@daverz,
I also own the VLR's.
As I am using them in my office, and more like monitors (way up near the ceiling with some angle downward), I have to say they also outperform well beyond their price. Previously, I had a pair of Zu Omen Bookshelves. They were good but not great. The VLR's smoke them.
If you will be using them on stands and adding subs, I don't think you will be disappointed. Especially with CT's, you would be coming close (70-80%) to a pair of Treo/Quatro's at an unbelievably low cost. Though I would suggest going for the new Sub 3's. Even a pair of 1's with subs is pretty killer.
My office system
VLR's
Hsu VTE-1 Mk2 subs
Modded McCormack Micro Line Drive
Modded McCormack Micro Power Amp Monoblocks
Ayre Codex
Bluesound Node
and alot of AQ interconnects
A bit much, but I couldn't ask for more.
Bob