SMc Audio Virtual Reality Engine Preamplifier VRE-1 - Manual (Page 12)

11
Getting the most from your VRE-1 preamplifier - a user’s guide
Suggestions for AC cords and accessories
After some thought, I have come to the decision to leave a “standard” AC cord
out of the parts complement. It is my experience that the AC cord is an integral
part of the sound of your VRE-1, and I suggest that you use the best power cord
you can find. Your VRE-1’s amplification circuitry may be thought of as a sort of
valve that modulates the power supply, and it is the quality of the power supply
that you actually hear. I have spent a great deal of time and effort in developing
the VRE-1 and its power supply, and I have examined every detail - right down to
the fuse. A great aftermarket AC cord is a must for getting the best-possible
performance, but I have chosen to not include an aftermarket cord for several
reasons, including matters of personal taste, system synergy, and cost.
My own experience includes cords from Kubala-Sosna (the “Emotion”), Acoustic
Zen (the “Gargantua”), AudioPrism (the “Super Natural S-2”), Magnan Audio (the
“Signature Power Cable’), and Shunyata Research (the “Anaconda”) to name a
few. These are all excellent cords, but each has its own personality and may or
may not work well in your system. Please take some time to do your own
evaluation and you will be rewarded with the best-possible performance from
your VRE-1.
Beyond the power cord (and, obviously, your interconnect cable choices) there
are matters of chassis damping and isolation to consider. Your VRE-1’s Corian
chassis is quite inert on its own, and I have fitted both it and the power supply
with excellent damping feet. Still, the fact remains that your choice of stand
and/or accessory feet will affect performance. In my own system, I have chosen
isolation stand systems by Grand Prix Audio (the “Monaco” series) and their
outstanding “Formula” carbon composite shelves (their “Apex” feet are also
outstanding). My experience suggests strongly that you will not hear everything
your VRE-1 (and your other equipment) has to offer unless you use an isolation
stand system of similar quality. Your choices may differ, but please give some
thought to this part of your system and its sonic effect.
The Corian chassis is both heavy and inert, but you may still wish to experiment
with added weight. Some piece of concentrated mass about the size of a book,
for instance - like a piece of marble, granite, or similar stone - may provide a
noticeable sonic benefit. Be sure to protect the Corian with some soft material.
I have also found that I like the effect of using a Shakti Electromagnetic Stabilizer
(aka the Shakti “Stone”) on top of the power supply. The effect is subtle, but I
feel it contributes to the overall smoothness and liquidity that I enjoy.
If, while enjoying your VRE-1 you find some beneficial accessory or “tweak,”
please let me know. I would appreciate hearing about your experience.