[Housteau]

I just got word that the VLA bass towers have shipped.  I should have something to share about them later next week.  But, first comes the challenge of logistics.  How to gets crates weighing possibly over 400 lbs into my soundroom and standing upright?

I have a few ideas, but have asked both Brian and John in an email to pass on some of their wisdom and thoughts on the matter.  With any luck I should have a few more good ideas and methods prepared for when the towers arrive.

There is still plenty of mystery surrounding these monoliths.  I am not yet aware of what was found out during the burn in and testing phases that went on these last two weeks.  I just know that they passed Brian's rigorous testing.  So, how do they stack up next to the artificial granite cased Supertowers?  What is the number and compliment of passive drivers?  Yes,  this should be something.

[JLM]

Congrats!

Get a good handtruck and beefy friend to help.

I'd like to see big speakers shipped in wooden crates that have rolling luggage wheels and handles built in.

[Housteau]

I'd like to see big speakers shipped in wooden crates that have rolling luggage wheels and handles built in.

The crates for the tall sections of the V60s did come with nice handles and they were easy to upright and walk into place, but they did not weigh nearly as much.

[John Casler]

While the largest I have moved is the RM40's at less than 300#, the difficult task will likely be the "un-crating".

I think you ask B to mark them as to which way is up, to keep you from having to "flip" them over.

But, if they are like the RM40s or other subs and you need to attach the "slot" and base, you may need to flip them any how.

If that is the case, unless you look like Arnold, you need a refrigerator dolly and at least one other person.

I recently had to flip the RM40's a few times and found my "ottoman" a good tool, that allowed me to remove and re-attach the slot/base and remove the Passive Radiator.

I simply laid the RM40 onto the ottoman, and it was rather easy to work on.

Then when completed, it was easier to again get the speaker upright.

But, you do need at least one person at the bottom end to make sure the speaker doesn't "slide" as you are uprighting it.

Once upright, wiggling it to the right position will be pretty easy.

[Housteau]

But, if they are like the RM40s or other subs and you need to attach the "slot" and base, you may need to flip them any how.

That is something that I have not considered and need to know.  I know the pictures from the factory in China had the bases attached.  Was that just for the photo, or were they also shipped here this way?  If so then the shipping crates were built to accomodate them and so Brian must have shipped them to me in this way?

[Housteau]

I just got the word that the bases will need to be attached.  Thanks John for bringing this point up.  Now my planning can move forward in the right direction.

I also was told that there will be 2 passive 15" drivers, instead of a bottom firing 12" and a single side mounted 15".

[Brian Cheney]

The VLA is a most unusual design in many ways.  I will post details at a later date.

I decided to emphasize speed, transient response, high sensitivity and output levels , and an inert cabinet over extension, which would have required much higher Q drivers and PR's.  System F3 is 28Hz, and I recommend 3 to 5 dB boost at 20Hz from the amp's parametric EQ to fill in the bottom half octave.  Positioning and setup are much accelerated in this approach, and the speaker should reach optimum performance in just a few hours of tweaking regardless of environment.

I can't imagine any VLA owner being less than thrilled with its performance.

[PLMONROE]

I was told that there will be 2 passive 15" drivers, instead of a bottom firing 12" and a single side mounted 15".

Well that sure solves the problem of whether to position them with the side firing woofer facing in or out!

Paul