B&W vs Von Schweikert house sound?

If you look at the multitude of threads that are basically people looking to "fix" their B&W issues with a [insert cable, amp, pre-amp, new speaker, etc.] it should tell you something. To my ears they sound good at first but after just a few minutes the sound and lack of musicality wear thin. I have even seen a dealer sneak a sub into demos of his B&Ws.

VSAs in comparison have a smoother but delicate top end, better sound stage, and they dig way deeper with good authority on bass. To me the VSA are better from stem to stern and are pretty great options at their price points. In a 15X18 space the 4JR would be a good option.

I think Maineiac nailed it, plus he has great taste in women. You'll be happy with any pair of Von Schweikerts for many years. The VR-4Sr. certainly helped me get off the crazy upgrade highway, and I owned probably 20 high-end speakers before settling on Von Schweikert. The VR-4Jr. is probably one of the best deals in audio.

plus he has great taste in women

9rw: Is he married to your sister?

Maineac, I've read alot about the Jr, and what a great bargain it is. But does it really compare to the 803/2D, or the VSA 4SR/mkii and VSA 5HSE/SE?

I am guessing that 9rw is referring to the fact that my plasma is showing Carrie Underwood in my system pictures.

I have not heard the VSA 5HSE/SE. I am purely guessing that because of your room size that the 4SR might be a bit overpowering on the bass and they are just physically big speakers too. I would call Albert to discuss.

I did extensive demos of B&W 803N (not D) as well as thiel, sonus faber, usher, etc. and could never get comfortable and enjoy what I was hearing. The instant I heard VSA4JR it was a done deal. The 3D capability of VSA is incredible. I am not sure if there are many dealers left because of the change in the sales model a year or two ago but you should hear the VSA for yourself if at all possible.

If you like the B&W sound and flavor then moving up and across lines may be what you need. It just never worked for me.

There have been a number of Von Schweikert owners that have upgraded from the VR4 JR to VR4 SR or one of the VR5 versions and were pleased with the improvement. Likewise, few would put the VR4 JR in the same class with the B&W 803 or 802. I do not question there is an improvement, but IMHO you may pay a substantial premium for this in the cost of both the speaker and the associated equipment required to get the best result. In a room that is not too large (my own listing room is 16' X 23' for example) and when the bass module is loaded with shot and the speaker positioned with care and the rear tweeter control set for the right level of ambience, the VR4 JR deliver bass with impact and clarity down to 25 hz as well as excellent imaging, a smooth midrange and very good transient response. Would I trade my VR4 JR for VR4 SR if the additional cost was modest (<$1000)? Absolutely. However, to me it is not worth the several thousand dollar premium the market demands even for used speakers. Your experience may differ.