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Questions on Totem Hawks & Von Schweikert VR2

Hi. I am intersted in upgrading my current Vandersteen 1C speakers to a full-sized speaker that more closely matches my musical tastes (rock of all kinds, trip hop). My budget is around the $1500 mark used, and I am very happy with my current amp (Sim Audio I-5) and source (Sim Audio Nova), so I don't want to change them; I'm only considering changing my speakers.

I've done a lot of research here and elsewhere. Based on what I have read, I have narrowed my list to two speakers that I feel would be a good match for my system and my music: Totem Hawk & Von Schweikert VR2.

My living room is 22'x14'x8', but the listening area is more like 14'x14'. Other considerations include having to place the speakers no more than 18" from the long wall, the presence of small kids (ages 7 & 4), and that I live in an apartment. I don't generally blast my music, but do listen to "lively" music, so I want more "punch." I am still pleased with my Vandy's, but think that I can do better match-wise.

My concern with the Hawks relate to ease of being driven by the I-5's 70 wpc (I've read mixed things here), and my concern with the VR2s is the apparent need for them to be placed 2-3 feet from the wall (not possible for me). I am not interested in bookshelf speakers, and my reading has led me to these two speakers because of perceived quality, match with my music/equipment, size (smaller compared to my vandy's), value/price, and sonic characteristics. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, - Steve
walkman
robm321
932 posts
 
Rumadian,

That's funny I would have it the other way around. The VR2 placement is very picky given that it uses the room and rear ambiance tweater. It all has to come together in the sweet spot at the right time to get the benefit of the VR2. Maybe that's why you you didn't hear what they were capable of. The Hawks, in my experience, were much more forgiving with room placement.

Can you explain what is "technically far less superior" about the VR2's? Do you mean crossover wise, or designwise?
walkman OP
50 posts
 
Yeah, Robm321, I had also read several posts here and elsewhere that the VR2s were kinda fussy in terms of placement, relative to other speakers...I found it interesting to read from Rumadian that he felt the VR2s were "much easier on placement," as that was one of my major concerns with the VR2s (e.g. distance from rear wall). - steve
rumadian
152 posts
 
Robm231,

I hope you accept my apologies as my original response came across too strong and I simply did not take any time to give thorough thought before posting.

Having owned the VR-2 and the VR-1, I have much respect for what Von Schweikert has done with these products! You are spot on, the Vr-2 is not an easy speaker to get right in room, as that rear tweeter can cause some freaky reflections. While positioning the vr-2 can be a challenge for even an experienced audiophile, matching the vr-2 with electronics can be easily done – and might I add, affordably so! This is a major strength to the vr-2’s credit and is a good reason why the speaker is as popular as it is. You do not have to spend a mint to get a lot.

The Hawk by contrast, while more friendly with room positioning (although still requiring a very large space to really breathe)… is much more demanding with electronics. With the VR-2, you can easily match the speaker with inexpensive tube’s (Antique Sound Labs, vintage Dynakits, Rogue)… the Hawks really do need gear from the likes of Lamm, Bat (vk-60 or similar). This is a fairly significant step up in electronics and many people do not like the idea of such a disproportionate investment in their system.

As for technical superiority. The Hawk uses a 5.5 inch Scan-Speak Revelator… a driver that costs over 200 by its lonesome, not to mention a fantastic modified MB Quart tweeter that too, is very expensive. The ‘crossover’ is simply a cap and a resistor (if I remember correctly). Very simple. The internal wiring *silver* and over all cab volume is executed near perfection. This was brilliant design mixed with… honestly… luck. Just so you know, the manufacturers cost on the Hawk is only a few hundred less than the msrp of the vr-2.

Now, with all of that being said.. is the Hawk always the better choice? The answer is; of course not. But it is a speaker that is very mis-understood and very easy to get wrong...and a lot of people (dealers included) simply do not realize it.
walkman OP
50 posts
 
Interesting discourse there Rumadian. Thanks. I am learning mucho, and glad I started this thread. From what I have read, there does seem to be agreement that the VR2s are relatively harder to place correctly, but easier to drive (and therefore mate with other components) whereas the Hawks are relatively easier to place, but harder to drive (and therefore mate with other components). thx, - steve
lowfidelity
40 posts
 
You might also want to consider the Consonance Eric 3 speakers (list is $1795). I own a pair and feel they are a great buy in speakers. Here is a link to a recent review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/opera_eric3.htm
I feel the review is very accurate.

Here is what I posted previously on these forums about the Eric 3 compared to Von Schweikert speakers:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1120383341
To which I would only add that the treble of the Eric 3 have indeed become smoother with break-in and have not lost any of the detail.

I have a friend who prefers the Eric 3 to my VR-4jr. I attribute this to the more forward nature of the Eric 3 (as noted by Soundstage), and the weaknesses of my listening space which really hurt the VR-4jr. The jr should be farther away from the boundaries than I can place them.

Enjoy!
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