Speakers around 20k

That's great what you said about dealers but I wonder if you could go back again without buying anything

Von Schweikert VR 7's

Try Legacy's Focus (only $6,000), however, to my ears they are as good as 2, 3, and 4 listed above and you save $14,000 for that reference amp and preamp you will need to drive these beauties!

Abruce - I did not buy anything. In fact, this is the first time I have been to two of the four dealers.

Acuujim - Actually I like VSR. I think I'm one of the first who bought a VR-4. I wanted to upgrade them to gen II, but, they were out-of-biz for a while (I think a flood). Then they run to financial difficulties (it is a while now - I don't remember). So, I sold them. Although there are no guarantees (see Genesis), above a price range, I would prefere a financially stable company. However, I don't know how VSR is doing nowadays.

Timo - Tks. I might give it a listen.

Ikarus,

Thanks for putting your impression of the Snells into words. You've done an excellent job of conveying a sense of what their presentation is like. "Goosebumps" is very descriptive - I think I'd like the Snells, too.

I was recently introduced to the local Snell distributor, and your evaluation makes me inclined to take the line seriously.

To the best of my knowledge there are no Sound Lab dealers near you, so I've contacted a Sound Lab owner (one of my customers) in your neck of the woods who would be happy to have you come over for a listen. I'll e-mail you with his contact information.

Best wishes,

Duke