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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
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.
armstrod
498 posts
 
Cleaneduphippy,

If you're looking for better soundstaging, you might want to experiment with speaker placement and a little room treatment before you go changing speakers. You might find your A-60s can give you what you want if they're tweaked a little.

Tvad's suggestion of Arros is a very good one. Another possibility is the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170. I demoed a pair before I bought the VR-1s, although it was the older model, not the current SE version. They may give you what you want, although you'll probably want to add a sub at some point.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Tvad and Amstrod,

Appreciate your suggestions. As far as speaker placements, treatments, ect. I have experimented with my speakers, and I think I have gotten the best I can get out of them, considering the circumstance I live with. Number one, I live in a second story condo, with a common floor and wall. So floorstander and subwoofers are somewhat out of the question due to "sound bleed" issues (one of the "joys" of living in a condo). Nevertheless, I think in time, I'll find the speakers that I'm looking for. I might be a little "anal" in that search, and it may take me awhile, but the one thing I DO have going for me, is I KNOW what I like, and I KNOW what I'm looking for. Now finding those speakers, and at the price I want to pay, that's going to be the challenge. But you know, that's also part of the fun.

Y'all take care.
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