New pics

fplanner2010 July 29, 2012 23:02

PMD = Pretty Much Done

:-)

fplanner2010 July 24, 2012 22:13

Seems like its probably time for some new pics, as almost everything is different now.. Hopefully this weekend.

fplanner2010 July 24, 2012 12:47

Took us what seemed like FOREVER to replace all the internal wiring of the 7's, as well as the mid-range drivers. There were a lot more connections to be made than we had anticipated.

Initial sound was pretty rough as everything was new, so I ran the system overnite and again this am - total of about 12 hours so far. Sound seems cleaner with less "grunge" - there will apparently be a bunch more break-in required, especially in the wiring going to the bass drivers. Seems like I have lost some of bass "slam" - hoping that's due to the new, heavier gauge wiring to the bass drivers that has to break in? On strong bass tracks, bass is tighter, but not quite as energized as before. Since that is one of the characteristics I really like about the 450's, I hope it comes back QUICKLY!!

The midrange driver seems to be a big improvement over what I had before, and even though they were broken in a bit by Damon, system breakin will definitely be required. At first the midrange really stood out, but with every passing hour, its blending better with the other drivers. There is more info coming out and better imaging already, as well as soundstage depth, which is encouraging at this early stage, if I understand the break-in process correctly.

Overall, I am pretty pleased with the results so far, with the expectation that as the wires and mids break-in, the hints of greatness I'm occasionally hearing will become a regular occurrence. I'll probably continue to run the system overnite as there appears to be a pretty substantial positive effect by doing so.

Any comments or advice welcomed.

fplanner2010 July 22, 2012 19:02

Sorry... :-)

fplanner2010 July 21, 2012 19:18

Congrats! I guess I won't be buying those of you darn it :)

dev July 21, 2012 10:01

450's arrived 2 days ago. WOW. System has been off for 3 weeks - nice to hear music again. Different league than my 300.1s already - more power(obviously), clarity, detail and finesse. Musicality is pretty much off-the-charts and break-in has barely started. Bass slam has also increased noticeably, but in a good way. My VR-7s are happy and about to get a bunch happier ........

VR-7 internal re-wire with VSA SOTA Delta wire and mid-range upgrade/replacement scheduled for this Sat. :-)

fplanner2010 July 19, 2012 23:23

In addition to rewiring my 7's with Delphi wire from VSA, Albert called today and suggested I change out the midrange drivers as well. They have come up with basically a plug-n-play version of their new midrange driver that goes into the Mk2 upgrade for the VR-9's and VR-11's. It doesn't involve any more crossover mods than I've already done and when combined with the wiring upgrade and bypass caps already done, will in effect give me 99% the MK2 upgrade for my 7's. (He said MK2 badges would also be included)

Needless to say, I said yes and should have the VSA wire and mids, etc. within 2 weeks. This should to address my growing concern that my speakers would become the weakest part of my system with the arrival of the 450's. These changes will basically upgrade my speakers to the best of current VSA technology, according to Albert, which should sound pretty decent. :-)

fplanner2010 July 02, 2012 19:16

Roscoeiii - Thanks for the response. While I'm sure the other VSA speakers are quite nice, my Legacy center and rears as well as a Velo dd-15+ give me all the HT performance I could possible want and I am not looking to replace any of them. It has taken literally years to come up with this combination that I really like. Thanks anyhow and good luck.

fplanner2010 July 02, 2012 00:04

Very nice system. I am new to the Von Schweikert family. Got a pair of VR-4 Gen IIs in a big 7 speaker Von Schweikert HT package. No room for the other 5 HT speakers though. Add @gmail to my username and shoot me an e-mail if you might be interested in a full VSA HT set-up to go with the VR-7SEs.

roscoeiii July 01, 2012 16:20

Thanks Sam and Dev -
I can't wait to hear how they control my VSA VR-7se's with the bypass caps mod. I will also be replacing the internal speaker wire with the new Delphi high-end wire VSA is now using.

