[genjamon]

Hi everyone,

Over on the Hypex owners circle I started a thread asking about recommendations for some upgrades to my system.  I listed a wide variety of options I've been considering, with speaker replacement one of the last on the list.  I suspected others would find fault in my preamp or power conditioning/cables/non-dedicated line.  But most of the comments have been about speakers.  And of those comments, a number of them have directed me toward VSA.

I'm curious what the sound of VSA is like.  I went to the 2010 RMAF and got to hear a lot of systems, but I don't remember VSA being there.  If they were, I don't remember what they sounded like.  I did hear some other speakers that really caught my attention.

I don't have tons of funds and have built my system incrementally over the years.  But I do have about $3k to play with right now.  I am told there are good used VSA in that price range.  Used VR4-II's or VR33's have been recommended. 

For context, I currently have Tekton Lores.  Mostly fullrange, but needing just a very little support in the deep bass arena.  They're high efficiency and quite dynamic, but with good tone and very good presence.  I did try the Lore-S (uses "audiophile" SEAS drivers rather than the Eminence "pro" widebanders in the base Lore) upgrade in my home and went back to the Lore because for all the extra sophistication of the Lore S soundstage depth and subtle details, I preferred the greater "presence" the base Lores have in my system.  They just sound "bigger" and more like you are really "there" at the event.  The Lore S didn't make me feel like I was part of the event, but rather that I was just listening to it.  Hopefully this gives you a sense of my priorities. 

What do you think about the sound of VSA in my price range new or used given these kinds of priorities?  Any thoughts or recommendations?

Here's the other thread discussing my situation: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109970.0

[BigSwede]

Speaker preference is of course highly subjective. I have heard systems that people have been very proud of that were difficult to listen to IMO.

I have spent all my time in the lower reaches of the VSA line, started with VR-2s and graduated to VR-33s last year. To me, the VSA "sound" just sounds natural. Clear, non-fatiguing highs, full range non-boomy bass, large soundstage, live feel...it just works for me, and has been true for both models I have had.

You should read this Stereomojo review of the VR-33. There is a lengthy digression in the middle of the review into speaker design philosophy which you may find enlightening. I suspect you will find yourself in agreement with Albert's philosophy of stereo imaging as it relates to live concerts and "you are there" feel.

http://www.stereomojo.com/Von%20Schweikert%20VR-33%20Speaker%20Review.htm/VonSchweikertVR-33SpeakerReview.htm

[genjamon]

Thanks!  I'll check that out!

[gammajo]

VS has a consistent sound over the parts of the line that I have heard which is VR1, VR4JR, and then I owned VR4SR and now VR5 Anniversary MK2. One of the strengths is the speakers are designed using good objective engineering principles by a highly savvy, creative, and passionate fellow (Albert VS) and his team and then carefully listened to by a panel of audiophiles before production.  The sound is very natural, balanced and engaging, sounding great even in comparison to live music in the same room. With your budget the VR4JR used might be just the ticket. An added bonus is that the company is stellar to deal with.

[kernelbob]

If you're budget is $3k or lower, you might want to consider the new VR-22.  It incorporates the newest VSA thinking in areas such as component selection and cabinet damping.  Internal wiring uses the Delphi Aerospace engineered cabling used in the Masterbuilt series and is a key feature in the VR5-Anni Mk-II upgrade.  The cabinet of the VR-22 implements the triple wall technology also used in the VR5-Anni's.  Pricing is under $3k which includes shipping.

Here's a link to the VR-22 page on the VSA website:
http://vonschweikertaudio.com/vr-22/

[es347]

I've owned the VR4 SR MkIIs and now VR5 Anniversary MK 1.5.  Having auditioned the $60K Magico Q5s, Wilson Sashas, ML CLXs, several Sonus Fabers, B&Ws...et al. I can honestly say that I have not heard a speaker, say $60K and below that I would trade my annies for.  The ARE that good.