Von Schweikert VR2 vs. VR4 Gen III

It seems the trip to Chicago may be perfect timing! Believe me, when you get the speakers home and unboxed, the last thing you're going to want to do if they're not to your liking is box them back up and shlep them back to UPS or Fedex or wherever. Plus it's worthwhile to see the finishes in person if possible.

I've owned the VR4 GenIII's for 1 1/2 years & a few months ago auditioned the VR2's at home for about 5 days.

I liked the sound of the 2's but would not give up my 4's for them. There is nothing wrong with the 2's, it's just that the 4's do it better. I've never had a speaker that needed a sub & the systems I've heard with subs were not seamless.

I tried the 2's because I thought my room wasn't big enough for the 4's due to room placement/constraints but after having a listen to the 2's, decided to make a few adjustments to bring out the best sound I could. Even in my situation the 4 was the better speaker. From what you posted, you have plenty of power & a big enough room to get the speakers away from the wall & still have plenty of room.

Another one for your consideration is the VR4 junior, which should be available soon for auditioning. I've also heard the SE's but only at the dealer's. Not as fair an audition as in home but I preferred the GenIII's to the SE's.

There is a dealer in Burlington, Vermont. So no dealer in New England is not exactly right.

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