[Charles Calkins]

Roscoeiii:

I had my VR-4's upgraded to the 44's several years ago. The results were outstanding!!! Instead of a $6,000.00 speaker they now sound more like a $20,000 speaker. At that time it probably cost about $3,000 for the upgrades. Worth every penny I spent doing this. I highly recommend you go ahead and get this upgrade to your VR-4's

                                                                                       Cheers
                                                                                       Charlie

[roscoeiii]

Thanks Charles. On the to-do list.

[keith]

In case the general membership doesn't know, Keith and I are first cousins and business partners handling VSA among others here. I get to burn in and experiment with his loudspeakers.

Happy Birthday Keith!

Anyway, as I did run both the DB-99s and 44s with multiple amps, I would say the following. As far as amp compatibility goes, DB99 hands down. So if you are into flea power from the likes of 45s, 50s, 2a3s, 300Bs, the 99s are it. The advantages are not so clear cut with 6c33s, GM70s, 211s, 845s, T1610s and up. The 44 has the better tweeter and the XO tech inherited from the Annies and 9 and 11 Mk2s. The twin 9.5s of the 44 are quicker than the single 10 of the 99. Cabinet noise is significantly down as the 44s use the triple laminate.

Aesthetically, they are almost dead ringers with the grills on. As the 99s were meant primarily for flea triodes they are IMO less forgiving of push pull and solid state amplification in general but do sound great with smooth SS like those from Pass Labs, Accuphase, Valvet, Classe, Lamm, and the like.

Both benefit more from add on super tweeters than say the 5 series whose 29 series ring radiators do not need added extension.

   What he said. 

Jack would be a better judge on the nuances between the 44 and the 5s. He having lived with both boxes for a while. The thing is though, Jack and I have yet to hear the 44s at their best. I don't listen at high SPLs so I would dare say that they aren't broken in yet.

[es347]

Jack check out our post totals...I got you by one old buddy...2 now actually.  You'd best post a couple just to catch up 

[JackD201]

1

[JackD201]

2

 

[es347]

..touche' 

[cronsell]

I've been considering this upgrade myself, as I own some original VR-4s.  I'm a musician by trade, and prefer musicality to hyper detail.  Will I end up missing anything from the beautiful sound I already have, or will the improvements be more than just greater detail?  Is the broad swath of frequency covered by the midrange driver of the VR-44 a huge difference in tonal character?  I've never listened to full range drivers before, so I'm not familiar with that sort of sound.  Thanks for any input!