VR-4jr or Gallo Nucleus Reference 3

The Gallos at 50 hours are not even close to broken in. Also, to comment on jdm61's remark above on the $900 amp and a $2500 speaker...it is a sub amp, not an amp for the entire speaker. How much do you think the amp costs in a REL sub? How about the amp inside the Vandersteen 5A? These are both considered world-class.

on the Hyperion 938. The bass is much tighter and cleaner than the VR-4jr; the Hyperions can image the position of a double bass with ease whereas on the VR-4jr, I have feel the energy but not "see" the positioning as clearly. The VR-4jr I heard may not be set up well with its cabinet lead/sand filled but the bass sounded woolly and loose compared with the Hyperions. Moreover, I found the Hyperion more balanced from top to bottom while the VR-4jr warmer sounding.

As for the Gallo, I felt that they cannot deliver the bass weight I would like. However, to be fair, I auditioned them without their delicated sub amplifier. But then again, why do I need to bother myself with such nitty gritty when the Hyperion can deliver what I wanted with just using my current Audio Research VT100 tube amplifier?

I'm sure there are many 938 owners around - where have they all gone to? Too busy enjoying the music??? :)

Celebrer..Conventional wisdom on the Von schweikerts is that they MUST have the plinth filled, preferably with lead shot, but it adds 80 or so pounds to the shipping weight so who knows whether the ones you heard were filled. As for directionality of low bass, i am a believer. For years, the sub manufacturuers have been telling ups that bass has no directional characteristics. Maybe that is so, but like everything, even the lowest note has higher harmonics. i was astonished at how i could pick out the VERY loud large bass drum's location on the new Living Stereo SACD of Pictures at an Exhibition with my new Dali's. Mybe it is my brain playing tricks on me, but the very low component came from the same exact spot outside of my left speaker as the higher tones from the striking of the head. Go figure ;-)

Hi, I own a pair of the 938 Hyperions. They are the best speakers I have ever owned, but then again I have not auditioned the other two speakers in its price ranged mentioned in this thread.

If it is worth anything , I can tell you my thoughts on how it compared to my megabuck Avantgarde DUO's with modified bass units for improved bass performance (over the much critised standard bass units). After a weeks constant burn in I sat down and listened to my first reference CD. My very first impressions were 'yes, well done Luke, much better than the duo's'. Why?, well they imaged in proportions that seemed more realistic. The Avantgardes had huge images of each musician. The 938 captured the hall ambience and detail. There was more transparency in the midrange, YES that is more transparency. I was able to feel and see the instrumentalists better due to better resolution of inner detail and tonal colours.I was free of that artificial etched quality the Duos always had me nit picking at. The bass, well quite frankly even in its modified upgraded form the duo's bass was either a joke or the 938's had superb bass. They were also seemless from top to bottom. Compared to the duo the dynamics were not far behind at all to my major surprise. I really never once felt that there was a trade off with dynamics! You simply forget you are listening to a speaker and concentrate on the music. That is the first time I can say that has ever happened to me. My previous speakers were Audio Physic Avantis, Harbeth monitors, all much much dearer than the |Hyperions.

I have numerous set ups, that is numerous valve and power amps to switch and change with. Si each speaker hada good run for itys money.

Dear Audiojoy4,
Can you elaborate on the gear you arerunning with your 938s right now? I am trying to get hold of the DK Design VS1 MKII, if the combination matches, this will sure be the biggest bang for the buck system in audio history.

Elb,
Sorry to hijack your thread but I sincerely feel that you should audition the Hyperions...

Roy