Speaker preference Dali, Audio Physic, Von Swiekrt

Wow, unfortunately this is like asking someone else what style and brand of underwear you should wear.

I personally like Audio Physics and the Dali (not for underwear, but for speakers) while I DISLIKE the Von Schweinkerts (pardon my Deutsch). I doubt that that helps at all, but I feel better!

for the price of the Dali you could by Von Schweikert db99's, a terrific design that lets you play low powered tubes.
Larry

I've heard 2 of the speakers you mention (Dali MS4, Audio Physic Avanti III), plus the VS VR4JR and VR9. First about my sonic preferences: I prefer a neutral, open sound, free of the speakers, with lots of transparency and dynamics.

I found the Dali surprisingly warm...too warm and sweet. The 2 VS speakers I heard were played only in scripted demos, disallowing interested listeners from playing their own music ( a very unfortunate way to demo a product IMO), but allowing for the fact that the demo music was undoubtedly pre-screened to give as favourable an impression as possible...they were dynamic and exciting. The VR4JR was a little lacking in resolution.

The Avanti III impressed me the most of these speakers, with an exceptionally clean and open sound, good dynamics and a great soundstage.

Sgun,
I too will weigh in on the Avanti 3 side. I have just bought a pair, and I have had them about two months. Like you, I could not listen to them prior to buying them. So, I based my purchase of the Avanti 3's on research, specs,prayer, etc... I cannot say that these are the last speakers I will ever own, but I would probably have to hear and be completely bowled over by any potential speakers that would take the Avanti's place. I have not heard the other two speakers you are considering, but I can tell you that it is hard to go wrong with the Avanti's.