Von Schweikert Ultra 9's in the House!!!

[Holli82]

It's Christmas in July!!!

My Ultra 9's were delivered by Leif and Damon earlier this month. Since that time, I have been hunkered down in my theater every available free moment so I'm finally getting around to posting.

My previous system consisted Von Schweikert VR-9's driven by a VAC PHI Beta 110 integrated amplifier. My front end was a Kaledeidscape server with a Theta Gen VIII DAC. I used Analysis Plus interconnects and speaker wires. I listen primarily to digital but had a Rega planar 10 on board for those times when I listen to vinyl.

Since I wanted to upgraded my speakers, I felt it was time to update my 13-year-old system. I relied on guidance from Leif and Damon to help me piece together my new system. These guys were tremendous to work with and helped me to get to my current system with NO drama. I can't thank them enough for holding my hand through this entire process.

My current system is completely new with the exception of the Rega.

Speakers: Ultra 9's
Amplifier: VAC Statement 450S iq
Pre amp: VAC Master Line Stage
Phono amp: VAC Renaissance Special Edition
Digital: Aurender N10/Aurender ACS 10
DAC: Lampizator Golden Gate II
Interconnects: Masterbuilt Ultra ( Reference cables for phono preamp)
Speaker Cables: Masterbuilt Ultra
Power Cords: Masterbuilt Ultra
Racks: Critical Mass/Audio Vault
Footers: Center Stage (under all components except Rega turntable)

My system has been in place for 2 weeks and is still breaking in. It just keeps getting better every day. I couldn't be happier with the finished product. I'm not as eloquent as Jack, Ron or Steve but I'll just say I love it!. Big soundstage and very musical. 3 hours seem like 30 minutes. Non-audiophile recordings are the most fun for me. I'm hearing things in those recordings that I never heard. My wife will be out of town for the next 3 weeks.........I'm moving in to the theater. I may even skip work too.




The OLD:

 

[Folsom]

Wow, I would not wear flipflops for playing with super heavy speakers with a handtruck!

The 9 Ultras look really interesting, that shape is just intense.

 

[JackD201]

Here's to years and years of heavenly listening Rodney! Congratulations!

 

[Ron Resnick]

I am very happy for you! I love all of those VAC tube components as well! Congratulations!!!

 

[Steve Williams]

Big step up Rodney. Congratulations and may you have endless pleasure

 

[Mike Lavigne]

congrats on the new Ultra 9's. they look great in your room.

in 2005 i owned the original VR9SE's and loved them. and i've heard the Ultra 9's at shows. it's a great speaker.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Congratulations on your new Ultra 9s!!!

 

[Leif S]

Wow, I would not wear flipflops for playing with super heavy speakers with a handtruck!

The 9 Ultras look really interesting, that shape is just intense.

I have years of experience with moving speakers in flip flops lol.....Soldering on the other hand has left a few scars

 

[Gene 15352]

Very impressive system Rodney! Congrats. I can just imagine how organic sounding your system sounds.

 

[Mobiusman]

Congrats Rodney,

I am quite envious, but will have a highly similar system in the next 2-4weeks with Ultra 9's, the same VAC compliment, all MB Ultra IC's, speaker wire, USB and PC's. As is the case with you, Damon and Leif have been wonderful and great friends.. Perhaps we can coordinate playing at the same time to cover the mid-West.

 

[Holli82]

Congrats Rodney,

I am quite envious, but will have a highly similar system in the next 2-4weeks with Ultra 9's, the same VAC compliment, all MB Ultra IC's, speaker wire, USB and PC's. As is the case with you, Damon and Leif have been wonderful and great friends.. Perhaps we can coordinate playing at the same time to cover the mid-West.[/QUOTE

Russ
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
I can’t wait for you to experience what I have. I could not be happier. Looking forward to you getting your system too.

 

[Leif S]

I'm guessing those footers are starting to settle in as well as the break-in on the new electronics. Can't wait to hear it!

 

[Holli82]

I'm guessing those footers are starting to settle in as well as the break-in on the new electronics. Can't wait to hear it!

I have been away the past 3 days and returned today. This is the best day so far. Enveloping soundstage with no compression. Voices have no edge or graininess. Percussion coming out of the layers of music that I never appreciated. I'm getting all these details at soft to moderate listening levels as well.

 

[JackD201]

I have been away the past 3 days and returned today. This is the best day so far. Enveloping soundstage with no compression. Voices have no edge or graininess. Percussion coming out of the layers of music that I never appreciated. I'm getting all these details at soft to moderate listening levels as well.

Don't bust out the Dogg without me!

 

[Holli82]

Don't bust out the Dogg without me!

He'll be here when you get here

 

[QuadDiffuser]

I have been away the past 3 days and returned today. This is the best day so far. Enveloping soundstage with no compression. Voices have no edge or graininess. Percussion coming out of the layers of music that I never appreciated. I'm getting all these details at soft to moderate listening levels as well.

