Vienna Beethoven, Spendor 8SE, Adagio or VS VR4jr

I don't have first hand experience with any of those that you mention, but all of the Spendors share a family sound which seems to be the type of sound that you are looking for, that is refined and slightly warm. I can definately recommend the classic series SP100. It's great for classic rock, and most other music for that matter.

Mfsoa- The Krell 400xi is actually the warmest Int SS amp
I have owned. Only the Unico with 2 tubes is warmer. The
400xi is really not like any of the other Krells which sound
cold and bright. The 400xi is a total departure from the
typical Krell "house sound".

First Day of the post.. Hopefully someone has heard the
Spendor S8E, Baby Grands, and Adagios..

Thanks for all the replies thus far..

I haven't heard the Vienna or Spendor options but I did have the Adagios and VR4JR's at the top of my short list after listening to a good bunch of models in the same price range as these 2. I would say that it depends on what your priorities are, although I thought that both pairs were the best in the price category I was shopping in they do have a different overall character. The VR4JR are more full range so if bass is a priority then they will probably beat everything else on your list. Although I found them to be excellent overall, there was something in the top end that seemed to be not quite there as compared to some of the others that I listened to.

The Adagios are more open up top and are effortless and very musical once they have some good hours on them. They do not have thunderous bottom end especially in a larger room but the bass is respectable and not boomy or bloated at least in my room. The magic is in the midrange of this speaker and they definitely shine in this regard. Ultimately they just sounded right to me and without spendig a ton more I couldn't find anything that I liked better. They should work well with either amp, I have used mine with a hybrid integrated(DK) as well as solid state(LFD) and they worked fine with either.

I should also mention that I enjoy similar music to yourself and although I bridge off in all directions the Adagios handle anything you want to throw at them quite well. Not a speaker for metal and so forth though I wouldn't think.

Funny, I had the same question about a year ago. I have the same Krell 400xi and went with the Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Concert Grand. They went a little lower than the Baby Grand but still very much the same sound. They're a tremendous match with that specific amp. I listen to classic rock and jazz. The pair work together very well and while they sound great at medium levels I enjoy it loud when the situation permits and you if want to get that from this set up, you can. At high levels the music doesn't sound compressed. It pulls you in and holds you there. I heard three of the four speakers you mentioned. I didn't hear the VR-4jr. The ones I did hear all sounded very good as I'm sure the Von Schweikerts do as well. Having that same amp and after owning the VA's for a year I can tell you I'm really pleased with my decision. Looking back on it I'd also have to admit that the physical looks of the VA's probably swayed me as well. The build quality is superb. If you have any specific questions about the pairing feel free to send a note.
Lastly, as good as they sounded out of the box they're much better now that they've broken in. It really is a noticable difference.
Enjoy the hunt.

Mike

Audiojedi: "more open up top and are effortless and very musical" this is more my cup of tea. I like good tight
bass but not overpowering. I like a balanced, refined,
warm sound. I have pretty much ruled the VR4jr's out due
to my priorities..

Ndfan:
It seems like Spendor S8E, Vienna Baby Grands, and
the Adagios are all close to what I am seeking. You
said you heard all 3... Oh please make my day and
contrast these 3 speakers for me.. I await with
bated breath...