If your price point is now $4K look no further than the VR33s. VSA offers a 90 return policy and even though the break in on any VSA speaker is relatively long, that should give you ample time to evaluate them before the 90 days are up. Good luck in your search.
Thanks for the response.
I did exchange a few e-mails with VSA and am aware of their 90 day return policy. Despite this excellent return policy, I would be out the shipping cost to me should I return them (about $300 because of their size). At this point I'm not sure I want to spend $300 on an audition. Despite encouragement from VSA that no one has yet returned a pair of VR33s, I have to consider the possibility that they won't be THE speakers for me.
My last recent speaker audition is a good example of this. After reading very positive reviews and feedback about the new Magnepan 1.7s combined with my own positive experience with Maggies back in the eary 80's, I decided to check them out. After a couple auditions at 2 different dealers I found I did not like the character of the midrange in these speakers (there seemed to be some emphasis in this area). They did have some outstanding qualities, but in the end they are not the speaker for me.
I don't doubt that VSA makes excellent speakers, but personal preference is such a huge factor when it comes to speakers (and they all sound different). So at some point I'm going to have to do some auditioning to see if I like them enough to replace my current speakers.
It's been such a long time since I seriously looked for a pair of speakers (I've had my ADSs for 24 years!) I'm going to have to really take my time and see what's out there.
Thanks again. I really appreciate all the feedback.