I cannot comment on comparison of the VR-5SE (or newer edition VR-5A) with Aerials because I never listened to the latter, but as an owner of VR-5A, supported by good electronics, I must agree with many others in this thread that they (VR-5A) are indeed phenomenal speakers. I plan to keep them for life. With every genuine improvement to my system they are sounding better, meaning that are still best component in my system and limiting its performance whatsoever. To me, they are like a large, open window into a blue, sunny sonic sky. I wish that many recording studios had them in place when they were recording or mastering their recordings ... .