There are a couple of qualities of these subwoofers that I would like to comment on favorably. First, the coverage of the midbass frequencies, and in fact the musicality of the subwoofers, is remarkable for the price. In my room, the frequencies between 65 and 125 are suppressed by the room. The Caldara subwoofers compensate for this very nicely. Second, the visual appearance of the units is very nice.
Wow, I miss the ultra low frequencies that my old but no longer functional REL subwoofers provided, my music room does not really allow for reproduction of the frequencies between 20 and 40 Hz. The trade-off of musicality is therefore significant compensation.
I appreciated Mark’s generous offer to substitute the Caldera for the smaller model which was out of stock. If I can make one suggestion for future Caldera models, it would be to have speaker level inputs in addition to the RCA inputs.
3 New Products: My Review:
3 New Products: My Review: The NEW Ver-Fi: Products:
1. Line Noise Black Hole (LNBH),
2. Snub Station Zero (SSZ),
3. Infinity Fuse.
Mark asked me if I would like to try a few of his new products, and as a big time Audiophile tweaker (however my wife would describe me as a nut) I couldn’t resist.
In this review I will try to show that I have tried these units everyway possible within my system (see my profile) to remove any doubts as to how they performed.
First off, using the new Infinity Fuse with a Graphene slug into my Lumin X1 was instant success. This one unit contributed to a much wider soundstage and just a general upgrade in overall sound quality. So, this item will remain, no matter how the rest of the Veri-Fi equipment performs. BTW, it replaced a Synergistic Research Master Fuse.
Then I tried the LNBH and SSZ in my “computer/streaming room”. This room includes my Modem/Router, Etherregen, AfterDark clock, AfterDark linear power supply, and some other sundry items (printer etc.). I let the system stream music for a few days, and after that time, honestly, I could not hear any additional sonic improvement or change of any sort.
So, the next day I relocated the LNBH and SSZ into my audio system. I think I read that these items should be used in Tandem. I am using an AQ Dragon source power cord (from my AQ Niagara 7000 power conditioner) that was plugged directly into my Lumin X1 but now I plugged it into the LNBH and with a short DIY jumper power cord from that unit into the SSZ. And since the Infinity Fuse unit was a definite keeper, I also added an additional short jumper DIY AC cord to plug it into the Lumin X1. I should add that the AC input and outlets are on opposite ends of the devices which made daisy chaining them difficult.
When I played the system with familiar tunes it seemed that the soundstage was pushed way back, kinda sounded like into a tunnel and not as lively as I remembered the tunes before.
So, for “Shts & Giggles” I removed the Veri-Fi previous versions of the “Snubway & Mainstream” devices from the Audio system. (My thinking was perhaps there is too much filtering of the same type). And sure enough, the liveliness returned, so make note of this: the original Snubway and Mainstream do not mesh well with these new products.
Question:
Should I plug all of this directly into the AC wall outlet instead of the AQ Niagara power conditioner 7000?
To answer that question, I then went ahead and plugged the daisy chained trio directly into the dedicated wall outlet. And at first listen, I thought, hmm not bad. But after several back-and-forth trials, I decided that having these units plugged into the AQ 7000 is better. Perhaps different power conditioners may react differently. So, experiment is the word.
After a week of listening to the trio as above, the last and final test would be to return to the beginning, that is; removing the LNBH and SSZ from the system. Note: I have already determined that the Infinity/graphene fuse was a definite instant plus, so it will always remain.
Conclusion:
Well first, I can conclude that that a week of burn/breakin was helpful, as it does for most new equipment, and it may improve further with more use. Then, I have found in the past that using a new item for a period of time, that “new” sound, becomes the standard, (you get used to it) and only after removing it can it be judged on the effectiveness, (if any) good or bad. Do I miss it?
So, after a week of playing my favorite tunes with the LNBH and SSZ devices connected, I then disconnected them and went back to my original set up, (but, again with the Infinity Fuse and the Graphene slug still installed).
At first, I thought the midrange was richer but as I continued listening, I began to realize that the music had lost that “sparkle”. By that I mean, the feeling of extreme openness with images clean and deep with a liveliness that I guess I would say, it no longer sounded “live”.
I then re-connected the LNBH and SSZ devices and ahh, that very open sound returned.
The Downside?
Several short power cord jumpers are needed and as mentioned, daisy chaining them can be difficult.
Sound Quality Wise?
So, my conclusion is that, yes, these devices are a Definite Plus and with whatever is inside them, improved the sound for this old Audiophile. Your music will be released into your room and sparkle the soundstage, enjoy the new performance!
