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Sorry, yet another

I'm looking to take my system to the next level, and I'm a firm believer that speakers are one of the most important components for reproduced sound to sound like the real thing.

I'm looking for speaker recommendations in the $6k or under range (used / demo) that can replace my Von Schweikert VR-4 III HSE. These speakers do a lot of things well, and I don't want to lose those qualities, but I want to improve on a few perceived shortcomings (on to that in a second).

So if you have experience or have owned the VR-4s, lay it on me. What did it take to get better sound, and the next level?

But first, my system consists of:
- BAT VK-D5 CD Player w/ Amperex 7308 tubes.
- First Sound Presence Deluxe MKII preamp, also with Amperex 7308 tubes.
- Either Parasound Halo JC-1s or ASL Hurricanes monoblocks (have both, haven't decided on which to keep yet).
- Audience AU24 ICs and speaker cabling, PowerChords

My room is around 25' x 20', and speakers can be placed up to 4' into the room (measured front of speaker to wall behind it). I also have three dedicated 20A circuits.

Listening preferences include a lot of acoustic and electric blues, jazz, female vocal, classic rock, older hard rock, and limited classical.

I like the way the VR4s image (holographic soundstage, detail, somewhat forward presentation), their great natural midrange, airy highs and deep bass. I don't like the shorter soundstage I get and the lack of chest pounding bass slam when called for. Dynamics could be improved a touch as well.

So am I asking too much? Does such a speaker exist, whether dynamic or panel and under $6k?

Note: I haven't spent much time in positioning yet as remodeling is hampering those efforts.

Thanks for the help!
1markr
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have a similar set-up with the First Sound Presence Deluxe II and VR4 SE loudspeakers. I'm driving the speakers with a Bryston 14B SST amp. Before I put the First Sound into the system, I was using Bryston BP-25 preamp. There was a perceptible reduction in bass slam with the swapping of tubes intstead of SS. However, there was also a new naturalness with the First Sound that more than compensates for the reduced bass slam. The VR4's have never produced an especially tall or wide soundstage in my 19 x 14 room despite very careful placement (and re-adjustment), so I don't think amplification is the problem here. It sounds like we have similar experiences with the soundstage. I have used both Amperex 7308 and Siemens 7308 tubes in the First Sound, and you will undoubtedly get more "slam" with Siemens 7308 tubes.
cmpromo
64 posts
 
BTW , Preamp used is a sf line 3 with amperex 7308's in the output.
snook2's avatar
snook2
608 posts
 
You can upgrade your speakers through Von Schweikert. It costs $2500 to turn your speakers into the 7's. Go to the website and check the Mods. I believe the new 7's go for $25000.
1markr OP
525 posts
 
BTW, my speakers are not biwired at the moment. Through the process of elimination, I have the speaker cables connected to the low module, and an AU24 1m jumper going to the top. I guess I can see what bi-wiring will do.

TVAD, I'm ok with the width, though it's not "wall to wall". It's the height that's rather shorter than I like, but it has grown higher with the addition of the First Sound preamp.

PLATO, I agree that I need to spend more time positioning. The Audience cables are known for their speed and bass extension, so I don't think they are a problem. I would love to biamp, but would be a little out of my budgetary means at this point. I knew I was going to give up a little "slam" going to a tubed front end, but I don't think the penalty should be this much though. I wouldn't get rid of the front end due to the naturalness and tonality I get from the tube gear.
aroc
760 posts
 
I heard vr4-GenIIIs at a dealer once with classe 301 monoblocks in a room bigger than yours. That system had more bass then I though the room could control. I suppose in retrospect it didn't pound my chest in, though. But really I would think with jc-1s that you would have more bass then you would ever want. I'm not knocking your gear, I'm just a little surprised, that's all.
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