Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Tempting new Virtual Dynamics power cord-- $50!
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Tempting new Virtual Dynamics power cord-- $50! - Page 6  

post #76 of 698
5/12/02 at 1:45am
The problem is that the Absolute Power Cord is well burned-in, while the Power 3 isn't. I should probably wait a couple of months before commenting...

Nah.

The Power 3 is big. It weighs more than the ZOTL I wanted to use it on. Required some twists and turns to get it positioned...it doesn't like to bend. I then listened to some music using the APC I'm used to, then the Power 3, then APC again, then Power 3. Note that these cords are sufficiently different that I couldn't run a blind test

Initial impression is bass bloat. That seems to diminish quickly, so burn-in seems to have started. However, the next thing that I noticed was cleaner imaging. Hmmm...could be a novelty effect, but a return to the APC definitely muddied the image. Further, the volume level that sounded good was higher on the APC than the Power 3. That's either a lower noise floor, better dynamics or both with the Power 3. I'm impressed. If this cord burns in well, and maintains or betters its current (sic) performance, it's a winner.

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

post #77 of 698
5/12/02 at 10:58am
>>>>>>>
The Power 3 is big. It weighs more than the ZOTL I wanted to use it on. Required some twists and turns to get it positioned...it doesn't like to bend.
<<<<<<<

Normally I would have demoed VD power cords in my system by now because of favaorable comments and low price etc. But the
size/stiffness issue should not be dismissed, especially if you have
small components to connect like headphone amp, DAC etc. Believe me I have tried some stiff cords in the past, and when you have 4-5 cords used for rack system it can be a real pain in the a**.

I may still try the more expensive VD Audition cord since it is composed of 3 smaller cords I think it bends easier than VD basic, power 3, power 2. Still it is a big heavy AC cord, wish they could make smaller more flexible design. I know it is the sound that counts, but some attention has to be paid to ease of use.

For under $100 AC cords if you can live with stiffness/size issue the VD Basic, Power 3 sound like great deals, especially with 14 day trail period.
post #78 of 698
5/12/02 at 1:55pm
Thread Starter 
dcg and Hirsh,
Thanks for taking a chance on the Power 3 and for taking the time to compare and post thoughts.

It's intersting that Hirsh, who seems to be more impressed than dcg, was able to use the cord in his place on his gear in the environment he was used to. I wonder what Dusty thought?

Can I ask what source you were using for the tests, whether the music you were using was well-known to all parties, how long you listened, and what was the cord plugged into (wall or conditioner)?

DarkAngel,
The Audition and above cords have receptacles that rotate 360 degrees to facilitate making a connection. Let us know what you get, and how it does! If you like what you hear, also check out their ICs, they're incredible.

markl
post #79 of 698
5/12/02 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally posted by markl
dcg and Hirsh,
It's intersting that Hirsh, who seems to be more impressed than dcg, was able to use the cord in his place on his gear in the environment he was used to. I wonder what Dusty thought?

Can I ask what source you were using for the tests, whether the music you were using was well-known to all parties, how long you listened, and what was the cord plugged into (wall or conditioner)?
We really didn't get a chance to do any formal A/B testing while we were all here. Too much to listen to, too little time. dcg left the Power 3 with me, and I set it up with the ZOTL later, so the comparisons I posted were mine alone.

I had both cords plugged into a Monster HTS-2000 power conditioner. Berning MicroZOTL with tubes that have actually stayed the same for a few days (Amperex Bugle Boys (Holland) in front of Sylvania VT-231's). Source was Rotel 955 and modded ART DI/O. Elco DC-32 digital cable, Homegrown Audio Silver Lace analog cable, Calrad phone to RCA adapter for the DI/O. Listening done with HP-1 and CD3K. Music was very familiar, as it's the same as I had been using to listen to 12AT7's recently.

I'm hearing pretty much the same thing today that I did last night, and remain impressed with this cord. It adds authority to sound of the ZOTL, which greatly enhances the impact of this amp. My SHA-1 has a captive power cord, so I can't test the Power 3 with it (could be time for a modification here...)

post #80 of 698
5/12/02 at 2:36pm
<<<<<<
The Audition and above cords have receptacles that rotate 360 degrees to facilitate making a connection. Let us know what you get, and how it does! If you like what you hear, also check out their ICs, they're incredible.
>>>>>>>
Mark
Is that for male and female connections on AC cord, or just female end.......very useful feature for stiff cords, never seen that before.

