Vividus two

... or the (re) revitalization of music playback

I already use a number of Subbase Audio: Shambala Rack, Composant S, Echo LS platforms, GroundBox and MMGA. Each of these step-by-step integrated components has actually not only changed the playback quality for me but actually improved it.

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What else should a potential derivation system like Vividus 2 improve?
With this basic attitude, I was skeptical for a long time and, even after ordering the Vividus 2, I somehow had a bad feeling that this time I might not be able to receive the related audiophile equivalent value in view of the not inconsiderable investment. When the Vividus 2 was finally there and I had connected it to the GroundBox in the first step only with the cable leading to the MMGA (the MMGA was still stuck in the power strip without a cable), there was initially no really noticeable change in the sound image. I would like to mention that only the two sidewalls of the Shambala rack and the two Composant S platforms for the integrated amplifier (tube) and the turntable were connected to the GroundBox. I then simply let the system play for a few hours and wasn't in the room during that time. When I returned to the room after this time and listened more critically for the first time, I was quite amazed at the changes that had occurred. The imaginary sound screen had spread both in width and in depth and — even more importantly for me — even in height. At the same time, the music was charged with significantly more energy across “all” frequency ranges. Especially in the low frequency range, it was sometimes almost possible to hear how swing, drive, pressure and tonal color differentiation had increased. Singing voices (particularly important to me) were clearer, finer, more radiant. What was particularly noticeable was that P, S, SH, T sounds were audibly less hissing and came across more naturally. It sounded as if a microfine metallic whiff was being removed from the singing voices. And the treble range sounded finer and more audible without being over-analytical. The diamond tweeters have never sparkled so beautifully! Music that I've known inside and out for many years suddenly showed the finest details in a clarity and cleanliness that amazed me. Still a bit incredulous as to whether I wasn't addicted to an audiophile placebo effect or a special form of the day, I restored everything to its original state the next day and completed Vividus 2. And that was when the surprise was even greater. Now it was clear what was missing. Overall, the music sounded slightly braked, more sluggish, the sound stage was slightly recessed, not as clearly structured in breadth and depth, the air around voices and instruments was tighter/less, the height felt like half a meter was missing. Radiance, naturalness, dynamism, speed, airiness... everything seemed somewhat reduced and the previously beautiful contrasting timbres appeared “milky/matte”. Described in one word... it was as if the plant lacked energy.

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In the next step, I removed the GroundBox with its associated cables and instead only connected the Vividus 2 with its supplied cables to Shambala and the two Composant-S platforms. Oh dear... and I really didn't expect what happened right away. It was like revitalising the entire system and playback. All of the above mentioned sound improvements have increased once again. And so strong that I was more than amazed. In the low frequency range, that was sometimes almost too much pressure, impact and depth for me. But in combination with the GroundBox and the Vividus 2 together, you have a few possible combinations to compensate, which I will try out in the near future. Mind you, these findings only relate to the connection of the Shambala rack and the bases and not yet to the devices! In relation to all previous improvement steps I've taken with the Subbase products, the sound improvement with the Vividus 2 is carefully formulated “serious” and comparable at least to the switch to the Shambala rack. And of course, as always, the quality of workmanship is absolutely top class. Housing, connections, cables, all of the finest design. Look, feel, functionality... simply perfect!

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Great job and effort Mr. Schlipper!

G.F. from Bavaria