[kernelbob]

I recently purchased a complete set of the Von Schweikert Audio Master-Built cables.  A four meter set of the VSA Ultimate Reference interconnects (balanced) now connect an ARC REF-3 control amp to a pair of Spectron Musician III Mk2 power amps (with V-cap and Bybee upgrades).  VSA Signature biwire speaker cables connect the Spectrons to VSA VR-5 Anniversaries.  A pair of the VSA Signature Chords power the Spectrons.   A one meter set of the VSA interconnects (also balanced) will connect a new DAC to the REF-3.  For the moment, I'm using a basic Sony BluRay player, a BDP-BX2, for digital input through old single-ended interconnects after my long term DAC lost a channel a few weeks ago.  I got the VSA cabling all at the same time, receiving them ten days ago.  I've used or heard various manufacturers' cables over the last 30 years or more, but this is my first experience with the VSA cables.

Last fall I moved from a house with a listening room of about 14' x 21' to one with a listening room of 20' x 50' to 70' with an arched ceiling of 9' to 10' 9".  After moving to the new location, I've had several conversations with Albert regarding the possibility of adding a pair of his subwoofers.  My system seemed to lack deep bass impact and extension in the larger space.  First, though, I decided to try a set of the VSA cables.  I ordered a full set, since Albert and the folks at Delphi Aerospace emphasize that to hear the cables' potential you need to have them throughout the component chain.  A no-risk return policy convinced me to try the set.

The interconnects and speaker cables were conditioned at VSA for 300 to 500 hours on a cable cooker.  The power cords were not conditioned.  I was told that the power cords would reach most of their potential in two weeks or so, but would sound pretty good out of the box.

I installed the speaker cables first.  This resulted in improved frequency extremes, speed, and dynamic contrasts.  The most noticeable characteristic was a sense of balance and consistency throughout the frequency range.  This is one of the things I expected with the high purity 100% copper design.  Previous cables I've auditioned that had multiple metal alloy compositions always had dissimilar sonic signatures in various portions of the spectrum.

Next I added the interconnects feeding the Spectrons.  This expanded the qualities I heard in the speaker cables.  First, the sense of frequency balance and smoothness was increased.  By smoothness, I don't mean rolled off or opaque, but a gentleness on the ear, still with fast transients when they occur (in spades) and with more air, not glassy or aggressive.  I really noticed the correctness of the presentation after attending an opera on the day after the cables arrived.  There's nothing like a live orchestra in an excellent venue and unamplified voices to recalibrate your aural judgment.  The interconnects added, or more correctly, allowed more dynamics, micro dynamics, transient detail, and depth to come through.  Instruments had more of their correct timbre and much of an upper midrange congestion that I had been living with was eliminated.  Keep in mind that the source end of my system is still hobbled with an entry level player and single ended non-VSA interconnects, so this is an incomplete end-to-end evaluation.

The system was sounding much more impressive than before and since I had guests visiting, I didn't want to spend all of our time together in audioland.  Since I already had some excellent power cables on the Spectrons (with prices over $1k each), I decided to allow my guests to just enjoy the rest of the weekend.

So, I didn't install the pair of VSA power cords until the following Monday.  I was expecting another increment of improvement, if only from the suggested synergy of a full set of VSA cabling.  Now, I know we've all read our share of audio hyperbole and purple prose about the component du jour, so I'll try to keep this as succinct as possible.  I powered off the Spectrons, but left the source running at moderate volume, so music was playing when I powered up the amps.  When I powered up the first Spectron with the VSA power cord in place, I was stunned by the transformation of the sound-- just standing between the speakers.  After a minute of listening to the system, it was clear this was a wholly different quality than I've heard at home or at any dealer's setup.

The changes after the addition of the power cables are in three categories.
1)  the timbre of instruments is much more accurate.  The best description is that the timbres are more focused, what I'd call timbral coherence.  The essence of woodwinds, strings, horns, vocals is much more intact whether in solo or in complex orchestral passages.  It's not a subtle difference.  You hear much more of the characteristic sound of each instrument.  I especially notice this on woodwinds-- e.g. clarinets, oboes, etc., though it's evident with other instruments and voices.
2)  Bass is more full and deep.  I just saved the cost of adding subwoofers.  The bass is also more integrated with the rest of the frequency range.  The larger stringed instruments, especially the double bass have bowing transient detail now integrated with the weight of deep bass.
3) The image is much more spacious.  The difference is like going from a very good movie theater to an IMAX.  Yes, it is that much of a jump.

Remembering that I had inserted the power cords last, I tried removing the interconnect cables, leaving the other VSA cables in place.  At first, it seemed like only a subtle change, but within a minute it was clear that micro dynamics were impacted and that much of that timbral coherence was compromised.  So back in they went.

