Von Schweikert VR-1 speaker:quality sound or hype?

Sunnyjim, not to worry. This is an esoteric bunch. I am glad you are happy. Please tell us how you like them after living with them for a while. Time tells all. And, you have so little invested in them that in this hobby, small investments like that are welcome. Enjoy!

To Tgrisham> Thank you; actually, I am selling the Wharfdales, only because my living room has more audio equipment than furniture, and the wife has sounded a DEFCON 2 alert. I have a fondness for audio overachievers, so they may stay or something similar will replace them. My main speakers, the Acoustic Zen Adagios will always be a constant in the system. They are physically large, but excellent speakers. And so, the beat goes on!!!

As stated above, I owned the VR-1s years ago and the speaker that replaced them was the Vandersteen 1C which I consider one of the best budget speakers available (especially used). And the angle is critical. In a small room very little rake angle sounds best.
If you are still looking for something the size of the VR-1, look at Polk Audio's LSi7. That is my favorite under $500 monitor.

"I have to take issue with Shakeydeal's response."

I don't know why you would take issue with it. I have heard both the Europas and the VR-1s and there is no doubt in my mind which is the better speaker. The VR-1 isn't bad, but the GMA is better. Then again, that's just my opinion.

So good luck to you with the Wharfdales.

Shakey

i'm a little surprised by the contentious division of opinion on this weighty subject--for some reason von schweikert always seems to engender more heated debate than abortion or healthcare. in my unsolicited opinion, the vr-1s are still the go to monitor in the <$1k class--beautifully built, well balanced and essentially full range (deep, tight bass). something like paradigm signature, dynaudio focus or psb synchrony might outclass it in certain aspects, but at a considerably higher price. sunnyjim, with all due respect you might be overthinking this--at the vr-1's used price they're a steal.