Topic: VSA VR4 speakers

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I recently missed a pair of VR-1's on audiogon.. While waiting for another pair to come by, I've been reading about the other VSA models.  The various VR4 models have my attention.

How do the older VR4's compare to the newer?  What to snag, what to avoid?

Thanks!

[MattD]

They sound awesome and are the best bang-for-the-buck VSA speakers (used). I've seen pairs go for $1500 on A'gon. The downside is that they're freakin' HUGE and ugly. The 4jrs are probably another $1k above that used, but are much nicer looking. The soundstage of the jrs isn't as expansive as the original 4s, but I think this can be a good thing depending on your room. The jrs can live in a smaller room.

[Craig T]

if you can find a pair locally for 1500, you should grab them.  Vsa has an upgrade program to turn them into vr7's for around $2k.  I'd fluff them more, but I'm on my bberry!

[carlbeck]

I have the JR's & Nick has the SR's. According to VSA & my own ears, the SR's go deeper & higher than my JR's. I love the SR's & would buy a pair in a second, especially with the upgrade. If you do not have the room then the JR's will get you almost there for more money. the look 20x better than the SR's also.

[scervin]

Carl,

Nick has the VR-4SR or the older VR-4's?  I thought the VR4SR was a larger better sounding VR4jr at 2x the $$.  VR-4SR retail is about $8k.  I've heard the VR-4jr and VR-4 IIISE.  I found the IIISE to be a little better, but not as good looking.  THey had that ugly cloth wrap.

sc

[Nick's Picks]

i've got the original vr4 gen I.
they are not all that ugly actualy.  you get  used to them.  they are not killer looking though.  not much fit and finish.

but they fuckin' rock the house. 

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

There was a pair of SRs on agon for 5K a few weeks ago.  I wish I could have done that.   

I want to try stands to get the JRs off the floor.  For my seating prosition and my height, I think the JRs sit too low, even with the angled baffle.  I traded emails with someone who raised them 8" and he claims to have heard a decent improvement in image and bass response.

[pfife]

I recently missed a pair of VR-1's on audiogon.. While waiting for another pair to come by, I've been reading about the other VSA models.  The various VR4 models have my attention.

How do the older VR4's compare to the newer?  What to snag, what to avoid?

Thanks!

When's the listening party?     

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Thanks guys, very helpful.

FWIW, SR's for $5999/obo in african haze, east side of NY:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1140059576


VR4 gen I + $2000 to get something like a VR7 seems a great deal. I have heard others suggest that upgrade is a great value. I wonder about the specifics, how it compares to the VR4SR...

The VR4's, especially upgraded, are too much for my current space.  But isn't that how it is supposed to be?  Overbuild the playback and hope the house catches up?  I'll be moving next year and I'm trying not to do anything too crazy but want to be ready if a deal comes up.

[scervin]

In talking with others that have heard the VR-4SR and VR-4 xxx, they mentioned the time aligned VR-4SR sounded a little better.  Not sure if they were comparing the upgraded VR-4 or not.  They felt this time alignment made a pretty big difference.

Maybe someone else can comment here?

sc

[Craig T]

I thought all VR4's were time aligned.  Earlier versions had the "stepped" housings for mid and high drivers.  Later versions used a flush cabinet with passive circuits in the crossover to achieve time alignment.  I think I read this info in the VR4>7 upgrade page.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Most of the discussion on this VR4 upgrade page focuses on comparisons to the VR5.  I wonder how the VR5 compares to the upgraded VR4..

http://www.vonschweikert.com/modifications.html

[pjdavep]

Most of the discussion on this VR4 upgrade page focuses on comparisons to the VR5.  I wonder how the VR5 compares to the upgraded VR4..

http://www.vonschweikert.com/modifications.html

A couple months back there were two pairs of VR-5s on Audiogon for a pretty nice price...I think around $4000 for the HSE version with the Hovland crossovers and the magnesium woofer upgrade.  They were on there over a month before they sold.

This guy has had his advertised for at least two months -
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1139710947
He may be getting desperate to sell.

If I ever get rid of my VR-2's, it'll probably be for the VR-5 HSE.

Later,
   pjdavep

[MattD]

This guy has had his advertised for at least two months -
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1139710947
He may be getting desperate to sell.

Schwing! *sigh* if only ...

[Nick's Picks]

the VR4's are probably one of the best gems in the used game.
so accurate and powerful.  hard to believe these mid sized refridgerators can image like they do.  I love Carls 4jrs, but I like my 4s a lot.  Especialy for the short money I paid.  I can upgrade the back end of my system forever before I ever outgrow these or make demands on them that they can't deliver.