these in my system for 2-1/2 years, I've long since become accustomed to their neutrality, musicality, and lack of colorations.  At the same time, they have loads of bass slam, dynamics, and detail all the way up through the frequency range.

With the speaker cables, interconnects, powercords just laying there, one tends to take them for granted after a while.  To refresh your appreciation of their qualities, try substituting another cable.  It's a fun party trick to have skeptical guests (audiophiles or not) see what happens when you switch out a MasterBuilt powercord even with an expensive alternative.

[gammajo]

Yes, it is amazing how easy it is to get used to quality and how one never gets used to something that is irritating in the system. I travel about 20 weeks a year, for a week or more at a time. Every time I come back and listen again - it is like falling in love all over again when things are right.

[gammajo]

Rich58B
Thanks for writing your experience. That was a good way to compare speakers cables that I have never thought of. Congratulation on your 33's many they give you years of pleasure. what I have found VS speakers that as you improve the rest of your system - they just keep getting better and better

[htradtk]

1st post in a while!

I also have the VR-5 Anniversary MKII's and about a year ago, picked up the Masterbuilt Signature Bi-wires and could not believe my ears! So much detail and a much wider soundstage. Since then, I've added the Masterbuilt IC between my McIntosh MC352 and Integra Reciever. These cables are well worth there value. Any news on the Extremes?

Henry

[gammajo]

I have an Ultra Balanced IC on order (couldn't resist ) should take two -three weeks - will report.

[kernelbob]

I can't wait to hear your impressions of the Ultra interconnect!  You'll be making the exact cable comparison I did last March after Axpona, substituting one pair of balanced Ultra interconnects in a full Masterbuilt Signature system.  I won't say anything more until you've heard them, not easy to do.

[gammajo]

Kernel - I am excited to hear it and would love to compare notes. Glad that my system requires only one IC, two foot length.

[gammajo]

Henry
Welcome back! Glad to hear of your experience with the Signatures and Anni's. The Anni's just keep getting better with improvements upstream.

[htradtk]

Thanks!

Just did a search for the Ultra IC's and nothing. I remember a while back Albert said something about a web site being developed by Delphi. Any news on that? Also, what are the prices on the Ultra's?

Henry

[kernelbob]

Delphi is finalizing (or apparently has just finalized) the Ultra's interconnect composition and configuration. By the way, this involved many computer simulations and listening tests.  From what I understand, Gammajo is getting the first of the production IC's.  The production version is very similar to the prototype I evaluated in March, just a wee bit better. 

A web site is coming, yes I know you've heard that before, as are finalized prices.  Believe me though, the Ultras are the real deal and your patience will be rewarded when you can hear what they do.  I'm looking forward to Gammajo's evaluation, especially since he's putting the Ultra interconnect into a full Masterbuilt Signature system which is my reference.

[SundayNiagara]

Delphi is finalizing (or apparently has just finalized) the Ultra's interconnect composition and configuration. By the way, this involved many computer simulations and listening tests.  From what I understand, Gammajo is getting the first of the production IC's.  The production version is very similar to the prototype I evaluated in March, just a wee bit better. 

A web site is coming, yes I know you've heard that before, as are finalized prices.  Believe me though, the Ultras are the real deal and your patience will be rewarded when you can hear what they do.  I'm looking forward to Gammajo's evaluation, especially since he's putting the Ultra interconnect into a full Masterbuilt Signature system which is my reference.

Bob, did you get the speakers?

[kernelbob]

The cabinetry, drivers, upgraded crossovers parts are all on site at VSA and have been for some time.  Once the 100's are assembled and sealed, I don't anticipate them ever being opened.  Sort of like Tut's tomb.  So, I want to make sure all possible performance potential is addressed.  This delay is my initiative.  Albert has been most helpful and patient with my desire to push the edge of the performance envelope.  I can't image any other designer putting up with me.