I ordered a silver pair as I liked the look better than black for my room. I will keep your suggestion in mind Dev, but please don't hold your breath!! :-)

Thanks again for your comments. "The Wait" continues.... :-)

fplanner2010 July 01, 2012 12:33

Congrats! You are going to be very happy indeed :)

What finish did you get? Would love to hear my speakers bi-amped with these :)so if you got a silver pair and don't like them let me know

dev June 30, 2012 23:06

Congrats! Sounds like a positive development all around :)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari June 30, 2012 21:40

Both 300.1s sold to good homes and I know the buyers will love them. 450s probably ready to ship to me next week. Definitely a "Christmas in July"-type feeling! I still can't believe I am actually getting these..... hope I like them :-)

fplanner2010 June 30, 2012 12:23

Getting calls on the 300.1s, however they are still available as of tonite, 6/13. Will probably sell this weekend - thanks for your interest and support. 450's are about 3 weeks out.

fplanner2010 June 14, 2012 03:52

All REASONABLE offers considered :-)

fplanner2010 May 19, 2012 14:03

Well, I've FINALLY done it -- Statement 450's ordered. My Pristine VAC 300.1's are now for sale to a good audio home. Please pm me if interested.

fplanner2010 May 19, 2012 13:38

Had lunch w/ Kevin and Brent in Sarasota yesterday. Very close to ordering a pair of Statement 450's. :-)

fplanner2010 May 12, 2012 12:39

Jeff - ThAnks for the kind words. I recently, very reluctantly, traded my DNA to another a'gon member for a bunch of high- end cables. He got a great deal. If you find 1, you won't be disappointed! Sorry about that....

fplanner2010 May 07, 2012 10:40

Hi Fplanner. Great system. I don't know how to contact you directly, so please excuse me for jumping in here. I am very interesting in finding a DNA 500 for new newly acquired (used) Revel Salon 2 speakers. If you have any interest in selling yours, I am a very interested buyer!!! Thanks much. Also, curious if you've heard the Cary 500mb or Levinson 532h along your path (an enviable path indeed)? Best regards...Jeff

jeffkad May 06, 2012 18:01

Are you asking about the Speaker cells?

fplanner2010 April 29, 2012 03:35

I'd like to learn more about your cabling, namely SR Galileo components.

thesaint519 April 28, 2012 02:37

Hi Bob P -
Congrats on your VAC. There are tons of places to get tubes - I have always gotten mine from Brent Jessee at audiotubes.com. Phone is 847-496-4546. Its very easy to get overwhelmed when you start out with tube rolling - Brent made it very easy for me and I couldn't be happier with the tubes he has recommended and i have gotten from him.

He will also explain to you the 7308's come in all flavors and price ranges, so in most cases, you get what you pay for. I'd give him a call see what he says. Please stay in touch so we hear what you end up doing.

Take care.

Harve

Harve

fplanner2010 April 17, 2012 21:47

Fplanner: I have a VAC Phi Beta pre; with the recent upgrade to allow tube rolling. I just had a bad tube in my stock 6DJ8; and changed my first tube ever! Now my right channel is putting out beautiful music. Where can you recommend I purchase a matched set of the 7308's...glad to hear that you think they are a big step up from the stock VAC tubes...I am new to this tube swapping and need some friendly advice.
Thanks.
Bob P

mribob April 17, 2012 16:09

Newest meaningful change - replaced SR Apex 1m ic between Esoteric source and VAC preamp with SR CTS ic (copper-tungsten-silver), gray bullets. WOW.

Sound stage immediately got wider and deeper. Imaging got noticeably better and the system got more musical. One of my audio friends heard the exact same thing. Bass changed a bit as well, becoming more clear but less pronounced. In other words, the entire presentation got more balanced. The PRAT factor also took a big jump up.

I was concerned about losing some bass, an area where the Apex excels, but so far that has not been the case. Its still there, but its faster and better defined - the notes are more true to the actual presentation and more 3-dimensional.

This CTS ic is just a demo, but I will be getting 1 for real shortly from John at the Cable Company. It has made a very positive difference in my system, much more so than I could have ever imagined, as I finally incorporate some of the new technology from the SR Element Series. No desire to add more CTS cabling - it would definitely be overkill at this point, IMHO. I would quantify this change as about a 1.5 component upgrade, literally. Didn't think I would get such a profound, positive result from this cable - a very pleasant surprise. I guess you never know until you try. :-)

fplanner2010 April 16, 2012 15:17