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Green Mtn Europa vs. Von Schweikert VR1

I notice that there were a couple of comments on these speakers and how the europa blew away the VR1 in side by side comparisons. I owned the europa for quite a while then sold them to buy the spendor 3/1p. I wanted a good sounding speaker with a great wooden finish and I think I did pretty well. But after a while the speaker sort of bored me and I sold them. I found a good deal on the VR1's through a dealer and purchased them sight unseen and unheard. Basically purchased them based on reviews. These speakers had a beautiful finish and the sound to me is lively and very open. They have very good detail and bass for their size. My question is , since I don't have the europa's to compare them to, what are the major differences. Bass has got to be one because of the size of the cabinets. The europa is much larger. I really did love the sound of the europa's and would have kept them if they had matched my decor. Just looking for some comments or maybe some persuasion to purchase another pair of the Europa's if they are really that much better!
wizard
robm321
932 posts
 
Never heard the Europas. In fact, never heard of them either. I would be very leary of any comments like "blew away" especially given the way the VS sounds. I'm also curious to see if anyone can back that up. If so, then they've remained a secret.
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
there is a bit too much "hype" here on GMA Europas, they are very good speakers but so are other makes, one needs to put things in perspective.

I own both speakers and no way does GMA Europas "blow away" VR1 in my systems, they are pretty comprable but I think Europas would sound better in more systems because of more forgiving nature.

VR1 has more vivid detailed treble and sounds faster, would mate best with system that is slightly warm to nuetral.

Soundstage is very close, both very strong in this area and I rate them roughly equal.

Rest of sound spectrum I slightly prefer the Europas, bass midrange etc. As I said before I think it is more forgiving of music played and would sound good with a wider range of gear.

And lastly if visual beauty is important the VR1 are beautiful speakers especially the African Hazelwood finish, the Europas are just industrial looking black cabinets.

If I could only keep one pair I personally would go with Europas because I play plenty of rock/alt music that is not recorded well. I think both are great products at real world price, also I have recieved great customer service from both companies.
mauiaudioman
171 posts
 
This says it all:
"If I could only keep one pair I personally would go with Europas because I play plenty of rock/alt music that is not recorded well" Most speakers are fine if you only listen to great recordings. Many recordings, especially older ones from artists that were never able to book high end studios don't sound so good on a great many speakers. To me, thats where the GMA's blow away other speakers. I mean, whats it worth to be able to listen to, and ENJOY old Jimmie Spheeris stuff on vinyl? Thats why I have the Europa's and, besides instruments and voices sound very "live", thats what I like best about them.
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