I had a pair of the original VR-4. Many years ago, way back around 2001-2002, I shipped them off to have the VR-5/7 upgrade. They replaced all internal parts. Took a while to break it all in, but it was all worth it. The sound was cleaner, especially in the deeper bass. There was a slight reduction in mid-bass output, which took some time to get used too. Using test tones & a calibration microphone I found that the updated speakers were nearly ruler flat across the mid-bass, which is rare in a speaker.
Over the years I have come to truly love the way these speakers sound. So clean, such precise imaging, such an open, natural sound.
They continue to be my main speakers. Auditioned many others over the years but always come back to these. Haven't heard VS's recent designs, kinda afraid to.