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

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.

Have kept the VR1s in the stable for many years. You have to jump up to the Fritz speakers to get close to the VR1s. The VR1s are still more dynamic.