I use the VR-4 Gen IIIs in my second system, and I had a pair of the JRs on loan while my VR-9s were being built. I thought the JRs imaged and disappeared a bit better, but the Gen IIIs were more dynamic, had deeper and tighter bass, and were somewhat more detailed at the extremes. As for looks, the JR is a beautiful speaker--I received many compliments about it--but something about the "ugly duckling" nature of the IIIs appeals to me. I just think it's a more "interesting" looking speaker. You should probably be able to get a pretty sweet deal on a used pair of the IIIs now. If you can, I'd seriously consider that as an option.