I want to avoid stressing or flexing the cables since that would affect the crystal structure over time.  I purchased several short desktop microphone stands to clamp the cables in place.  I use them on the power cables at the outlets and to clamp the speaker cables above the power amps so they approach the amps from the top instead of laying on top of the power cord at the IEC connection.  I use a microphone stand with a boom to clamp the speaker cables at the mid/tweeter connection.  One note, be sure to use a plastic clamp, not a metal one to avoid interacting with the signal.

A word on cost/benefit.  If Spectron offered an upgrade to the amps at the price of the VSA power cords that elevated the amps' performance to a degree equal to what the VSA power cords provided, I'd have been very satisfied with the resulting improvements and counted the price as a bargain.  For the record, I know Spectron offers their own power cords, but I haven't tried them.  In my system and environment, the improvement also saved the investment in a pair of subwoofers.

I hadn't ordered a power cord for the REF-3, since my experience with trying other power cords didn't provide much improvement with it (others have reported the same result), so I was planning on keeping the very good one I had already installed.  After hearing the impact of the power cables on the power amps, I've ordered another of the VSA power cords to try on the REF-3.  If it doesn't prove worth the cost, I can always return it.

I haven't made a rigorous comparison of the VSA cables with a range of alternatives, so this isn't intended as a comprehensive review, but as a description of my experience with installing the VSA cables in my system.  I've avoided referencing other manufacturer's products as much as possible, since I didn't approach this as a shoot-out.  I'd like to hear others' experience with the VSA cables using their components.

Just FYI.  I have no business relationship with VSA or any audio manufacturer, dealer, or for that matter any aerospace company.

[kernelbob]

I received a request from the moderator to introduce myself before releasing my attached evaluation post of the VSA cables.  I first heard the orginal VR-4 speakers and was impressed with their qualities, but never quite made a purchase.  I first heard the VR-6 speakers in the late 1990's shortly after they were introduced.  Albert had come to my local audio store for an evening's meet and greet and to show the new VR-6's.  I bought a pair shortly after that.  I tend to keep audio equipment for long periods, wanting to avoid the expense of frequent system changes.  So it was only in the last couple of years that I upgraded to the VR-5 Anni's.  Even then, I've held on to the VR-6's which are now in my bedroom system.  I suppose if I ever want a multichannel system, I'd use the 6's for the rear, but I'm pretty much a dyed in the wool 2 channel guy.  As I mention in my evaluation post, I started thinking about making a system change to try to improve the bass weight and extension of my system after moving into a new house last fall.  I knew my speaker cables and interconnects were a weak point in my system, so I decided to try the VSA cables first.  After discussions with Albert, I agreed to also try the power cords, though I really had modest expectations of an improvement from my existing power cords.  I work in IT (the kernel in my moniker is a computer reference, not agricultural) and am only involved in audio from a passion for music.  Most of my listening is classical and opera, though with an eclectic mix of other genre.  I've followed the posts on AudioCircle for quite a while, but have never submitted any posts of my own.  I'll be happy to respond to any questions regarding my VSA evaluation post, but would prefer not to go into negative comments about equipment.  Lastly, there's three types of knowledge-- that we know, that we know we don't know, and that we don't even know we don't know.  That third category is the tricky one and should keep us open to new discoveries.  Cheers.

[JackD201]

Thanks for sharing Bob I use the same cables and I too am very happy. To me they are some of the least subtractive cables around. Like you said, they are balanced from top to bottom but lucky you, yours were already cooked. I've got a 12 meter run of XLRs that still needs a lot of hours

[Delacroix]

Nice words Bob -- welcome to the Forum.

How about some pics and some info on prices. I have Spectron monos and would be keen to learn more about the power cords; it's just that I seem to have developed an allergic reaction to spending a lot of money on power cords

[ceedee]

Nice words Bob -- welcome to the Forum.

How about some pics and some info on prices. I have Spectron monos and would be keen to learn more about the power cords; it's just that I seem to have developed an allergic reaction to spending a lot of money on power cords

Hello mr. Delacroix,

Remember, a powercord is the most important 'piece of the chain'. This is were it all starts. When the power is not correct, the components never bring you the music you expect they should give.

Regards,

Cor

[Delacroix]

No argument from me that there can be differences as a result of power cords, I am just allergic to dropping serious coin on them given the relatively small differences they seem to make in my rig -- but I am keen to learn more about the VSA cords.....