Wow! My system has never sounded better! Highly Recommended!
BTW, my wife still thinks I’m nuts…
ozzy
3 New Products: My Review:
3 New Products: My Review: The NEW Ver-Fi: Products:
1. Line Noise Black Hole (LNBH),
2. Snub Station Zero (SSZ),
3. Infinity Fuse.
Mark asked me if I would like to try a few of his new products, and as a big time Audiophile tweaker (however my wife would describe me as a nut) I couldn’t resist.
In this review I will try to show that I have tried these units everyway possible within my system (see my profile) to remove any doubts as to how they performed.
First off, using the new Infinity Fuse with a Graphene slug into my Lumin X1 was instant success. This one unit contributed to a much wider soundstage and just a general upgrade in overall sound quality. So, this item will remain, no matter how the rest of the Veri-Fi equipment performs. BTW, it replaced a Synergistic Research Master Fuse.
Then I tried the LNBH and SSZ in my “computer/streaming room”. This room includes my Modem/Router, Etherregen, AfterDark clock, AfterDark linear power supply, and some other sundry items (printer etc.). I let the system stream music for a few days, and after that time, honestly, I could not hear any additional sonic improvement or change of any sort.
So, the next day I relocated the LNBH and SSZ into my audio system. I think I read that these items should be used in Tandem. I am using an AQ Dragon source power cord (from my AQ Niagara 7000 power conditioner) that was plugged directly into my Lumin X1 but now I plugged it into the LNBH and with a short DIY jumper power cord from that unit into the SSZ. And since the Infinity Fuse unit was a definite keeper, I also added an additional short jumper DIY AC cord to plug it into the Lumin X1. I should add that the AC input and outlets are on opposite ends of the devices which made daisy chaining them difficult.
When I played the system with familiar tunes it seemed that the soundstage was pushed way back, kinda sounded like into a tunnel and not as lively as I remembered the tunes before.
So, for “Shts & Giggles” I removed the Veri-Fi previous versions of the “Snubway & Mainstream” devices from the Audio system. (My thinking was perhaps there is too much filtering of the same type). And sure enough, the liveliness returned, so make note of this: the original Snubway and Mainstream do not mesh well with these new products.
Question:
Should I plug all of this directly into the AC wall outlet instead of the AQ Niagara power conditioner 7000?
To answer that question, I then went ahead and plugged the daisy chained trio directly into the dedicated wall outlet. And at first listen, I thought, hmm not bad. But after several back-and-forth trials, I decided that having these units plugged into the AQ 7000 is better. Perhaps different power conditioners may react differently. So, experiment is the word.
After a week of listening to the trio as above, the last and final test would be to return to the beginning, that is; removing the LNBH and SSZ from the system. Note: I have already determined that the Infinity/graphene fuse was a definite instant plus, so it will always remain.
Conclusion:
Well first, I can conclude that that a week of burn/breakin was helpful, as it does for most new equipment, and it may improve further with more use. Then, I have found in the past that using a new item for a period of time, that “new” sound, becomes the standard, (you get used to it) and only after removing it can it be judged on the effectiveness, (if any) good or bad. Do I miss it?
So, after a week of playing my favorite tunes with the LNBH and SSZ devices connected, I then disconnected them and went back to my original set up, (but, again with the Infinity Fuse and the Graphene slug still installed).
At first, I thought the midrange was richer but as I continued listening, I began to realize that the music had lost that “sparkle”. By that I mean, the feeling of extreme openness with images clean and deep with a liveliness that I guess I would say, it no longer sounded “live”.
I then re-connected the LNBH and SSZ devices and ahh, that very open sound returned.
The Downside?
Several short power cord jumpers are needed and as mentioned, daisy chaining them can be difficult.
Sound Quality Wise?
So, my conclusion is that, yes, these devices are a Definite Plus and with whatever is inside them, improved the sound for this old Audiophile. Your music will be released into your room and sparkle the soundstage, enjoy the new performance!
Wow! My system has never sounded better! Highly Recommended!
BTW, my wife still thinks I’m nuts…
ozzy
3 New Products: My Review:
3 New Products: My Review: The NEW Ver-Fi: Products:
1. Line Noise Black Hole (LNBH),
2. Snub Station Zero (SSZ),
3. Infinity Fuse.
Mark asked me if I would like to try a few of his new products, and as a big time Audiophile tweaker (however my wife would describe me as a nut) I couldn’t resist.
In this review I will try to show that I have tried these units everyway possible within my system (see my profile) to remove any doubts as to how they performed.
