Vandersteen 3A Sig vs. Von Schweikert VR4 Jr.

I have to respectfully disagree with Agaffer and Dseid on this one.
I have auditioned both the Von Schweikert VR-4JR and the Vandersteen 3a Signatures in my home, with my system, and the JR's were superior in almost every aspect sonically to the 3A Sigs.,IMHO.
The VR-4JR's were more open, dynamic, transparent, focused, and simply more "alive" than the Vandersteens.
The bass was also more extended and powerful on the JR's [using the lead-shot].
The Vandersteens sounded a tad too warm, polite, and laid-back for me.
If I wasn't a die hard planar and ribbon speaker lover, I would enthusiastically purchase the Von Schweikert VR-4JR's without hesitation or second thought!
Angela

Audio girl - thanks. Your conclusion on the Vandersteen's seems to be the one I most often read. The 3ASig's won't knock you out right away, but over time (not so much break in), the "dynamic, tranparent, focused, and alive" qualities really are present. Because of this, and I know I hear these in my system, I purchased the Vandy's!

David

VMPS ribbon monitors may be the best choice. The speed and naturalism with acoustic instruments must be heard to be believed. It's a serious contender in your price category and at least two reviewers have bought the speakers they reviewed. Also Best of High end at CES for technology and value. The judges saying the 4600.00 retail speakers sounding as good as 20,000 dollar speakers they heard.
I suspect Selah Audio arrays are also a super bargain. Both of these are world class companies and build speakers that are Outstanding for the money. Ask Audio_girl how planars are with acoustic music. The Magneplanars are a great speaker if your listening room can accomodate them. Also the VMPS speakers use planar drivers. I would do as much research as I could before I pulled the trigger. Maybe try requesting for people in your area to let you audition their speakers on audioasylum, audiocircle.com and here. List what you're interested in after you do alot more research. This could give you a better idea of what they sound like. I had Vandersteen's and they are easily beaten for the dollar these days imho. Best of luck to you.

Yeah,
I completely forgot about the VMPS RM40 and RM30!
I would LOVE to hear these!
I have never had the opportunity to audition any of the VMPS speakers, but I have heard many good things about them.
I have a feeling that I might even like them better than the Von Schweikert VR-4JR's.
Yes, ribbons and planars sound EXTREMELY natural and detailed on acoustic instruments and voices. I love their easy openness, effortless detail, utter transparency, top-end extension, and sheer speed!
Best of luck on your search!

Warnerwh,

while there's nothing wrong with recommending another speaker, i believe it is important for you that you disclose you are VMPS dealer. also, the thread originator was SPECIFICALLY asking about the Vandy 3A Sig and VSA VR4Jr because he had whittled his list down to these. he was not asking for general speaker recommendations...