New speaker technology vs. Old speaker tech???


The following is an issue that many members may have encountered: that is, buying an old speaker (vintage 10-12 years old) vs buying a newer and more current technology created by better driver material and using for example a ribbon tweeter, vs traditional silk or aluminum tweeter.

A friend recently purchased a monitor made by Monitor Audio, GX-50 Gold series. which uses a ribbon tweeter. His other choice was a VonSchweikert VR-1, a two way small monitor hailed by many reviewer for its tight bass almost down to 40-45HZ.

I liked the Monitor Audio GX-50, but did not want to influence his final decision. However, the more I listened to them, they sounded somewhat bright and edgy on several "redbook" CD's. He liked VonSchweikert VR-1, they seemed to him more balanced and the bass had real punch. However, he opted for the MA's because he felt the newer technology overall would be more competitive in producing good and detailed sound

Like my friend, I have often get caught up by the technology of new speakers,and ignore what sounds better and satisfying regardless of the music The VR-1 are very good speakers, and usually don't last long on Audiogon when they come around for sale. However, sometimes a mystique emerges around a speaker because of its unexpected performance that elevates it beyond its spec.

Would like to get some input on this "dilemma", especially the reputation of Von Schweikert VR-1 for being "more than sum of its parts"

sunnyjim
I'm with polarin. And oftentimes technology is used not to improve how a speaker sounds but to make it smaller or more profitable.
"06-06-15: Analogluvr
I'm with polarin. And oftentimes technology is used not to improve how a speaker sounds but to make it smaller or more profitable."

I'm not sure I fully understand your post. Can you give an example of what you mean?
I would't go as far as to say that speaker design is at it's zenith but there are only so many ways to skin a cat. Progress will always be made but we're in the realm of baby steps, with the biggest advances in magnet and crossover design, due mainly to better parts from advances in metallurgy and computer modeling.

Designs continue to come out based on older tech that befuddle folk. NOS wire is rediscovered, NOS tubes still rule the day, old discards that are refurbished still have that magic. It's all in the ear of the builder.

All the best,
Nonoise
I appreciate and thank those who have responded so far. For the record. the Monitor Audio GX-50 Gold claims a frequency response of 55-60KhZ; whereas, Von Schweikert VR-1 an almost 12"X12"X12") box indicated a frequency response of 45Hz to 25,000 Hz; highly respectable for a speaker that came into the market in 2003

To ZD542, my friend made the choice of buying the Monitor Audio GX-50; I thought the VR-1's sound provided a better balance of frequencies. However, my friend wanted to carry out a brand new pair of speakers,not traded-in speakers with possibly two previous owners. and no boxes.

The VR-1 had that listenability, or euphonic presence that gave even the Stones "Wild Horses" a new shade of excitement. However, maybe my hearing has elapsed into the mellow yellow phase.

So far so good; these threads to me are a way of getting away from a really fucked up world for a while. I think we would all agree that whatever music you listen whether it be Gregorian Chant 16th century English lute or Mario Lanza, is a DMZ zone.
these threads to me are a way of getting away from a really fucked up world for a while...
Amen.