Someone told me that although VD AC cords are very stiff once they are bent they hold their shape like large piece of pipe cleaner, is this is correct? That would also be very useful trait.(although most stiff cables I've used always want to spring back to unbent position)
post #81 of 698
5/12/02 at 2:45pm
Thread Starter 
Hirsh,
As a former owner of a ZOTL, I can imagine having to put weights on the top of it to keep it in place with the Power 3! That cord may weigh more than the ZOTL!


DarkAngel,
As far as I know, the rotating connections are on both ends.

The IC cables I have stay in place when you bend them, but the power cords seem to have a "memory" and want to go back *somewhat* to the original position.

markl
post #82 of 698
5/12/02 at 3:08pm
Mark,

I should make it clear that my test of the Power 3 was pretty much in the worst of conditions - unfamiliar everything. Source, amp, source material, cables, tubes, basically no break-in, all of it. Add to that the fact that I listened very briefly, and you'll know why I'm slightly disappointed, but not too concerned, at least not yet. In fact, I've got three more of these cords in the mail, so eventually I'll be able to hook up both the cdp and zotl. I'll be interested to hear which is affected more. Until then, I'll reserve judgement. Just wanted to post my initial impressions, and also I'd like to note that even Dusty wasn't really familiar with the Hap-02, as we just found some tubes that worked with it at Hirsch's.
post #83 of 698
5/13/02 at 4:59pm
Just talked to Ric at VD, and I worked out a deal to get some Signature ICs, more to come

He did try to sell me some VD power cords, but I'll stick with my AP Power Ovals and PS Audio UO for now...........I hate stiff AC cords!
post #84 of 698
5/13/02 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 
Wow, DarkAngel, you don't mess around! Way to go on the Signature, those are a step up from my Reference. are they cyo-ed? Where in your system are you going to put 'em? Please let us know how they perform!

Say, why stop at the Signature, why not go for the Nite Series, his new reference?






markl
post #85 of 698
5/13/02 at 8:38pm
Yes, Ric said there will soon be Nite review issued, wouldn't say where, and it will be rave about Nite cable........we will see.
The Nites look incredibly bulky.......I had reservations about
the Ref/Sig cables stiffness, hope I can work it out.

The Sigs ICs look just like your Refs same size, I have the older ones with the white cable jacket vs new ones with black jacket.
These are the style shown in pictures at website for Ref IC. Yes these are fully tricked out Sigs (cryo-ed etc) that were dealer demo he just happen to have on hand and cut me good deal.

Well they will have to go between Bel Canto Dac 1.1 - MF A3cr Preamp, or MF A3cr Preamp - MF Amps........I will have to experiment, if they are too stiff I will have to use between preamp - amp. They are too sweet to use for Preamp- MOHR connection, heh,heh,heh.
post #86 of 698
5/13/02 at 9:18pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah from that pic, they may be as fat as the Power3's! In talking (complaining ) to Rick about Power 3 stiffness he went into detail why its necessary to the design, and does actually contribute to performance.

When will you get em?

markl
post #87 of 698
5/13/02 at 11:41pm
Quote:
Originally posted by markl
Yeah from that pic, they may be as fat as the Power3's! In talking (complaining ) to Rick about Power 3 stiffness he went into detail why its necessary to the design, and does actually contribute to performance.

When will you get em?

markl
I won't be getting any VD power cords because of stiffness/size issue, although Power 3 seems to be a real winner and could possibily be the best sounding cord for under $100. I checked with other owners of VD power cords and theirs don't have the rotating plug feature.........maybe this was just very recent addition?

Didn't ask Ric today about this
post #88 of 698
5/14/02 at 12:51am
Thread Starter 
Sorry, wasn't brow-beating you about the Power 3's. I was just asking when you expect to receive the ICs.

markl
post #89 of 698
5/14/02 at 8:40am
Already sent me Fed-x tracking number, but Sigs ship today (tuesday) and have 3 day shipping service so Friday at the latest.
Although they are demos, I will probably burn them a couple days on system #2 after long trip before installing in main rig.

This means my spare cable basket gets fuller, or some sales are needed at Audiogon.
post #90 of 698
5/15/02 at 2:45am
Wheeee, FedEx dropped off 6 Power 3 cables to me today! 3 of them are Hirsch's, mind you. The box was heavy, I was lucky to get them inside without giving myself a hernia. Meanwhile, I still have no good outlets to plug them into, but I'm having a hell of a good time sitting here looking at them.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
This thread is locked  

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Tempting new Virtual Dynamics power cord-- $50!