I think this depends on the loudness at which you listen, type of music and room. I got a pair of VR1s for my brother - he was totally happy and I was very impressed. The VR1 just sounds much better than it has a right to sound at its size and price regardless of age. I borrowed a pair of AR3a's (state of the art in the early 70's - I think) while waiting for my new speakers and they sounded better than I expected in the mid range at moderate volume, but fell down in the highs and lows or at higher volumes and in micro dynamics and imaging. Where my current brand new Von Schweikert VR55's and previous VR 5 Anniversaries excel is everywhere but particularly at the frequencies extremes and at very low and very loud volumes. That said, in a small room I could still be happy with a pair of VR1's because they are very natural and uncolored sounding and what they do, they do very well - conveying the excitement and beauty of music. My bottom line question is: Can I enjoy music through this speaker, or does it do things such as being harsh in the highs, thin, or mechanical sounding that make me cringe?
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"
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"
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- 45 posts total
- 45 posts total