Von Schweikert VR2 vs. VR4 Gen III


Has anyone used both the Von Schweikert VR2 and VR4 Gen III's? I was thinking about buying the 4's, but the rep over at Von Schweikert suggested the 2s instead. Tried to get him to give me a clear aswer why, but I realized he never really did. How would you compare the two? Can you see a reason someone might want to go with the 2s instead?

Joy Elyse
joyelyse
I own both the VR-2 and the VR-4. Anyone who tells you to buy the 2 instead must have a pretty good reason. Maybe its your electronics or room size.
In terms of performance, they both make good music. The 2's are kind of silly for the price, with bass down below 26Hz. That's velodyne kind of bass, and in a loudspeaker that also had great soundstaging.
The 4's are a completely different animal, they sound alike as one would hope, since they should, tonally, etc. But the 4 is more dynamic, and much more textured.
If you need real help buying, email me. I can direct you to the right person.
Larry
Albert Von schweikert called me personally today (!!!!!!), because I sent him an e-mail asking for clarification. He spent an hour on the phone with me going over the designs, sound characteristics, a little about his childhood :), etc. I was blown away by his company's commitment to customer service. That's 2 1/2 hours his people have spent with this _weekend_ helping me make the right choice, so that I will be happy in the long term. Truly exceptional. From their commitment to sound quality, to affordable, to customer service, this is what I consider an amazing company. If the speakers sound even half as good as I think they will, they have won a customer for life.

I have decided to go with VR2's paired up with the matching VRs/1 subs. (Yes the system Paul originally recommended.) If it's good enough for MTV, JVC, and Albert, it's good enough for me. :)

Thanks everyone for all of your help.

Joy Elyse
I think the VSA crew steered you in the right direction. Just like big Wilsons, to get the full advantage of the big VR4's, from my experience, you need to have them on a long wall, AT LEAST 12ft apart, even further apart is possible, and, I've found you should have the seat in an equilateral trianagle, so pretty far off as well. You also need to get the big dawgs about 5ft off the back walls, 3-6ft off the side walls (never the same distance off front/side walls), so you can appreciate the size of a room needed for these to really settle in comfortably. If you really want to hear the amazing bass that they can produce, down into the teens, you need closer to a 40ft long room, if not more....not that loading up and pressurizing a smaller room isn't fun too!

With the VR2's and subs you'll be more then happy, me thinks. The VR1/2's make a killer surround setup and you can place them much more easily and actually move them around by yourself. The aesthetics of the VR1/2's don't hurt either, though I personally don't mind a black sock, many hate it. Anyways, I'd be willing to bet that you'll completely forget about Martin Logans after a couple weeks of break-in....

p.s. don't forget the lead shot or sand, it's mandatory, not optional.
Joy,

Best of luck with your decision and I hope you had a fruitful call with Paul of VSA. Yes, customer service, and excellent dealer service in concert with the manufacturer, is what it is all about. VSA certainly provides that. Not to mention world class equipment. Best of luck and email me if any assistance is needed.

Brian in MA (BOK)
Well, my VR2s (VRS/1s, LCR15, VR1s, and stands) are ordered. I expect them to arrive next Friday. I am so excited! I'll break them in over Thanksgiving week, and report in after. Talk to y'all in 100-200 hours. Joy Elyse