[invicta51]

What is the difference between the 938 and 938W?  From the Hyperion website, it looks like one of them has a lighter bottom end?  Is there a difference in price and sound quality?

[Nick Bassman]

What is the difference between the 938 and 938W?  From the Hyperion website, it looks like one of them has a lighter bottom end?  Is there a difference in price and sound quality?

As far as I know the difference is the finish, W for wood veneer. Over here in the UK there is a fairly substantial upcharge for this around $1200 !! The info I got from the UK distributor was that the UK version of the speaker has some crossover adjustments to take account of the differences between US (mainly plasterboard/wood framed walled) rooms and UK (mainly brick walled) rooms. I think this equates to a slightly less full bottom end.

However I could be wrong, so I'm sure a quick mail to Hyperion would clear the question.

[Roy]

As far as I know from previous calls to Hyperion, the 938W retails for $6k while the 938, $4.5k. The 938W is supposed to use some aluminium bass drivers as opposed to the graphite ones on the 938. The guy also told me that the 938W has better bass extension.

[Nick Bassman]

As far as I know from previous calls to Hyperion, the 938W retails for $6k while the 938, $4.5k. The 938W is supposed to use some aluminium bass drivers as opposed to the graphite ones on the 938. The guy also told me that the 938W has better bass extension.

I stand corrected, thanks for the extra info Roy

Certainly the price hike is in keeping with what it would have been here.
Now you mention it the guy in the follow up review on 6moons mentioned ally woofers and increased cabinet bracing.

[Dracule1]

According to Albert Wu of Hyperion,

Besides the wood vaneer, the 938W has bass drivers made of metal (magnesium or aluminum I think).  It does provide about 3 Hz more extension.  But in reality, you won't notice this difference unless you do a side by side comparison with test tone in th 25 to 30Hz range.  The bass module is heavier.  Otherwise, no diffence.

[invicta51]

How do the 938's compare to the Von Schweigert 4 Jr's?  They are configured in a similar manner and the price is comparable.  VS4jr's can be found used for $2300-3300.

[Dracule1]

Invicta,

I have posted several comments and comparison between these two speakers on Audiogon.  For either speaker the right electronics is critical, although the 938s seem to do better with a broader range of electonics because of its benign load and 90 dB efficiency.  The only time I heard the VR4jrs to my liking was when it was mated with the DK VS1 integrated with NOS Mullard tubes - dynamic, large soundstage with great imaging.  This combo was exceptional.  The only problem that would preclude me from owning these speakers was a grainy quality to the high frequencies that irritated me after about 1/2 hour of continuous listening.  Maybe it was the rear firing ambience tweeter in VR4jrs.  I get the all the good qualities of the VR4jrs with smooth/clean highs and much more natural and transparent sound.  Some people love these speakers.  But have you noticed how many used VR4jrs are up for sale on Audiogon?  I only sell my equipment if I can get better stuff.   How many used 938s have you seen for sale?  I have yet to see one in recent memory.