First off, using the new Infinity Fuse with a Graphene slug into my Lumin X1 was instant success. This one unit contributed to a much wider soundstage and just a general upgrade in overall sound quality. So, this item will remain, no matter how the rest of the Veri-Fi equipment performs. BTW, it replaced a Synergistic Research Master Fuse.
Then I tried the LNBH and SSZ in my “computer/streaming room”. This room includes my Modem/Router, Etherregen, AfterDark clock, AfterDark linear power supply, and some other sundry items (printer etc.). I let the system stream music for a few days, and after that time, honestly, I could not hear any additional sonic improvement or change of any sort.
So, the next day I relocated the LNBH and SSZ into my audio system. I think I read that these items should be used in Tandem. I am using an AQ Dragon source power cord (from my AQ Niagara 7000 power conditioner) that was plugged directly into my Lumin X1 but now I plugged it into the LNBH and with a short DIY jumper power cord from that unit into the SSZ. And since the Infinity Fuse unit was a definite keeper, I also added an additional short jumper DIY AC cord to plug it into the Lumin X1. I should add that the AC input and outlets are on opposite ends of the devices which made daisy chaining them difficult.
When I played the system with familiar tunes it seemed that the soundstage was pushed way back, kinda sounded like into a tunnel and not as lively as I remembered the tunes before.
So, for “Shts & Giggles” I removed the Veri-Fi previous versions of the “Snubway & Mainstream” devices from the Audio system. (My thinking was perhaps there is too much filtering of the same type). And sure enough, the liveliness returned, so make note of this: the original Snubway and Mainstream do not mesh well with these new products.
Question:
Should I plug all of this directly into the AC wall outlet instead of the AQ Niagara power conditioner 7000?
To answer that question, I then went ahead and plugged the daisy chained trio directly into the dedicated wall outlet. And at first listen, I thought, hmm not bad. But after several back-and-forth trials, I decided that having these units plugged into the AQ 7000 is better. Perhaps different power conditioners may react differently. So, experiment is the word.
After a week of listening to the trio as above, the last and final test would be to return to the beginning, that is; removing the LNBH and SSZ from the system. Note: I have already determined that the Infinity/graphene fuse was a definite instant plus, so it will always remain.
Conclusion:
Well first, I can conclude that that a week of burn/breakin was helpful, as it does for most new equipment, and it may improve further with more use. Then, I have found in the past that using a new item for a period of time, that “new” sound, becomes the standard, (you get used to it) and only after removing it can it be judged on the effectiveness, (if any) good or bad. Do I miss it?
So, after a week of playing my favorite tunes with the LNBH and SSZ devices connected, I then disconnected them and went back to my original set up, (but, again with the Infinity Fuse and the Graphene slug still installed).
At first, I thought the midrange was richer but as I continued listening, I began to realize that the music had lost that “sparkle”. By that I mean, the feeling of extreme openness with images clean and deep with a liveliness that I guess I would say, it no longer sounded “live”.
I then re-connected the LNBH and SSZ devices and ahh, that very open sound returned.
The Downside?
Several short power cord jumpers are needed and as mentioned, daisy chaining them can be difficult.
Sound Quality Wise?
So, my conclusion is that, yes, these devices are a Definite Plus and with whatever is inside them, improved the sound for this old Audiophile. Your music will be released into your room and sparkle the soundstage, enjoy the new performance!
Wow! My system has never sounded better! Highly Recommended!
BTW, my wife still thinks I’m nuts…
ozzy
Wonderful purchase. My system sounds great.
I replaced a more expensive piece from a well-known audio manufacturer and got a noticeable improvement. Job well done!
Wow - I honestly wasn't sure if I was even a "bass guy" before purchasing 2x Caldera 12"s, and my Wharfedale Linton's even had already solid bass response, but in the endless quest for the "wow" factor, I was pointed towards Vera-Fi's subwoofer offerings.
Let me just say, I am absolutely blown away. I can't stop listening to my system -- it just sounds too good. I also have not experienced such remarkably good customer service from a company in quite some time. Thank you to Mark and the team for making such a reasonably priced product that punches far into much higher price points.
The Line Noise BlackHole (LNBH) sets the new industry standard for AC line noise elimination. In both my systems, the LNBH in combination with the Snub Station Zero easily bested the AudioQuest Niagara equipment that occupied both systems. If you can manage with a combined amperage total of less than 10 amps (that's much easier than most might imagine), these devices will shock you with the goodness they bring to your listening sessions. Yes, they eliminate AC-borne line noise, but the opens an entirely new listening experience, with incredible transparency and clarity, whether you listen to analog or digital sources. Very highly recommended, and maybe the most important product launch from Vera-Fi Audio yet!
