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Von Schweikert VR-1 question

At this point seriously considering getting a pair of VR-1s, but before I do was wondering just how revealing these speakers would be toward my source (Onkyo DC-C540 CD Changer)? To my ears, it's a good sounding player, but I also realize that perhaps the speakers that I'm currently using (Boston Acoustic A-60s) are more forgiving of modest components. I also believe the rest of my system should work well with VR-1s (Jolida 502A, AQ CV-6 w/DBS speaker wire and AQ Diamondback IC), and I certainly hope to upgrade the CDP at some point down the road, but for the time being, the Onkyo is going to be the source. Being that's the case, I would certainly would want speakers that would allow me to enjoy my music with the components that I currently have, knowing well that when I do replace the CDP with a better unit, that I'll be reaping further sonic improvements. So I guess the two questions are, one, would VS VR-1s work well with the components that I currently have? And two, if not, would I be better off looking for a pair of speakers that are a little more "forgiving" (suggestions welcomed) of the source? Please remember that I'm a man of modest means, trying to put together a good sounding, affordable system, one step at a time. Thanks.
cleaneduphippy
mark
42 posts
 
I owned a pair of VR-1s for several months and switched back and forth with a pair of Boston Acoustics A40s (one step down from the A60 in their line at the time) using a Rega Mira integrated to listen to classical music webstreams via a Squeezebox. I found the VR-1s to be too revealing with what is admittedly an inferior source (I never made a comparison between the two speaker models using CDs, LPs or FM) and preferred the A40s. I sold the VR-1s and the A40s as well and replaced them with the Boston Acoustics T930, which has the same tweeter, I believe, as the A40 and A60 but which gives me a better midrange and bass than the A40 did while retaining the generally warm and mildly colored character of the Boston Acoustics sound from that period.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Thank you, Mark. You're saying things that in some ways that I'm feeling. When I listen to my music, it's more emotional than intellectual. I like the VR-1s, but in listening to them I sometimes wonder if they are more intellectual than emotional. Don't get me wrong, I do like a smart speaker, but I do need the "heart and soul". Granted the VR-1s are great speakers, and what they do, they do well, and I can easily understand why people like them, and I do want to like them myself, but in listening to them I sometimes wonder, is this an infatuation or this love? Truth be told, I want a speaker that I can love. Sounds weird, but truth be told that's really what it's all about.
armstrod
498 posts
 
Cleaneduphippy,

Given the goals stated in your last post, you might want to consider upgrading your CDP first, and your speakers second. I used an Adcom GCD-575 for 15 years when it finally gave up the ghost, and replaced it with an Onix XCD-88 (now the XCD-99). It's affordable and was a huge jump in sound quality. By doing your source first, you may be able to retain your system's "heart and soul" at every step, rather than sacrificing it for the new speakers.

And always remember Rule #1: If you're happy with your system's sound, leave it alone!
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Armstrod,

I think my CDP is really not the problem. I actually think that while I really like/love my speakers (Boston Acoustic A-60s) there are things I wish they did better. I like the warmth that they have, but wish they had a little less coloration, and a little more clarity. Also, while I think the A-60s have pretty decent imagery, and frequency responds and good voicing, I wish that the sound staging was somewhat deeper. Guess what I'm looking for is a pair of speakers that gives me everything I like about the A-60s, but with the things I wish they did better. And in a sense, I have a good starting place, as I know what I got, and know what I'm looking for. Basically I'm looking for something better and not just different. It's a search and I think eventually I'll find what I'm looking for (and of course, I do appreciate whatever suggestions people give me, whether or not it works out or not). Bottom line, I'm in no hurry, and I'll know when I find what I'm looking for. btw, I do appreciate all suggestion I get, and I do try to track down most of them.

tvad
9,467 posts
 
The VR-1 will reveal what's upstream. No doubt about it. Consider the small floorstanding Totem Arros as an alternative. Not necessarily better or worse than the VR-1...just a different flavor.
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