Virtual Salon

Fighting with a Stiff One

Over six years of selling Virtual Dynamics audio cables we have run into the comments from a few customers saying, jeez, these things are really stiff, big  and heavy.  After clarifying with them that they are talking abut Virtual Dynamics audio cables and not their Christmas lights, I will usually answer with a soft giggle and a "Yes, they are..."

of course, the next question is always, "why don't you make them lighter?"

So, I thought I would share with you why I don't make them lighter.  The simple answer is, the honestly if there was any way that I could do this without compromising the cable's sound I would be the first one to jump on the bandwagon, but it is a big bandwagon, and there are literally thousands of manufacturers building the thing that I refuse to.  Light, flexible audio cables.  Products that do not meet my standards.

I will admit that, from a marketing point of view, Virtual dynamics sucks.  We're not a company that gives customers what they want, in fact, the sole purpose of creating Virtual Dynamics' audio products was to introduce customers to what they really needed and desired above all things, if they are truly an audiophile, and that is, better sound.

Alright, better sound to some is debatable, elusive and not achievable, but I am definitely, and with all certainty, not in that camp.  To me, the idea that some audio products are not better than others, or some cables are not better than other cables, is as ridiculous as square tires for your car.

So what am I getting at?

Well a few of you who have talked to me in person, know that I use the square tire analogy quite commonly, and I would like to explain it and where it came from, but first let me take you on a little adventure. I have been on talking to hundreds of audiophiles from all different regions and walks of life.  I have asked on question over the last year quite consistently to consumers looking for audio cables, some who own cables in the tens of thousands of dollars... I ask them one simple question, to see what answer I might get.

The answer is consistently, and pretty much, I can say at this point, without exception "I don't know."

The question, "Why do cables change the sound of your audio system?"

So why are virtual Dynamics cables so big and thick?  Bet you thought I forgot that was the topic, huh?  well, it is this, there is only one possible realistic and irrefutable way to absolutely and with all certainty ensure you lower the total resistance of a conductor, and it is to increase the gauge size.  I will repeat, so that you might understand my motive.  There is no other reasonable, logical, proven, available method of getting more signal from point A to point B than to increase the gauge size of the conductor. Not in audio anyways.  DO superconductors do this?  Sure, but we are nowhere near that technology in audio, in fact, we are not even embracing the known technology and understanding that Gauge size of your conductor is absolutely and fundamentally the single most critical thing you could possibly do to increase signal flow.

No kidding.

You know what?  I bet you already knew that.  So, why is not the body of audio demanding that cables be made from thicker, heavier, bigger wire, and how is it possible that manufacturers are not trying to educate consumers on this one simple yet profound truth?

Well, consumers have demanded that cables be light and flexible, and they will buy them regardless of how much sense it makes to have tiny flexible conductors.

Virtual Dynamics made a commitment, okay, I made a commitment, long ago, that my mission wasn't to become the best marketer.   I am not even close, nor do I care to be, but I do, with my whole heart, care to provide you with the very best audio cable performance that could be had, and if I knew of a way to better what I had, I would offer it for you.  I understand full well that the industry is using things like six nines pure copper to achieve better conductivity, but if you do your homework, you'll realize that no one is talking about conductivity, just copper purity.  No one is saying "hey, we're more conductive than the next guy. we'll actually let more signal through."

Why?  Why is it that we're not saying "we're twice and conductive, we're 300% more conductive as audio manufacturers with our technology of high purity wire?"

Well, here is the simple truth. One of the most conductive conductors on the marketplace, as far as material goes, for copper wire, is electrolytic tough-pitch.  It's rating for conductivity is actually 101%.  It is a technical marvel and is only 99.95% pure.  It is recognized by the entire wire industry as being, well, you get it, it's a very cool wire technology product, because it is 1% more conductive than any other 100% conductive copper, but let me let you in on a little secret, that this rating of conductivity is restricted to and guided by one simple common factor.  Gauge-size.

Huh.  If you increase the gauge size, at all, you will supercede this conductivity, so why not just double the gauge size and make the conductor far more conductive than you could ever do with high-tech, and high-purity conductors.

So why are cables from Virtual Dynamics, so stiff and heavy, because we are building what you need, you are ignoring purposely what you have asked for because we know it is neither what you really want, or good for you.  We respect you, and we love that you share this hobby.  We want to get you closer to the truth of the original sound, and if we have to fight you to get you there, you will find a bleeding, battered, torn up, kicked and pushed-around Rick Schultz laying on the street somewhere begging you to just increase your gauge size. 

It's funny that audio isn't full of simple little truths, but I will guarantee you that this simple little truth that I have shared today will make some people very very angry, and, in fact, although it is the simplest law of physics for conductivity, some will even try to argue it.  Because what I'm telling you is not good for everybody, it only meets one real need in the audio marketplace, and that is to educate and help you, the consumer, build better sound.  If that was not what I was doing, I certainly would not want to tell you, and would argue this simple fact even though the sheer idea is ridiculous.

