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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
1markr OP
525 posts
 
Hi Brian, the JC-1s are a little over a year old, bought them preowned (but mint) from a fellow A-gonner for a decent price and no shipping. I realize there's no warranty for subsequent owners. I wouldn't have bought 'em new from another dealer knowing that you are in my area. This was a deal I couldn't pass up. Anyways, I still need to pay you a visit to hear the awesome setup you have.

I agree about positioning, and that's my next step. I need spend a bunch of time in positioning the speakers, and then some room treatments might be in order. I really like the VR-4s.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
Tvad he wanted them used, each one of these can be bought for that price used. I guess you didn't think before posting!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Touche, Nrchy. Back to my apple sauce and drool cup...
1markr OP
525 posts
 
Wow, I better be careful what I wish for next time....Stella Got Her Groove back, and I got my bass back! Bass up the wazoo (I need to reposition my speakers now as it's almost too much), and great slam!

I'm still going to try some of the tweaks mentioned above, but after talking to Emmanuel Go at First Sound, he solved my problem. It turns out that my power conditioner sucked the life out of the First Sound preamp, along with it some the bass and all of the "slam". Sure enough, taking the preamp off of the conditioner and plugging in directly to a dedicated outlet, set the preamp free! Mind you, I used this power conditioner on 5 other preamps with great success.

The First Sound is best plugged into the wall, per Emmanuel and now, my experiences.

Thanks for all your help guys!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My experience with the First Sound is also that it sounds best direct to the wall. Kinda nice to be able to fix the problem without having to buy new speakers, huh? Emmanuel's a fine gentleman, and extremely giving of his time to those interested in the First Sound preamps.
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