[WGH]

I'd be happy with a "half mod of drivers and crossovers less the triple wall, which is really why the speakers have to be sent back. Some WGH sourced braces supplied perhaps? Sounds interesting!

I have never seen or heard a VR-4 JR, but if they are constructed similar to the VR-2's then just replacing the speakers without adding any additional bracing or some sort of triple wall will only get you half way to nirvana.

I have listened to my VR-2's in four different configurations:

1) Stock with lead shot - pleasant with diffuse imaging and ripe bass
2) Cabinet sides with braces - improved imaging, slightly better bass
3) Additional braces added that connect opposite cabinet sides - bass now has punch and definition
4) Richlite dampening glued between braces - speakers disappear, solid center imaging, OMG bass

There is a strong possibility that the new drivers will have more forceful bass which will excite and vibrate the stock (un-reinforced) cabinets even more making the resulting sound more boomy with diffuse imaging because at every frequency the cabinets vibrate the center image will pull toward that speaker.

Wayne

[azhtnut]

I received an email yesterday from Albert scheduling the mod for my VR4-jrs and LCR15 for week of 5/24, so it looks like VSA is able to do these again now.  Looking forward to getting them back already. 

[scp2]

Great!! Keep us posted on how it turns out for you. I am hoping the same is in my future.

[musicelb]

 Awsome!

[phb2020]

I am planning on sending my 4jrs for the Mark III upgrade.  But I no longer have the crates and VSA notified me that they would send me a set of crates for $250 shipping.  Upgrade is $2500 plus $350 EACH WAY shipping.  Does anyone in the New York City area have complete pair of crates for me to "borrow"?  I'd come pick up & return in 50 mile radius of NYC and pay a service charge to you for the crates.

[jazzMD]

Is the cost lower if you start with a VR-4 Jr MkII?

[underdog64]

mine arrives next Friday .It took longer than I originally planned (think they had to wait on parts) but should be well worth it.Will report my initial impressions upon receiving them on this forum

[azhtnut]

My Vr4-jrs and LCR15 were received by VSA yesterday and should be finished for pickup by me the end of next week.  Cheaper to drive over from PHX, play some golf in Temecula, and drive these back at 500 lbs + than ship them back. 

[azhtnut]

I picked up my upgraded VR4 MKIII on Tuesday from the factory in Murrieta and brought them back home that evening.  I got to spend a little time with Albert, but was a little rushed with family wanting to get home, so not as much as I would have liked.  Albert is very appreciative of the comments on AC and like I would like to see more activity and members join the circle. 

I wasn't able to hook up the MKIIIs to my system until yesterday and was able to listen for an hour or so to a few select songs in 2CH mode.   The change from the VR4-jrs is incredible. With my Lexicon RV-8 AVR, the VR4-jrs had a bright up front sound that lacked depth seemed to be missing detail in the middle and low ends. 

The new MKIII's have changed all that.  The sound is fuller, deeper, and more complete than with the VR4-jrs.  The upgrade has significantly changed what I'm hearing on certain recordings.  An example is from the Essential Bob Dylan collection.  Songs like Tangled Up in Blue and Hurricane used to sound much brighter with an emphasis on the high end.  Now I'm hearing the full range of music and a completely different presentation than previously.

I am still breaking in the MKIIIs as background music while I work out of my home.  They probably have about 25 hours at the factory and back home since the upgrade.  I'll post more when I reach ~100 hours of break-in.

Marty

[underdog64]

I got mine last Friday-unfortunately when I hooked them up to my tube power amp-a VTL ST 150 the amp blew one channel due to an unknown reason.While it's in the shop I have the speakers breaking in with my Exposure 2010 Integrated and 2010 power amp.Even though the Exposure is far less transparent than the Vtl and my Audio Mirror T-61 tube pre these speakers sound wonderful!-especially in the bass (tone and texture with no overhang) just like Albert said they would.Tonight I will use the Audio Mirror tube pre and have my 2010 Exposure power drive the highs+another 2010 Exposure power on the lows.Highs should be significantly bettered with this combo along with the imaging.

[jazzMD]

Can anyone tell me how long it takes for e-mails to VSA to be answered? I wrote about 2 weeks ago, and then re-sent a week later (about a quote for a potential "Euro Mod" Mk3 upgrade for my current VR-4 Jr Mk2): no answer yet!... (Please note that I live in the Caribbean and that e-mail is the easiest -- and cheapest -- mode of communication for me).

[StereoNut]

... Albert used AudioSpace integrated amps to present at the 2008 CES...Wonderful synergy with AudioSpace esp those 300b's.  Jack

Jack

Just curious... do you know if Albert uses those same amps to "voice" all of his speakers when he designs them?

Thanks!
SN

[JackD201]

I don't know what Albert uses today, but he last he told me it was a VAC Phi Betta for tubes and Spectron Musicians for Solid State.

Ooops! Wrong Jack! 

[es347]

A pair beats one of a kind 

[GeminOhio]

In the spring of this year I sent my Von Schweikert VR4JR 1"s to California to be upgraded to the "Euro Mod" Mk3 version. I have a little over 100 hours of break in time on them now. There is no comparison between before and after. It has transformed them into an entirely different pair of speakers. The bass is much fuller and tight with more detail. The highs are crisp. Cymbals shimmer and horns are sublime. The midrange and voices are heavenly. The speakers themselves seem to disappear. Every recording that I listen to is like hearing it for the first time. Though the upgrade is pricey I feel it is worth twice the price. It has allowed me to have a level of sound that I never thought I could afford. By audiophile standards I have a modest system of Conrad Johnson electronics and a Marantz SACD player. I have a vintage Harman Kardon turntable with a Signet MK110E moving coil cartridge. I consider my Mk3's to be the crowning jewel of my system. They provide the best possible sound that my equipment can offer. I would like to thank Albert Von Schweikert for making this upgrade available. The work was done quickly and very professionally. I would highly recommend this mod if you own a pair of VR4JR's version 1 or 2. It takes you to a level of sound quality far above that of the original. There are $15,000 to $20,000 speakers that have nothing on the Mk3's. Thanks once again for for allowing me to get closer to the source. After all, it's all about the music.

[es347]

Spot on GeminOhio....Albert strikes again!   

[musicelb]

  They amaze me how clear they sound at very loud levels!

[JackD201]

Hey no fair! I'm in line for one but haven't sent my Mk1s yet although I'm paid up for it. Too darned busy!