So, finally, what was I babbling about with square tires, well nice you see the logic of things, some thing make little sense.  It is simple to see the logic behind the good old fashioned round tire, but let's just say, for argument's sake, that all the major tire manufacturers launched, this year, a brand new revolutionary tire.  The concept was that it was different than anything made in the market before.  It had a revolutionary new rubber, and a tread pattern that was certain to turn heads, it was lightweight and leak resistant, but let's just say, to own this new tire, you would have to be certainly of a little more wealth.  These new tires do not come cheap.  They are 30x more expensive than the good, old fashioned tire of the past, the round tire, oh yes, did I mention that this new tire, was square?  Why oh why do the tire companies not do this?  The marketing, I mean with a good push, could make it sound like a marvel, a technical creation beyond the driving enthusiast's wildest dreams.  Well, let me pose this.  You might just look at that square tire understanding the basic physics and say "What the ^&%*?" and I would suggest a few other people, may be with you on this. 

So now, really, can you blame me if I might have a little bit of the "what the ^&%@" over this whole idea of thin, light, flexible cables.

Keep your ears tuned,

Rick Schultz

Blog Revived!

Hello everyone.  For those of you who had entertained our blogs, welcome back.  For those of you that are new, welcome.  I am Rick Schultz, company President, and designer of Virtual Dynamics audio cables.

I thought I would start off with a little background for you of what Virtual Dynamics is.  We commonly get confused with high-end audio cable companies, and rightly so, as our main product that you would observe, indeed, replaces a typical audio cable.

For many years, I was an aspiring audiophile, looking for that next product that would better the sound quality of my audio system, but it needed to be something that I could afford and that really would make a positive difference.

Virtual Dynamics was born out of that desire. 

My goal was to actually improve an audio component through applied technologies. Today, the ways that we try to achieve this have become too numerous to mention, but our first focus was on understanding how vibrations would interact with the performance of audio equipment.  By this I mean, if you change the way that vibrations behave in audio components, you change the sound of your system.  By this time, I rarely meet a person who is not aware of this already through some means, or some company, whether it be racks, cones, cups or some sort of device to plant your gear on, but when I first started, this idea was very new.  That was about 6 years ago.

I'll add, at that point in time most everyone I talked to had not tried an aftermarket power cord, with an elect few having enough daring to throw some money in the power cord direction and see if change could be had.

Again today, it would be pretty obvious that most everyone in high-end audio has experienced and likely owns some sort of aftermarket powercord.

So, times change, and people who used to think that it was impossible for a cable to change the sound of their audio system, just a few years back, people just like myself, have become aware that audio has room to grow and new doors will open to us, even if we don't initially believe it.

Virtual Dynamics, as a company, has always kept an open, investigative commitment to understanding WHY these changes might take place.   First, and foremost, we are interested in the very basis of science,  and the basis of science starts with an observation.

Like Tweety, the young bird, who "tawt he taw a putty tat" and was in doubt of himself until he was able to look and observe again, and with all certainty, that he did, he did indeed, see a putty tat.

Now, honestly, who the $#^% are we to say he didn't, just because we personally don't believe in "putty tats."

Do you know that this argument, is actually, at it's core, an explanation for the very foundation of science itself, and more scientific a response than many of us who have sworn "that couldn't make a difference."  All we are saying, when we exclaim our disbelief for poor old Tweety bird and his observation of a putty tat, is that I do not trust that he is honest, and in fact some people simply cannot put any faith into the poor Tweety bird.

Our lack of faith in Tweety is not a scientific reason, in fact is not a reason at all, for why Tweety bird could not have seen a putty tat. 

I hope you are following me, because as you read through most people who are still skeptic about advancements in audio technology are often unaware that they are making statements like this:  Tweety, although you have many times explained to me that you thought you saw a putty tat, I never have.  Yes indeed Gramma will back you up, but I'm sure she's only saying that because she loves you.  Oh, and that big dog, who also agrees that, indeed, a putty tat has been stalking you,  I don't find him credible either.  Dogs are known to be liars and make up big stories.  Didn't you know?  In fact, of all of the hundreds of cartoon animals, animators and millions of people who have watched the show, and say, "yes indeed tweety, that was a putty tat you saw, I saw him too,"  I think they are all liars. And furthermore, if I ever watched your show, which I never will, because I believe the whole thing is a hoax, it will only prove the point I already know and have made up my mind firmly about, "There is no damn putty tat!"

So, what has this got to do with audio?   We don't know how many thousands of people have already observed that cables make a difference, we do know that science  and the scientific body, accepts  that any reasonable person observing would make for a credible witness.  So the thousands  become an incredible testimony to what science now gives as solid observation.