[es347]

PCs are a tough one to figure given the miles of copper and aluminum, unshielded I might add, that lie ahead of them.  It's hard to understand how that last 5 feet can make a difference but it does...or at least I've convinced myself that it does 

[BigSwede]

PCs are a tough one to figure given the miles of copper and aluminum, unshielded I might add, that lie ahead of them.  It's hard to understand how that last 5 feet can make a difference but it does...or at least I've convinced myself that it does 

I went through that same logic...with the same result. And it annoys the heck out of me...

[es347]

Well you're talking to a power engineer with 43 years of experience so yeah annoyed would describe it 

[StereoNut]

I could be wrong, but it sounds (pardon the pun) like Bob has more $$$ invested in wire, than my whole system is worth!  I think someone already asked this, but I'll ask it again...

How much did it cost you to connect your system with all VSA wire?

Thanks!
SN

[es347]

About the cost of a Chevy Aveo 

[kernelbob]

The cables are of course not inexpensive.  I'm into the five figure range for the VSA interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords for my system. 

I'm in the same boat as far as why power cords in particular should make an improvement of the kind I've heard-- you scratch your head when you realize that there's all that crap behind those power cords that should choke off potential for that kind of improvement.  It makes me start thinking wrong thoughts around rewriting my circuits (with what?).  That would at least surely be relatively inexpensive.  There's also possibilities like balanced power transformers... somebody stop me.

Regarding break-in of the power cords.  Now that I have a couple of weeks on them, I find that the sound field has fleshed out.  That timbral coherence is still very obvious even on a TV audio feed, but in retrospect, when I first powered up the system with them, the sound was (by comparison to now) a bit bleached.  Of course at the time, it sounded amazing.  It's only in comparison to now that I'd classify it that way.

Regarding the Spectron monoblocks, as I mentioned, I haven't tried their add-on power cord(s), but the amps sure do like the VSA power cords.  The change really did sound like a major upgrade in terms of low end punch, extension, top end air (more tube-like), tighter, etc.  And that was with replacing a $1k+ power cord that itself provided significant benefits.

Incidently, before the VSA cabling arrived, I replaced some really crappy AC power outlets.  I tried three audio AC outlets including the Porter Ports and a Shunyata (loaned by a friend).  Both of them worked very well.  The Shunyata was a bit more open and larger sounding, but the Porter Ports were a very close second.  Since I had the PP on hand, I kept those for now.

Last thing, I've been using what used to be called Caig ProGold for many years for contact optimization.  I got a fresh batch which is now called DeOxit Gold that was in a set packaged with their red cleaning product (used on the wiring coming out of the wall, that was ugly).  I'd highly recommend this stuff.  It keeps a grittiness out of your system.  I've not found any downsides.

[es347]

I have spent untold hours beating myself up over the PC issue.  I found that the only component on which they made a detectable difference, for the better, was on the front end...my cd/sacd player.  Nada on either the pre or power amps.  IMHO spending 5 figures on cabling is...how shall I say this...excessive 

[kernelbob]

to es347, with regard to VSA power cables' relative potentials in the audio chain, with my limited experience in this area, I can't reach any general conclusions.  So far, the only component on which I've tried the VSA power cables are the Spectrons, so I have only that one data point.  As I discussed, the change on their performance in my system was very substantial.  My previous experience with other power cords was the opposite of what you report.  Significant improvement on the Spectron, a minor improvement on a DAC, and little improvement the REF-3 (better contrast, quieter background, not much difference in terms of dynamics or overall harmonic richness).  Again, I only have one previous experience with third party power cords for each of these (well two flavors for the REF-3) and I'm enough in the dark to not venture as to what to expect with VSA cables at those points in the chain.  I held off ordering cables for upstream components in my initial set based on my prior experience of less impact on those components than on the Spectrons.  I really didn't want to order a custom 20-amp connector power cord (required for the REF-3) only to return it to Albert.  Since hearing the initial set, I've ordered a VSA power cable to try on my REF-3 which is in the production queue at Delphi.  If, as you mention, I should expect more impact on the REF-3 than on the Spectrons, well, that would be sweet.  Regards.

I'm not disagreeing with your perspective or your experience, just reporting on mine.  Regarding power cords in general, I still feel like I'm groping around in a darkened room and appreciate the results of other's experiences in this area.  Trying VSA cables in other parts of my system at least will add some illumination to my explorations.

[Afterimage]

when researching for info. on the Uni 3s, I came across a review where the reviewer used a pair of 5 thousand dollar (I think) VSA speaker cables.  If speaker cables have a huge impact on the sound as many claim, then I disregarded this review.  How many people are going to have speaker cables in that range?  A few yes but if the reviewer wanted to describe the speaker's attributes to audiophiles he should have used less expensive cables too.  However, if the cables have minimal impact, then everything is should be okay with the review.  But, if speaker cables have minimal impact, then why spend 5 thousand dollars?

