I have been a VSA owner and huge fan for about 7 years. As one of th first owners of ULTRA 9’S after hearing the 11’s at Axpona, but looking for a form factor that was more appropriate for my room and complicated listening environment, we agreed to me prepaying for the design of what turned into the 9’s. Two Axpoa’s ago I first heard the 7’s and instantly feel in love with their sound, especially the new double ribbon tweeter. They have since improved on the plate amp and networking in their ULTRA series and Shockwaves. Damon and Gary Leeds, both personal friends, came from Capital Audiofest to install my new Ultra 7’s and 2 12” ShockWaves painted Ferrari Gregio Gray (actually my speakers are in the picture above.) I run my system with WestminsterLab electronics and a full loom of Masterbuilt Ultra cable, a Lampizator Horizon and ARS Machinae TT with a MySonicLabs signature Platinum cartridge
While I knew that the 7’s would surpass my 9’s sonically, I was not ready for the full system sound ncluding 2 12” Shockwaves out of phase in the rear corners. To say it simply, this speaker system tuned by Damon, changes everything when he has these new more versatile ShockWaves so he can now super tune the room by eliminating essentially all of the standing waves that my system would produce because the number of drivers and substantial amplification interacting with my open environment with some large vents from 8’ sliders opening onto water I had a pair of JL Audio f113’s in the rears with my 9’s which produced more bass and deepened the sound stage, BUT these new ShockWaves with their new plate amps and new tuned ported cabinet and new networks means that not only do they sound better, but by using the environmental networks to shape the waves rise and decay times and their starting and ending points, plus a ton of Damons knowledge and experience removing standing waves, the sonic projection of my amazing 7’s is now sitting on a much smoother floor meaning the core sonic waves arrive in a much more cohesive manner, much like what you would find if your system was outside on a big open and flat grassy plain, with no wind blowing.
The resultant stillness from the choseviveness shifts the sonice experience on such a fundamental level, that you don’t realize it at first because everything is clearer and flowing in a much more fuild and cohesive, and yes, calm environment. Standing waves in my room are now, if not totally gone so seriously reduced, that the whole sound environment, not just stage, but the environment can be tuned toned together to essentially make it a better environment for my system. My preamp has a digital display of volume making me realize something I would not have noticed, the system sounds quieter at the exact same output and for a guy who likes to listen at fairly high levels, The net result is a very pleasing sonic presentation that few have had the pleasure to hear and experience.
Sitting on the shelves, but not yet connected is another pair of WestminsterLab REI’s which will be bridged as per Angus Luungs design to produce 800 watts per channel and hopefully better sound because their operating impedance will half and put them in what Angus believes is a much better environment for his design.
I’ll keep you posted and I suspect the speakers will sound better too.
While I knew that the 7’s would surpass my 9’s sonically, I was not ready for the full system sound ncluding 2 12” Shockwaves out of phase in the rear corners. To say it simply, this speaker system tuned by Damon, changes everything when he has these new more versatile ShockWaves so he can now super tune the room by eliminating essentially all of the standing waves that my system would produce because the number of drivers and substantial amplification interacting with my open environment with some large vents from 8’ sliders opening onto water I had a pair of JL Audio f113’s in the rears with my 9’s which produced more bass and deepened the sound stage, BUT these new ShockWaves with their new plate amps and new tuned ported cabinet and new networks means that not only do they sound better, but by using the environmental networks to shape the waves rise and decay times and their starting and ending points, plus a ton of Damons knowledge and experience removing standing waves, the sonic projection of my amazing 7’s is now sitting on a much smoother floor meaning the core sonic waves arrive in a much more cohesive manner, much like what you would find if your system was outside on a big open and flat grassy plain, with no wind blowing.
The resultant stillness from the choseviveness shifts the sonice experience on such a fundamental level, that you don’t realize it at first because everything is clearer and flowing in a much more fuild and cohesive, and yes, calm environment. Standing waves in my room are now, if not totally gone so seriously reduced, that the whole sound environment, not just stage, but the environment can be tuned toned together to essentially make it a better environment for my system. My preamp has a digital display of volume making me realize something I would not have noticed, the system sounds quieter at the exact same output and for a guy who likes to listen at fairly high levels, The net result is a very pleasing sonic presentation that few have had the pleasure to hear and experience.
Sitting on the shelves, but not yet connected is another pair of WestminsterLab REI’s which will be bridged as per Angus Luungs design to produce 800 watts per channel and hopefully better sound because their operating impedance will half and put them in what Angus believes is a much better environment for his design.
I’ll keep you posted and I suspect the speakers will sound better too.
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