Von Schweikert VR2 verses Infinity RSIIIB

I am sure the VR2 is more vivid and resolving than the 2ces. Resolution is not their forte.

I had a pair of VR2s about 10 years ago and they were just ok. I would keep looking at other possibilities in your price range.

Shakey

I would recommend you look into the LSA Design LSA2 tower speaker. It is in current production and available in three performance levels--Standard, Signature, and Statement.

The Standard model is evidently inspired by—if not outright derivative from—the VR2, right down to the rear-firing ambience tweeter. However, there are changes to the crossover which (according to what I've read) improve on the VR2. The
Signature and Statement versions upgrade the tweeter, crossover components, and even the internal damping material.

The prices on the LSA Design website are left over from when they had a dealer network. Now all sales are handled Internet-Direct by Underwood HiF, and prices are significantly reduced. The Standard model in rosewood is down to $1299/pr, the Signature is $1995/pr, and the Statement with Aurum Cantum ribbon tweeter is $3495/pr. He's blowing out the previous gen. Standard in black for $899/pr.

Check some forums of Von Schweikert enthusiasts; you should come across strengths and weaknesses of the VR-2. Then communicate with Underwood Wally and/or somebody at LSA Design to see if the LSA-2 gives you the same or even
more of what you're looking for.

I think they are byond OK. Here is the issue. Funds are beyound tight. I can keep this pair for $500. What could I could I find for $500 that would even be close? What else would give me
Useful bass down to 25HZ
A open and holographic soundstage with depth
A vivid image WITHOUT hyper detail (which much gear seems to have now)
A sense of warmth and body.
For $500 what else could there be??
Thanks

07-11-14: Geph0007
I think they are beyond OK. Here is the issue. Funds are beyound tight. I can keep this pair for $500. What could I could I find for $500 that would even be close?

The budget narrows the parameters. I take it that you could get the VR2's for $500/pr?

What else would give me:
Useful bass down to 25HZ
An open and holographic soundstage with depth
A vivid image WITHOUT hyper detail (which much gear seems to have now)
A sense of warmth and body.

For $500 what else could there be??

Any of the floorstanders from the Mirage Mxsi series--M1si, M3si, M5si, or M7si. They do demand power and current.

I have had a pair of M5si's for almost 18 years now and they still anchor my HT rig. They can scale up and down from solo voice or guitar to bombastic orchestral/choral music. I have run the Stereophile test cd through them and they are near flat to 29 Hz and audible to 25. The M3si and M1si go deeper still. They are fast and lively, yet full-bodied and their bipolar radiating pattern fills the listening space with ease.

They're hard to find used, but there's a pair of M7si's in good condition on eBay right now within your budget.

Reviews:
M1si
M3si
M7si

Unfortunately, S'phile didn't review the M5si, which is what I have, and I find them to be a great balance of size, speed, frequency extension, transparency, soundstage, imaging, scale, and ability to energize the listening area. Judging by the reviews of the other three models, those are traits shared by the entire Mxsi line.

I have another suggestion. For ~500.00 you can pick up a pair of Klipsch Fortes that are the equal or better of the VR2 in stock configuration. Add a crossover upgrade and they are indeed the proverbial giant killers.

Shakey