[es347]

Compelling argument afterimage 

[bentknee]

  I'll chime in here. I recently did some power cord experimentation due to getting a Basis turntable and arm. While waiting for the new tt to arrive I deceided to move my Shunyata Python Helix from line stage pre-amp to amp and move the Anaconda Alpha to the pre from the amp. The same cords in different places. The difference was very clear in that the image got tighter and slightly clearer. A good thing right! No! The musicality and sweetness of the midrange suffered so I moved things back again and it was just right again. When the tt arrived I hooked it up to everything that was connected to the old VPI. The new tt was fantastic at dynamics and detail and had the quietest background I have ever heard from a tt. The problem was it did not grab me musically. The cable on the tonearm can't be changed so I went to work on powercords and tubes. I wound up going with a pair of RCA tubes replacing the tele's in the Phono amp. I tried 4 power cords, 2 Shunyatas Python and Taipan and two patch cords one that came with the tt and one that I think came with an amp. The bottom line is the amp patch cord clearly won. I am now very pleased with the sound.
 I believe all of us could hear what I heard but we might come to different conclusions about which sounds better. Our musical tastes and system synergy are the most important components of any system. The bottom line is I am glad that I don't manufacture stereo equiptment because there are to many variables that cannot be controlled!  
  Blessings , Bob 

[kernelbob]

regarding reply #14, I've not read the review you mentioned, but I wanted to address the suggestion that the reviewer should have used less expensive cables.  I'd suggest two points...

First-- interconnect and speaker cable quality is essentially subtractive.  That is, if you use a theoretical (and unobtainable) reference of perfection, then there would be no change to the active components' signal output.  I include speakers as active components due to interactions such as backwave EMF coloring cables with poor dielectrics and in other ways.  There's a camp that looks to speaker cables and/or interconnects exhibiting anomalies that compensate for speaker deficiencies, however, cable anomalies don't manifest themselves in isolated domains.  For example, frequency response deviations are associated with phase errors.  A subdued top end may result from dielectric storage which impacts coherence, focus, and microdynamics.  Attempting to fix an anomaly in a speaker by looking for an inverse anomaly in cables is fraught with difficulties and any possible synergies tend to be unique combinations, not applicable to a broad range of systems.

So, what we want are speaker cables and interconnects with a minimum of deficiencies-- subtracting as little quality as possible.  If a reviewer wants to get an accurate understanding of a speaker's qualities, the first neccessity is to try to isolate the speaker's qualities from other components by using cables with as few negative attributes as possible.  I'm not suggesting that the VSA cables are perfect or the only valid choice, only that in the real world they have fewer subtractions of quality than many alternatives independent of the brand of speakers used.  I see no reason why their use should invalidate an evaluation of a speaker.

Second-- I would never form an opinion of the quality of a product based on its price.  It's quite possible that in any comparison, a less expensive component may have superior performance.  If, for the sake of discussion, quality could be estimated by price, should a reviewer use less expensive cables in order to introduce more inaccuracies?  In that case, which types of inaccuracies should the reviewer try to add-- phase, frequency reponse, dielectric interaction, time smearing, loss of dynamics, etc. ?

[es347]

Welcome to the forum kernelbob.  You said that you are in IT but you seem to possess a fair understanding of things electrical so just wondering if you would mind telling us a little about your educational background.  This is not a VSA circle rite of pass or anything mind you; just call it mild curiosity.  I really helps, me at least, assign a credibility level to posts like yours.  Thanks in advance.

[kernelbob]

per reply #18 from es347 regarding my background:

My college degree is in chemistry where my particular interest was physical chemistry with minors including physics, math, etc..  I started work in metallurgy and shifted to IT in the early '80s.  I first got interested in audio in the early '70 in college.  My first encounter with the "high end" was when a local audio retailer, one of those "salon" types of stores that are rapidly disappearing, asked me what kind of music I liked and what equipment I was using.  At the time I had large Advents, a Dual turntable, and some receiver (I think a Kenwood).  He offered me (a college kid remember) a loan of an Audio Research SP3 and, as I remember, a D51 for the weekend.  I told him I wouldn't be able to afford that level of equipment, but he insisted.  Needless to say, I was knocked over with their sound.  Some time later after saving up, I bought an SP3 (later sold much to my regret) and went through several unremarkable amplifiers.  I've taken several wrong moves in my audio path.  However, there's a saying something along the lines of "Experience is how we avoid mistakes, but we only gain experience by making mistakes".

You might not be surprised that my mother was an English teacher.  Unfortunatly, I don't have someone to edit my notes, so my apologies for their length.