Virtual Dynamics
Virtual Dynamics is a High-end audio cable manufacturer from Barrhead, Alberta, Canada. Virtual Dynamics brought new and innovative technologies to the cable market such as Speed of Light and Dynamic Filtering.
The company
Virtual Dynamics started in 2001 in the basement of audio enthusiast Ricky Schultz. During a time of financial difficulty Schultz started making his own audio cables. He soon discovered that by applying a few simple techniques, he could make cables that he thought were even better than what was being sold in the marketplace. Excited AbOUT the discovery, Schultz decided to dive into the audiophile market and sell his own brand of cables.
Now, Virtual Dynamics has grown exponentially in it's staff, technologies, and available products. Relocated at least 3 times, doubling in size each time, the handful of R's friends and family have become a full fledged staff. Branching from not just manufacturing, but sales and marketing with multiple layers of management and human resources. Thanks to use of the internet, Virtual Dynamics has become a well recognized name in the international high-end audio market.
Products
Basic Power
Power One
Power Three
Testament Series
David Series
Nite Series
Master Series
Master Limited EDition
Revelation Series
Genesis Series
Judge Series
Technologies
AVM 2.0
Anti-Vibration Magic is a very effective, albeit costly, solution designed to eliminate mechanical vibration caused by Friction. The paint-on application makes it extremely versatile for use on any parts or equipment subject to internal or external vibration.
Brass vibration clutch
This external solid brass clamp is the final treatment addressing mechanical vibration. The clamp exerts extreme pressure to the cable further enhancing the already dramatic effect of the internally applied brass Dynamic Filtering.
Cryogenic treatment
Virtual Dynamics utilizes the latest in Cryogenic Technology - computer controlled deep cryogenic chambers freeze our product to 81 kelvins (−192 °C or −378 °F). At these low temperatures, the conductor is restructured at the atomic level. As a result, the conductor becomes a more stable environment for the flow of electrical energy, reducing the amount of Coulomb Friction produced, and, in turn, the levels of distortion. Cryogenically enhanced cables enable even inaudible harmonics to be fully realized.
Cable conditioning
A process to speed-up the break-in process of Virtual Dynamics cabling. Such large gauge conductors require numerous hours to break-in, depending on the cable it ranges from 400 to 1600 hours. Some of the load is taken off the end-user by running high-voltage currents through the cables before they are shipped.
Cable cooking
Virtual Dynamics takes cable condition to the next level using Audio Dharma's cable cooker. It is a Stereophile Recommended Component for 3 years running and greatly improves the sound quality of all forms of interconnect (including A-V and phono), speaker cabling, and power cabling beyond any normal break-in cycle. The cable cooking process exposes the cable to extreme signal levels and a special waveform that does not occur in normal system operation. As a result, the cable breaks in more thoroughly.
Dielectric layers
A dielectric layer is a substance that is highly resistant to electric current. Virtual Dynamics utilizes various materials as dielectrics, with the layer closest to the conductor being Mylar.
Dynamic filtering
Dynamic filtering utilizes specially designed particles as a coupled mass to transmit vibration away from the conductor. This allows vibration-based energies to be removed. This application is believed to offer lower noise floor and and increased accuracy which enhances imaging, sound stage and tonality.
Dynamic filtering is applied via 4 different materials (in ascending order of effectiveness): -Iron -Steel -Bronze -Brass
In the Genesis Series, the density is further increased through the use of the brass vibration clutch.
LiniPur conductors
Virtual Dynamics is one of the few audio cable manufacturers to use solid core (non-stranded) conductors in their cables. Not only do they use solid core, but they also use extremely large gauge sizes of it (up to 6 gauge for retail, with prototypes up to 4 gauge). Virtual Dynamics believes this is the most effective way to increase conductivity in a cable. Large gauge grants an increase in the speed, linearity and bandwidth of all electrical frequencies but some audiophiles believe that large-gauge conductors sound thick and muddy. However, Virtual Dynamics claims that through dynamic filtering, this problem is eliminated.
ProtecX
ProtecX is based on polyphenyl ether and its purpose is to clean, lubricate, and protect conductors. It molecularly bonds to metals to eliminate oxidization and improve conductivity. Virtual Dynamics applies ProtecX to all their terminations and connectors.
Seamfree RCA
Another technology completely unique to Virtual Dynamics. A SeamFree RCA connection completely eliminates the need for termination techniques. RCA connectors are modified to allow the actual conductor to pass through as the RCA pin. No need to lose sound quality by pushing energy through less conductive solder material.
This technology is available in the Master, Master LE and Revelation cable series interconnects.
Speed of Light
SoL (as it is often referred to), is a Virtual Dynamics original technology. It consists of powerful neodymium magnets applied directly to the conductor of the cable. The use of powerful, permanent, rare-earth magnets dampen the extremely high audio frequencies; this proves to calm the brightness of a system, and allow a more natural flow of music. More testing is needed to determine the source of these positive improvements in performance.
The highest levels of Speed of Light are referred to as "Big [...] Magnets" or BAMs in the Virtual Dynamics production department. These massive magnets range in size from a half pound to more than 2 pounds. Special care is taken while handling these magnets because a poorly placed hand could easily be crushed.
- The use of magnetic shields to concentrate the magnetic fields is in all cables Master series and above.
Community
Virtual Dynamics cables has earned a large fan following by a variety of audiophiles and music lovers. Primarily due to their high quality products but also due to the relationship building dedication of the sales team.
In November of 2007 the company launched a promotion to give away 100 free Power Three cables. This sparked widespread interest and was discussed on a number of web forums, notably, Head-Fi.org .