For the first time, I'm hearing big band jazz and orchestral fortissimos without the congestion I thought I'd never get rid of! The LNBH works well teamed up with the SDFB on transient dynamic peaks. As the peaks strike, the SDFB lets them punch through loud and clear. As the peaks fall back down, the LNBH allows subtle, previously unheard sounds to emerge from the silence. When the music pauses abruptly, the silence that follows is more startling than before. Metallic percussion is where the improvement is most noticeable - it's smoother, with a rich resonant ring, and lighter, more delicate overtones. It's amazing how much closer you get to the music when that little bit of noise is no longer there...
I took a flyer on this during one of the occasional price reductions by Mark. Given the glowing reviews, Vera-Fi's generous return policy, and the reasonable cost, I decided, "why not, can't lose?"
So, I received the SnubWay, popped it in the the second outlet of the duplex that feeds my power conditioner / transformer and promptly and completely forgot about it. I didn't listen closely much that week, my system was mostly providing background music during several jam-packed days.
7-8 days in, I sat down and played some Pat Metheny, Beach Boys, Coltrane, and a bit of Yes. Sitting in the sweet spot, but working on the computer while doing so, I suddenly looked up and declared, "Wow - great clarity!" I don't think I've heard my system sound quite like that before.
Delighted, I started working less and listening more. A few records later, all sounding fresh and unveiled, I remembered the SnubWay. Coincidence? Who's to say? My system sounds so great these days, I haven't yet chanced removing the SW to test my impressions. I'm afraid of breaking the magic :).
When I finally do, I'll report back. But for now, this silly thing seems to be providing some serious good sorcery on my electrons...
I have two in my systems, both used in combination with the Line Noise BlackHole. The one in my all-analog system connects my PS Audio Stellar phono preamp, ProJect Classic EVO turntable, and my PrimaLuna EVO 300 tube integrated amplifier, which also has a Swiss Digital Fuse Box between the amp and SSZ's high-current, soft-start AC outlet. I'd been slightly troubled by a slight "buzz" in the system, which I attributed to either the Ortofon Quintet Bronze MC cartridge, the phono preamp, or the tube amplifier. After inserting the new VeraFi power conditioning equipment, the buzz was completely gone, and in its place is complete silence! The combination has replaced an AudioQuest Niagara 1200, which is a good unit, but not in the same class as the VeraFi LNBH, SSZ, and SDFB -- I have been totally shocked by the improvement, which stretches across every possible metric of analog playback.
The same setup is in my digital source system, except with an Infinity Fuse unit replacing the Swiss Digital Fuse Box. In this case, a new Boyuurange A50 Mk III SET 300B tube amp is plugged into the Infinity Fuse, then into the SSZ's soft-start outlet. My Aurender A1000 music server/network player is also connected to the SSZ, as well as my S.M.S.L. VMV D2R DAC. The soft-start outlet is perfect for extending 300b tube life, and the overall system sound is astonishingly good! I'm playing through a pair of vintage Klipsch RB3 Reference monitors (94 dB/watt, 3.8 ohms) and the room synergy is now beyond perfect with the VeraFi Equipment!
Hi there, Mark.
Hope you & yours are doing well. I had told you previously that the Mainstream, simply plugged into a wall outlet on the same circuit as most of my equipment, was revelatory the moment I plugged it in. Basically everything was clearer and the soundstage opened up with a new, blacker background. I have since added a Snubway on a dual plug with the Mainstream and plugged the cord from my Nagara 1200 into the same outlet. Since I did this concomitantly with adding two LNBH’s running off the Niagara (one powering the Pass INT-60 integrated and the other leading to my CD player and DAC) it's difficult to say what is doing what, but every tme I’ve added something here the results have been almost immediately perceptible. The bottom line is that it’s like havng a new system, which is interesting because I thought things were pretty good before! The individual instruments are clearer and more pin-point located, the highs are where they weren’t before (cymbals are a good indicator) and the bass is deeper and more well-defined. The soundstage has gotten deeper and more lateral. You can hear the wood in a cello. Female vocals, especially, are shockingly present. This is almost like the first tme I can say, like other people do, that’s it is like having the players in the room with you. Of course, this is not going to happen with a full symphony orchestra, but with a small group it’s close, and it wasn’t like this before. I will say, however, that positioning the LNBH’s was complicated, both by finding space on my racks and by the fact that, as light as they are, heavy power cords tend to flip them around. It made me wish I still had those old wooden/steel blocks I used to use to minimize vibration on equipment. I left those in Tennessee when I moved to Texas last summer. Isoblocks, I think they were called back in the 80’s. I’m gonna send a couple photos of my setup where you can see one LNBH atop the Niagara on the middle stand under the amp and one on the bottom of the right rack. The Mainstream/Snubway is plugged into the wall behind the right KEF speaker.
