Do you prefer tall speakers


I have had the distinct pleasure of listening to my DCM Time Frame 2000s sn 446/447 for 6 years.  As the pair was made in 1988 a component failure is a certainty at some point.  As I am accustomed to the always stunning sounds they make (and on a budget) I started looking for suitable replacements.  Any repairs on the 2000s would be made but the speakers are complicated and cannot be rushed.

Enter the Von Schweikert VR4 Gen 2s.  The pair had languished on a site for 6 months  at 1025.  Quite heavy for shipping but I live within a couple hours of   the sellers town.  An exceptionally nice and trusting man named Sam took a 100 down.  He was returning  to England and decided to let me me PP him the rest as I could.  Sam even brought them to my house as he "was in the area why not".  Thank you Sam!

I hooked them up to my Proceed HPA-2 which plays perfectly with my 2000s.  A little bright at first but fabulous sound as reviews promised!  It took a couple of days to realize what was so different.  I was looking down at the soundstage, not up at normal real height for singers and such.  I have always considered the long array of drivers at the top of the TFs to be a huge part of their appeal sonically.  The soundstage has height, up at eye level.  I have attached the TF manual pic as the driver array is so unconventional.

As the VRs are backup and looking for a different amp I have taken them to my local cannabis dispensary to share them with my friends and customers there.  Such fine speakers should be heard and seen.  I had a Audionics CC-2 amp (check them out) and got the owner to purchase a Rockville PPA53 pre for its BT .  Sounds pretty good!  I'm looking at a Hafler 9500 Trans Nova if any one has experience with one.

A common lament on these sites is the death of hi end audio as many people don't know that they are missing.  I aim to change that a little.  Great music should be shared!

Your thoughts please...

 

guscreek

TF 2000s use the WmtmW arrangement as well as an actual transmission line vs. the multi density stuffing line approach of the VA speakers.  The impression of soundstage height is due in part to the crossover points and the mid tweeter mid height in relation to the listener's ears.  Lots of examples of this layout exist and some are classics while others are modern.   Below are some Dunlavy SC-Vs.  

The TF 2000s are special.  I owned a total of 3 pair back in the early Aughts.   Wish I had kept at least one pair.   At least he SC-Vs are too heavy for my old butt to move so they are staying.

 

I definitely prefer tall speakers--at least 5 ft. tall.  They reproduce soundstage height better than shorter speakers, and once you get accustomed to that, it's hard to go back to shorter speakers, regardless of what other charms they may have.

If they have a rich enough bass response, shorter speakers can be placed on stands to achieve good soundstage height, but I'd prefer to go with floorstanders that are 5' tall or more by themselves.

Do you prefer tall speakers

My higher or preference is self preservation WAF, so no for current shared space.

If I have a separate audio space/room, then preference is simply sonics so height not the deciding factor.

@wrm57 Good call; domestic bliss is overlooked when it comes to your & her tastes... ;)

@asvjerry , she puts up with 4 systems and a near-constant barrage of weird-ass jazz, so it’s the least I can do! 😄