Nathan,
There was no baiting going on here. Fact is, this conversation would be taking place regardless. We have fundamentally different beliefs that are backed up by different experiences, expectations, and taste. This hobby contains many elements, one of those being the discussion of audio whether it is according to your beliefs or not. Taking to consideration that neither one of us will persuade the other through text, perhaps it would be more prudent to sit back and enjoy a healthy exchange of ideas.
Reading through your responses, it appears as though you somehow got the idea that I claimed the two aforementioned Polk Audio speakers could “trounce” Von and Gallo in an all-out dual. For the record, I never made such a claim, nor did I conceive of doing so. I also never once stated or implied the speakers from your list were not versatile and capable in most regards. I did however claim that in short, they are not the end-all, be-all in every aspect to reproduced sound. I sincerely fail to see how anyone could make such a bold claim, but it is all opinion just the same. I only ask that you not question my information when yours is equally as questionable.
My time with the Gallo’s was experienced while on the job at a personal residence. Their strange appearance culled up my audiophile instinct to momentarily take the time out to give these a listen. The owner was more than pleased to provide me with a demo. Indeed, they were fine speakers that had plenty of breathing room in his very spacious (20x30x15?) room. I was thoroughly enjoying the experience, though I do not recall what he was running them on. I wanted to spend more time with the speakers but I had a job to do.
I have had more time to spend with the Von S. VR-2’s. I have heard them on various show room floors on equipment such as Denon *yek*, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, and Mark Levinson. I was not as impressed with these. Far from it in fact, but I still recognized that they were decent and could see how people could enjoy their sound. In fact, I have considered the VR-1’s for my computer system.
Funny thing is, I purchased these vintage Polk SDA2B speakers on consignment from the Von S. dealer. Before taking these speakers home *which needed minor repair first*, I asked the dealer to hook them up to make sure they were functioning. We chose the room where all the good stuff was. Martin Logan, Aerial, and Von S. Once we got the 2B’s hooked up, I threw on some jazz. Everyone was immediately awe struck at the sound coming from these speakers. Everyone, myself included did not expect these vintage Polk’s to compete in any way shape or form to their given company. Indeed, they were right at home. The associates admitted to me that they disregarded the Polks as complete crap, especially given the skeptical publications in the late 80’s. Now if I were nit picking I would say the other speakers had plenty of strengths over the Polks, but when I flipped on Lynyrd Skynryds “Then and now”, the SDA’s stole the show. We just could not believe their HUGE, room enveloping sound stage. The type of sound that makes your head turn. We then switched back to the Von S. VR-2s and promptly cringed. Now does that mean that I believe the SDA’s were better speakers? No. It just means they had their own forte and did it very, VERY well.
As for the 2000’s. This speaker was built and designed to rock your world with clean, loud sound. Sporting four 8’’ powered sub-woofers, and highly sensitive tri lam tweets with 6.5 inch mid-range’s, these things could do just that. Are they in the same quality league as the Gallos and Vons? Of course not. But for their application, they clearly are the better in that ONE regard. I parted with my 2000’s, as have many others I know, and every one of us regrets that decision due to that one aspect they brought to the table that most other speakers just cannot seem to capture.
The strength of the Gallo and Von S. speakers is the quality of sound you get with virtually every genre. But that alone doesn’t mean they will be the best in every genre for their price point (under or over). I would also throw the Totem Sttafs in the mix as one of those speakers that can do it all, and do it all well.
Do not take any of this personally, Nathan. I am offering a different opinion and perspective. Some will agree, and some wont. That’s just how it goes.. in the end we can only hope to find the sound that appeals to us most.
Cheers,
Sean