Since all that got plugged in together, it was hard to tell what the Snubway was doing, but I got another one to use in the living room where the TV (and the wireless modem) are hooked up. I plugged it into the wall about 6-8 feet away from the outlet (on the same circuit) those other things were hooked up to. I didn’t see much difference in picture quality, but the next evenng I came back and discovered my 15 yr-old OLED TV had somehow been replaced by a new one with deeper, more vibrant colors and blacker backgrounds. I’m not a big video guy, but I’m imjpressed at that result, especially since I didn’t want to pull everything out from the wall and move all the furniture there to get to the power strip.
Thank you, Mark!! The whole shebang was about $1100. It’s amazng to find value like this, and no way am I going to describe the results as “tweaks”!
Best wishes
The Graphene Sluggo brought a more natural sound all around. Thanks Mark
I installed these in my lake house with an old pair of B&W DM601s. They sound fantastic. Great job guys and gals.
Snubway improves sound stage and details and placement of the instruments on the sound stage. Using the combination of the Snubway and the Mainstream even further expanded the width and depth of the sound stage. Micro details become more evident.
Using both of these in the home theater provided better color saturation along with better overall sound!
In my 2 channel system the sound the sound became more holographic. A definite win-win for me. The more of these you add the more you'll gain.
There are two dedicated lines supplying power to my stereo. Each line has a Core Technologies power conditioner. I added a Main Stream to one line and a Snubway to the other. After two weeks of burn -in I can say with confidence that the results are positive and pronounced. There is more space around instruments and voices. The sound stage is deeper and wider. Most importantly to me is the entire presentation is more clear and focused. Best $600 I've spent on this rig!
Clearer sound and better separation of the music, heard more of the music.
Improvements were immediately noticeable. I haven't paid enough attention to whether they improved further in time.
What the mainstream did: a feeling of more power behind everything, especially noticeable in the bass and impact of drums. It feels correct and better, not just different, and the improvement is pretty significant.
What the snubway did: a more subtle improvement. First thing I noticed is a more accurate location of sounds. In general there's more subtle detail.
For context, I do have a computer with a switching power supply on the same group that I use to play music. Other than that it's only audio devices with lineair power supplies. I use the snubway to protect those, and use the mainstream for everthing. I did a few tests with positioning and this seems to work best. Mainstream: directly in a wall socket. Snubway: in the power distributor for audio devices.
While the name “BlackHole” might suggest a darker sonic background, what actually emerges is something more nuanced and refined: a greater sense of spatial transparency. The background doesn’t feel artificially suppressed or overly dark, instead, it becomes clearer, allowing micro-details and low-level musical cues to emerge with improved separation and natural flow.
In my system, this translated into a more open and well-layered soundstage, especially in the way background textures and delicate musical elements move through space. These aren’t simply more audible—they feel more natural and less masked by noise. It’s not so much about additional sparkle or overt enhancement, but about hearing the space between sounds more clearly.
At this price point, I think the LNBH offers impressive value, for those already fine-tuning a refined system, the improvements are meaningful. It’s about nuance (air, clarity, and space) not about shifting tonality or boosting dynamics. A welcome addition for systems that have already reached a certain level of resolution and are looking for the next step in quiet refinement.
Work great.
Bang for buck, this is the one for music. Cant go wrong with this. Thank you Vera-Fi!
I’ve had unit installed about 4 weeks now and really happy.
I’m very impressed with the SDFB. I’ve used many high-end fuses before, but most tend to alter the tonality, introduce noticeable midrange distortion, and result in bloated, loose bass. In contrast, the SDFB preserves the original tonality while significantly improving bass performance—offering greater detail, tighter control, and a clear reduction in distortion across the entire spectrum. The soundstage also expands substantially.
I briefly compared it directly with a fuse-less setup and can confirm that while there’s a slight reduction in body and bloom, the SDFB is the closest I’ve heard to running without a fuse.
Incredible micro-details far back deep in the soundstage are now noticeable and distinct. Like another deeper layer of the orchestra opened up. And those details aren't exaggerated or brought forward...they are textured, clear, but delicate and further away (as they should be).
And the first time my system has properly rendered a piccolo (playing a high note) without any shrill glare that would previously cause it to sound artificial.
Same with triangle strikes. Very clean, round with no harsh edge.