Congratulations, Rodney!
I’ve been a happy owner of VonSchweikert VR-6s and VR-55 Aktives. Perhaps one day, I can own a pair of Ultras but very likely, my room is too small to enable the longer bass wavelengths to be reproduced without undesirable standing waves and pressure buildup. Just curious, what are your listening room dimensions?

 

[Holli82]

Congratulations, Rodney!
I’ve been a happy owner of VonSchweikert VR-6s and VR-55 Aktives. Perhaps one day, I can own a pair of Ultras but very likely, my room is too small to enable the longer bass wavelengths to be reproduced without undesirable standing waves and pressure buildup. Just curious, what are your listening room dimensions?

Sorry for the delay. Thx for the kind words. I've been out of the loop for a few days. My dimensions are as follows:

Length 21 feet 2 foot built in shelf at rear makes it really 19 ft
Width 15.5 feet
Height 12 feet

 

[QuadDiffuser]

Sorry for the delay. Thx for the kind words. I've been out of the loop for a few days. My dimensions are as follows:

Length 21 feet 2 foot built in shelf at rear makes it really 19 ft
Width 15.5 feet
Height 12 feet

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but in their absence, here are some dimensions of my listening space. Essentially, you have the enviable advantage of very tall 12ft. ceilings, but otherwise my space is both deeper and wider:

Ceiling height throughout: 9.94ft
Depth of the listening space (front wall to back wall): 22.0 ft
Width of the porous semi-enclosed listening space (study area) which the speakers "fire" into: 13.9 ft
Width of the listening space (inclusive of the balcony extension seen to the R from the listening seat): 19.4 ft
Additional width of the listening space (inclusive of the space to the entrance door, seen to the L from the listening seat): 12.6 ft
Full width of the space (immediate lateral L and R boundaries seen by loudspeakers): 32.0 ft

The sofa (listening spot) is placed at a distance equal to 2/3 (from the front wall) and 1/3 (from the rear wall), ie. 14.666 ft and 7.333 ft

 

[Holli82]

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but in their absence, here are some dimensions of my listening space. Essentially, you have the enviable advantage of very tall 12ft. ceilings, but otherwise my space is both deeper and wider:

Ceiling height throughout: 9.94ft
Depth of the listening space (front wall to back wall): 22.0 ft
Width of the porous semi-enclosed listening space (study area) which the speakers "fire" into: 13.9 ft
Width of the listening space (inclusive of the balcony extension seen to the R from the listening seat): 19.4 ft
Additional width of the listening space (inclusive of the space to the entrance door, seen to the L from the listening seat): 12.6 ft
Full width of the space (immediate lateral L and R boundaries seen by loudspeakers): 32.0 ft

The sofa (listening spot) is placed at a distance equal to 2/3 (from the front wall) and 1/3 (from the rear wall), ie. 14.666 ft and 7.333 ft

I'm sure Leif and Damon can make magic happen in your room!

 

[Violetmachan]

It's Christmas in July!!!

My Ultra 9's were delivered by Leif and Damon earlier this month. Since that time, I have been hunkered down in my theater every available free moment so I'm finally getting around to posting.

My previous system consisted Von Schweikert VR-9's driven by a VAC PHI Beta 110 integrated amplifier. My front end was a Kaledeidscape server with a Theta Gen VIII DAC. I used Analysis Plus interconnects and speaker wires. I listen primarily to digital but had a Rega planar 10 on board for those times when I listen to vinyl.

Since I wanted to upgraded my speakers, I felt it was time to update my 13-year-old system. I relied on guidance from Leif and Damon to help me piece together my new system. These guys were tremendous to work with and helped me to get to my current system with NO drama. I can't thank them enough for holding my hand through this entire process.

My current system is completely new with the exception of the Rega.

Speakers: Ultra 9's
Amplifier: VAC Statement 450S iq
Pre amp: VAC Master Line Stage
Phono amp: VAC Renaissance Special Edition
Digital: Aurender N10/Aurender ACS 10
DAC: Lampizator Golden Gate II
Interconnects: Masterbuilt Ultra ( Reference cables for phono preamp)
Speaker Cables: Masterbuilt Ultra
Power Cords: Masterbuilt Ultra
Racks: Critical Mass/Audio Vault
Footers: Center Stage (under all components except Rega turntable)

My system has been in place for 2 weeks and is still breaking in. It just keeps getting better every day. I couldn't be happier with the finished product. I'm not as eloquent as Jack, Ron or Steve but I'll just say I love it!. Big soundstage and very musical. 3 hours seem like 30 minutes. Non-audiophile recordings are the most fun for me. I'm hearing things in those recordings that I never heard. My wife will be out of town for the next 3 weeks.........I'm moving in to the theater. I may even skip work too.



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The OLD:
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Hi Rodney
Congrats on ultra 9!,
Looks like one major upgrade....and masterfully tuned by Leif and Damon .....must be in heaven!,
Hey Rodney ....looks like one more visit.?
Are you in SFO for the academy
Enjoy
Sam