[Delacroix]

Well the time has arrived for me to think seriously about upgrading my VR-5SEs to the Anniversary II level. Had a bit of a back and forth with Albert on what's involved and it seems the distance now between my current version and the latest model is not insignificant. Given the cost (which of course is dependent on exactly what your current version has and what needs doing),  it's hard to imagine I can significantly improve where I'm at by other means, without spending a ton more (and that's not guaranteed) so I am at the point of exploring shipping, the inconvenience of which as always put me off.

Pilot is the preferred service and it seems to run between $600-800 round trip from TX to CA insured (VSA could arrange this but since my speakers are not new, there are some issues regarding insurance value so I'll handle that myself) once I brace myself for the effort of packing these things up. Right now, I just need some convincing that the effort is worth it and that there are no surprises waiting in store once I bring the original crates back up from storage. Frankly, it's been so long since I unpacked them, and I've handled so many other items in between, I cannot remember if there is anything unusual in the repacking that I need to watch, only that I did manage to move and set them up on my own without too many problems. They are certainly the heaviest components in my rig. Anyone any insights?

Also, if you've used Pilot, can you let me know how the process was for you, from discussion through pick-up to return. Yes, if I pull the trigger I'll keep you al posted (am thinking it's more 'when' than 'if' but life is never simple).

[htradtk]

Patrick,

Last Fall (October) I had my VR-5 Anniversary's upgraded to the MKII version. After conversations with Albert, the upgrade went very well.The only downside is that I was without them for a month due to the RMAF show. I also used Pilot Freight service and their was no problem on my end as well as VSA's end. Of course, after 500 hours of break in, the bass has improved and my soundstage seems to have more depth! I highly recommend the upgrade. Take care,

Henry

[Woot]

EDITED I changed the link so it should work.

I used Pilot to get my SR 4's and was VERY happy with their service.

I put together a slide show showing how to pack those speakers in their VSA boxes. Some of the items you would not to ship back (like the owners manual) so keep that in mind.

Click the link below, then use the arrow to scroll thru the pics-they are in order.

Hope this helps with your shipping. This is not VSA authorized- it's how I did it, but I'm sure it's close to the way VSA would do it, although the would use more than one person to do it.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=6E54EB8BEC6CD381!733&authkey=!ALtlucTV9Qy_NXk

[Delacroix]

Wow --Steve -- thanks much. But I must be doing something wrong, I only see one image and no arrow??

[Woot]

Trying again! Try this-

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=6E54EB8BEC6CD381!733&authkey=!ALtlucTV9Qy_NXk

[ceedee]

Well done Steve,

I did this so many times for a demo at my customer's home.

Cor

[Delacroix]

Steve -- that is wonderful --- you provide a real service to everyone here. Thank you -- I'd give you member of the year award if we had one. Instead, turn up at RMAF and I'll buy you a beer

[Woot]

Mmmmm beeeeer!
Thanks!
Steve

[fplanner2000]

I've also used Pilot a number of times with good to excellent results.  Be sure you have them strapped to a pallette(s) for extra protection.  Yellow Freight has also done a good job for me where Pilot was too expensive/inconvenient, especially with speakers.  I would price them both, including insurance.

Harve

[ahanson3]

I have also used Pilot to deliver VSA products a number of times: Visiun center, V12 Shockwave sub, VR 4 SR MKIII mains, and VR-S/3 sub.  All arrived perfectly with no problems.  Each time the shipping method was specified as ground, but on several occasions they actually shipped by air to Mpls/St Paul, and were then delivered via ground to my house by local shipping company.  I have had the same local delivery person each time.  He always makes sure that he has a lift gate, and brings them to the actual spot I suggest in my house.  He has even helped unpack and setup if schedule allows.  Only requirement is that I invite he and his wife to come an hear the improvements the new VSA product provides.  It also helps that VSA does such a great job of packing the product for shipment.  It is worth the cost  to me.  My first VR5's (not shipped by Pilot) arrived with a forklift imprint in one of the speakers.

[Delacroix]

Well the upgrade is on. I spent a couple of hours this afternoon packing them up - it'd doable by oneself but if I had sense, I'd have asked for help. That said, they are in their wooden cases ready to be picked up tomorrow morning. Those pics from Steve came in handy once or twice, but I just wonder why I did not have the foresight to label the foam inserts when I unpacked originally. It was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle getting it all back together.

I had a hard time getting the attention of Pilot since I started down this upgrade path but a quick call from VSA (thanks Devon) seems to have sorted this out. Oddly, am also shipping out a pair of speakers I had in for review so the room looks empty.  Hadn't warned my wife I was doing this so when I told her I was shipping out the 5SEs she said 'NO, not the Vons, you can't....". Made it a bit easier then to tell her the cost of upgrading, LOL. Anyhow, not sure what I will be doing in my main rig for the next few weeks as I have a major amp repair going on too at this time but will cobble a system together from all those other parts I have in other rooms (see, it pays to hold on to old gear!). I'll update on the upgrade when the time comes. Roght now, am just popping a cold one and thinking yes, moving hundreds of pounds of speakers does count as a workout for this weekend.