Remember, it would take just one.

One lab tech observing a cancer cell being repaired would be enough to start a whole world of change, if only we could understand why.  In the audio argument too often we've doubted the lab tech's observation.  We would go to great lengths to help verify and recreate this observation.  Why is it that in audio we go to such great lengths to accuse the poor lab tech, even though thousands upon thousands have reported hearing the exact same thing.  Isn't it time we move on?

By whatever means we have at our disposal, let's investigate why we observe these differences.  Virtual Dynamics started with this idea and continues today to be enthralled with observing, and sharing with others the observations.  We are committed to understanding why we have observed, and even if we don't believe in putty tats, and I must admit, sometimes we are skeptical, if by chance I hear any little bird calling, I want an opportunity to see for myself.  I want to be found being wise, in at least taking a look.

I have that in my power, and I realize that it is my responsibility.  I challenge that if making your audio system better is your desire, or you are open to the idea and would simply like to know, put skepticism behind you and observe for yourself.  You never know when you are going to get your first look, that moment where you may exclaim "oh my goodness, there really is a putty tat.  There was a putty tat all along."

In closing ,for today, let me add that there is a time to be skeptical.  We want to verify that the lab tech saw something repeatable and real.  That Tweety wasn't just imagining things, because yes, that can happen, but even by the time that Gramma and the fierce bulldog corroborate poor Tweety's story we have pretty credible grounds, and maybe even enough evidence to win this argument in court, because one person's lack of observing is not greater than 2 people's observation.  It has become majority rules, and by far the majority has ruled, that it is a little late to be a skeptic for audio cables making a difference today.  Sales from high end audio cables number in the millions, if not billions,  of dollars per year, and continue to grow.  It is a little  late , in fact by several years, to be a nay-sayer now.

So we invite you, give it a try and see what everybody is ranting about.

Keep your ears tuned,

Rick Schultz

It's been a pleasure.

Friday, July 13th is my last official day of full-time employment with Virtual Dynamics.

Many of you that have become better acquainted with me over the years have known about my hobby outside of Virtual Dynamics: real estate investing.  Due to incredible "boom" opportunities in Alberta this hobby has developed into an activity that no longer fits into my evenings and weekends!  I am officially transitioning into real estate related activities full time, and will only be involved with Virtual Dynamics on a limited consulting basis.

I've made countless friends along the way in this industry, and am extremely grateful for these relationships, I hope you feel welcome to keep in touch with me outside of my work at Virtual Dynamics!

Thanks again to the customers and industry members I've had a chance to interact with.  You've created a wonderful experience for me here at Virtual Dynamics; your kindness and friendship has been a huge source of motivation for me over the last few years, and no doubt will continue to do so.

Remain well,
Jeff

Tubeopedia

Are you a tube aficionado?  You'll love this user-generated wiki on Tubes.  From the description, it is:

"an encyclopedia of electron tube data and related topics collaboratively written by its users (who might be called Tubeopediacs or Tubeopedians). It is a special type of website, called a wiki, that makes collaboration easy. By spreading the creation of content among many editors, content isn't dependent on a single site administrator, and site growth and existence isn't dependent on one person's time, energy and money. Your charming and delightful editor in chief expects this encyclopedia to grow and exist long after he's gone."

You can join in the fun at www.tubeopedia.com!

-Jeff

You Need a Distraction from Work, again.

If you're looking for more ways to let your audiophile addictions distract you from work, look no further than the new audiophile internet browser from Enjoy the Music.com. 

"Version 9.1 refines and streamlines our previous efforts         with links to online equipment reviews, music reviews and many       highly respected magazines. We also offer links to equipment manufacturers         from all around the world. An additional       feature to aid audiophiles includes a Search box customized to deliver       query results specifically geared towards high-end audio topics."

You'll also be able to stay up-to-the minute like with Virtual Dynamics blog postings, with the newly added RSS feeds managing feature.

If you belong to the cult of Mac, you'll find yourself SOL, unless you happen to have Windows on your Intel based Mac, but even if did, you'd have to actually use it.

Wear your vice with style and download the new Audiophile Internet Browser!

-Jeff

Great Northern Sound Co.

If you aren't familiar with the Great Northern Sound Co., you need to be.  If you've ever owned a Wadia you've heard the name tossed around before, as well as the name of the man behind the vision, Steve Huntley.  Their Wadia mods are legendary, and if you are using a Wadia without a GNSC mod, shame on you!

But GNSC is not just Wadia modifications, and their new website www.greatnorthernsound.com demonstrates this well.  They've opened up a storefront in Stillwater, MN, and are also carrying a range of new and pre-owned gear.

Great sound is not a gray issue at GNSC, and they stand behind the philosophy that sonic changes should be readily discernible, and identifiable as actual improvements.  Amen to that.  I offer you a brief inside look at their philosophy, then you need to check out the website, and find out what they can do for you.

