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New speaker technology vs. Old speaker tech???

The following is an issue that many members may have encountered: that is, buying an old speaker (vintage 10-12 years old) vs buying a newer and more current technology created by better driver material and using for example a ribbon tweeter, vs traditional silk or aluminum tweeter.

A friend recently purchased a monitor made by Monitor Audio, GX-50 Gold series. which uses a ribbon tweeter. His other choice was a VonSchweikert VR-1, a two way small monitor hailed by many reviewer for its tight bass almost down to 40-45HZ.

I liked the Monitor Audio GX-50, but did not want to influence his final decision. However, the more I listened to them, they sounded somewhat bright and edgy on several "redbook" CD's. He liked VonSchweikert VR-1, they seemed to him more balanced and the bass had real punch. However, he opted for the MA's because he felt the newer technology overall would be more competitive in producing good and detailed sound

Like my friend, I have often get caught up by the technology of new speakers,and ignore what sounds better and satisfying regardless of the music The VR-1 are very good speakers, and usually don't last long on Audiogon when they come around for sale. However, sometimes a mystique emerges around a speaker because of its unexpected performance that elevates it beyond its spec.

Would like to get some input on this "dilemma", especially the reputation of Von Schweikert VR-1 for being "more than sum of its parts"

sunnyjim
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,833 posts
 
I would't go as far as to say that speaker design is at it's zenith but there are only so many ways to skin a cat. Progress will always be made but we're in the realm of baby steps, with the biggest advances in magnet and crossover design, due mainly to better parts from advances in metallurgy and computer modeling.

Designs continue to come out based on older tech that befuddle folk. NOS wire is rediscovered, NOS tubes still rule the day, old discards that are refurbished still have that magic. It's all in the ear of the builder.

All the best,
Nonoise
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
I appreciate and thank those who have responded so far. For the record. the Monitor Audio GX-50 Gold claims a frequency response of 55-60KhZ; whereas, Von Schweikert VR-1 an almost 12"X12"X12") box indicated a frequency response of 45Hz to 25,000 Hz; highly respectable for a speaker that came into the market in 2003

To ZD542, my friend made the choice of buying the Monitor Audio GX-50; I thought the VR-1's sound provided a better balance of frequencies. However, my friend wanted to carry out a brand new pair of speakers,not traded-in speakers with possibly two previous owners. and no boxes.

The VR-1 had that listenability, or euphonic presence that gave even the Stones "Wild Horses" a new shade of excitement. However, maybe my hearing has elapsed into the mellow yellow phase.

So far so good; these threads to me are a way of getting away from a really fucked up world for a while. I think we would all agree that whatever music you listen whether it be Gregorian Chant 16th century English lute or Mario Lanza, is a DMZ zone.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,833 posts
 
these threads to me are a way of getting away from a really fucked up world for a while...
Amen.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 
I think this depends on the loudness at which you listen, type of music and room. I got a pair of VR1s for my brother - he was totally happy and I was very impressed. The VR1 just sounds much better than it has a right to sound at its size and price regardless of age. I borrowed a pair of AR3a's (state of the art in the early 70's - I think) while waiting for my new speakers and they sounded better than I expected in the mid range at moderate volume, but fell down in the highs and lows or at higher volumes and in micro dynamics and imaging. Where my current brand new Von Schweikert VR55's and previous VR 5 Anniversaries excel is everywhere but particularly at the frequencies extremes and at very low and very loud volumes. That said, in a small room I could still be happy with a pair of VR1's because they are very natural and uncolored sounding and what they do, they do very well - conveying the excitement and beauty of music. My bottom line question is: Can I enjoy music through this speaker, or does it do things such as being harsh in the highs, thin, or mechanical sounding that make me cringe?
ebm
9,311 posts
 
I will stay up tonight thinking about this.
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