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Have you seen the VR9SE Review?

There is a new review that has been posted on Positive Feedback Online (http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/lavigne_vr9.htm) about the Von Schweikert VR9SE speakers. It is very different than any review I have read in the way it chronicles the experience of Mike Lavigne over the past year and a half's experiences with these speakers.

Enjoy!
jtinn
gregpen
9 posts
 
Thanks, Mike, for that great essay ;-)

Some of us 'normal' people wonder how one comes up with (or borrows!) the $250K or so to spend on a room/speakers/source material? ;-) It's amazing how much wealth is out there, despite people saying, "the economy sucks"...

Best,
-greg
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Though I have no doubts as to the fine performance of the VR9SE(I was amazed as to how good they sound in a small room),the comparison as to clarity,compared to the wonderful Kharma EXQ REF cannot be made to the degree stated here.Sorry!!Even by the owner of both systems!Because components differed,and to be able to discern being able to hear deeper into one design,the VR9 over the Kharma,would simply have to be made in a side by side comparison,with exact supporting componentry.I'm kind of suspicious as to the "emotional factor",which was most probably at play here.It's normal.
We are all guilty of this,a bit,and it is human nature.After all,how many of us have spent big bucks to upgrade componentry(sucessfully),and then did NOT want to reinforce a favorable observation.Big or small!
Was the Kharma in as perfect a "room match" as the VR9SE?Wasn't that the reason for moving to the VR9?It mated better to the larger listening space.No?That's how I interpreted the change.
Please understand,I mean no disrespect,but my own "audio pal's" do this all the time.

Best!
mikelavigne
2,246 posts
 
Sirspeedy, i know you are a Kharma fan as am i. i have spent many hours listening to Kharmas in many systems. i have owned the Exquisite Ref for three years and had the Midi Exquisite (with Diamond tweeter) in my system for 4 months.

my opinion is that the Kharma Exquisite Ref amd Midi Exquisite were optimized in my room for clarity. yes; i have upgraded my racks and power cables since the Kharma's have left my system. i did switch from the Placette passive to the darTZeel pre but i listened to the VR9 for 6 months with the Placette. i did upgrade the EMM to the Signature Edition but listened mostly over the last year to the standard EMM, the same as with the Kharma.

i did use both my Tenor Hybrids as well as the darTZeel with both Kharma speakers as well as both amps with the VR9's.

i have listened to the Kharma's and VR9's back to back at three different shows in various systems.

with my extensive experience with Kharma's as well as the commonality of the room, amps, cables and sources i am confident that i am in a position to give a pretty solid judgement on the relative merits of the Exquisites and the VR9's. i stand by my comments.

i respect you for your typically well thought out viewpoints, i respect your Kharma Experience as well as your listening time with the VR9's....and.....i respect your perspective but don't agree with it.

i'm just one guy with an opinion...and that is all it is.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Mike,my intent was not to shift you to a defensive position.I'm sorry if it seemed that way!
Best!
jtinn OP
1,124 posts
 
Sirspeedy: I know your intent was that of question and not an accusation. I also firmly disagree with your theory, but appreciate your position.

I too have owned the Kharma Exquisite 1A Ext Enigma. The speaker is just not capable of doing what the Von Schweikert VR-9SE's can.

I am a big fan of Charles' work and have owned almost every speaker in his line. Their strengths are as obvious as their weaknesses. Strong micro dynamics and inner detail, good textured and detailed bass, poor depth of bass and mediocre macro dynamics. The highs are good, but not near the VSA's. The bass in the VR9SE's is just in another league and the clarity is remarkable. The adjustability of the speaker makes it incredible for most any room.

I used to be a dealer for Kharma and really feel strongly about Charles' speakers, but I carry Von Schweikerts' now, because they are simply the total package.
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