"we don’t simply change products…we truly make them better and in ways we can clearly communicate to you in advance of the modification.  We have clear goals when we modify something and stick to it until we accomplish or surpass those goals.  The goals include specific sonic aspects as well as workmanship and reliability standards…we never run something out to the ragged edge of reliability just to make it sound better. Each modification is designed and implemented in a way that not only serves the music but serves you by providing that enjoyment for many years to come.

We choose to develop and implement modifications on a very select group of products for some very important reasons. We feel that a product needs to meet certain criteria for it to really make sense for us to modify it. We turn away far more mod work than we take in because we stick firmly to the criteria we set forth when we started this company."

There you have it.  Visit the website, call them - you won't find nicer guys to chat audio with.

-Jeff

London Symphony Orchestra - Recommendation

Enjoying right now:

LSO Live 
Sibelius:
Symphony No 2
Pohjola's Daughter
Sir Colin Davis
London Symphony Orchestra

-Jeff

The Best Place to Launch $140K Speakers is . . . the Milan Furniture Fair

Form follows function?

Virtual Dynamics is run entirely 90% on Macs - for a couple of us it's the only reason we work here.  This new speaker offering from KEF first caught my attention because they partnered with the designer of the iMac computer, Ross Lovegrove, and I don't think it was for his special cross-over design skills!  (He also makes a pretty spanky mountain bike!)

The end result is a fluid, eye-catching, back-breaking, cash crunching machine: the KEF MUON.  $140,000 and 253lbs, there are only 100 pairs; each milled from enormous billets of solid aluminum.  The video above shows the launch at the Milan Furniture Fair 2007 - a sensory-numbing experience by all appearances.  The LED flooring choreographed to the music looks wicked fun - for about 15 minutes.  If you are prone to seizures I don't think Consumers Report would recommend it for you.

KEF appears to have dug up a hefty infusion to their advertising budget somewhere.  In the past few months they have been highly visible, they were also the primary show sponsors of the Montreal Son et Image this year.

I'd love the opportunity to see if they sound as good as they look.  CES '08 maybe?  I don't mean to come across cynical, this video looks really amazing.

-Jeff

The Youngest Audiophile in Norway . . . Uses Genesis Cables?

With a picture like this I had to post this testimonial!

This review comes to us all the way from Norway.  On Audiogon, there is also a thread about this system with more pictures.  It's beautiful, and you should take a peek. 

"After just one day of burn in the Genesis interconnect has made me rediscovering my music collection.  Everything is a lot better, definition, soundstage, seperation and a lot less noise.

One of my favorite discs is the Helsinki concert from Frank Zappa`s " You Can`t Do That On Stage Anymore" series. This is not an audiophile recording by any stretch of the imagination, however playing it  after installing the Genesis it was like not only hearing it for the first time, I was there!

Each member of the 5 piece ensemble had its own space within a 3 dimensional soundstage, audience noise which before was either inaudible or sounding like pink noise was now transformed into a cheering and whistling crowd.

This is going to be a pleasurable break in process."

Atle Blekastad

Thanks again Atle, for sending us an update with the great photo!

-Jeff

Wireless Electricity - the end of the audio cable industry?

Dubbed WiTricity, MIT scientists have powered a 60 watt bulb using "specially tuned waves" - without a physical connection - from 7 feet away.  Not a new idea if you're a Nikola Tesla fan.

At only 40-45% efficient, the project is still in its infancy and must evolve big-time before boasting any practical uses.

Imminent doom for the cable industry?  Not if history has anything to do with it. 

Here's a challenge for our blog readers, and I'm willing to put an investment in to make this a little more interesting.  Say, a free Power One Power Cord (take that, WiTricity!) valued at $571 CAN?  Here's the challenge.  Find us ONE example of a technology that is no longer obtainable, or in use somewhere/somehow.

According to Kevin Kelly, exec editor of Wired magazine, you won't be able to find an example.  Reportedly he has spent much time and effort researching this very thesis, he wonders if "Technology is the 7th Kingdom of Life".

I think hi-end audio is a great example; look how many audiophiles are using turntables, where the majority of the world would question why they would waste time with such old technology?

So, I'll throw a Power One in the mix if you can help me find an example.

Back to wireless electricity.  At Virtual Dynamics the value of energy efficiency is non-negotiable; until wireless electricity can compete with the efficiency of our LiniPur conductors, we believe audiophiles will continue to flock to our fat power cords.

That being said, we strongly believe that technology has many more marvels up its sleeve, and when a better sounding solution comes across our path (with our R&D investments we hope to be the ones to discover it!) we'll be among the first to be using it!

So, WiTricity . . . ARE YOU ASKING FOR A CHALLENGE?!?

:D - Jeff