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Questions on Totem Hawks & Von Schweikert VR2

Hi. I am intersted in upgrading my current Vandersteen 1C speakers to a full-sized speaker that more closely matches my musical tastes (rock of all kinds, trip hop). My budget is around the $1500 mark used, and I am very happy with my current amp (Sim Audio I-5) and source (Sim Audio Nova), so I don't want to change them; I'm only considering changing my speakers.

I've done a lot of research here and elsewhere. Based on what I have read, I have narrowed my list to two speakers that I feel would be a good match for my system and my music: Totem Hawk & Von Schweikert VR2.

My living room is 22'x14'x8', but the listening area is more like 14'x14'. Other considerations include having to place the speakers no more than 18" from the long wall, the presence of small kids (ages 7 & 4), and that I live in an apartment. I don't generally blast my music, but do listen to "lively" music, so I want more "punch." I am still pleased with my Vandy's, but think that I can do better match-wise.

My concern with the Hawks relate to ease of being driven by the I-5's 70 wpc (I've read mixed things here), and my concern with the VR2s is the apparent need for them to be placed 2-3 feet from the wall (not possible for me). I am not interested in bookshelf speakers, and my reading has led me to these two speakers because of perceived quality, match with my music/equipment, size (smaller compared to my vandy's), value/price, and sonic characteristics. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, - Steve
walkman
robm321
932 posts
 
I've heard both, and you can't go wrong with either speaker. To be honest, you really should listen to both. They have different sounds - both great in their own ways.

I prefer the VR2 simply because they have a smooth neutral sound and create a better soundstage because of the global axis system (or whatever it's called).

The Hawks are smooth and have sparkle, but my taste is for the VS. It's really a personal thing between these two, and I hope you won't decide based on any opinions here because you could end up wondering if you should have gone for the other one after your purchase.

Both also work great with tube gear, just an fyi.
rumadian
152 posts
 
Walkman,

The Hawks are world class speakers that when treated right, can do things most speakers on this planet only wish they could do. With that being said, the Hawks are not the most versitile speakers on the planet and are very picky with room and electronics. The Sim gear is a decent match with the Hawks and your room size is about right for this speaker.

With that said, the VS VR-2 is technically a far lesser product although it can be the better tool for the job in many instances. It is much easier on room placement and equipment matching and can mask up some of those nasty recordings that run fairly rampid with your musical tastes..

For your listening tastes, I would look at NEAT acoustics or vintage Polk Audio SDA's.
walkman OP
50 posts
 
Thans Rumadian and Robm321. I appreciate the posts. It seems like I've narrowed down my selection to two recommended speakers, and yet there are always more...the more input, the better, so thanks again. - steve
robm321
932 posts
 
Rumadian,

That's funny I would have it the other way around. The VR2 placement is very picky given that it uses the room and rear ambiance tweater. It all has to come together in the sweet spot at the right time to get the benefit of the VR2. Maybe that's why you you didn't hear what they were capable of. The Hawks, in my experience, were much more forgiving with room placement.

Can you explain what is "technically far less superior" about the VR2's? Do you mean crossover wise, or designwise?
walkman OP
50 posts
 
Yeah, Robm321, I had also read several posts here and elsewhere that the VR2s were kinda fussy in terms of placement, relative to other speakers...I found it interesting to read from Rumadian that he felt the VR2s were "much easier on placement," as that was one of my major concerns with the VR2s (e.g. distance from rear wall). - steve
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