Been doing audio for over 40 years, first McIntosh in about 1967. Traded the Mac for ARC tubes and solid state (more than one of each), tried the big Bryston monoblocks with Maggie 3.5s. Ive also owned the big Mac speakers (XRT-20) and Martin-Logan Monoliths. Last June, I purchased a Mac 2200 preamp and 2102 amp. I tried several speakers with them, most of which sounded good, but not quite what I liked (I was tired of Maggies and electrostats by then). Then I found the Von Schweikert VR-2s. The VR-2s with my Mac tubes is the best sound I've ever had, and certainly among the best I've heard at any price. By far the most MUSICAL system I've ever heard. The speakers took a long time to break in, so if you hear them, realize that they don't reach optimum for about 600-800 hours of hard listening. I have a large room (22 x 30) and these small speakers fill the room - I am still amazed. Von Schweikert says they have the transparency of electrostats, and I concur. The only thing I miss with the VR-2s is the lack of a really big sound (not soundstage, soundstage is great), but other things the speakers do more than make up for that transparency, wide and deep soundstage, deep and tight bass and just an overall pleasing and balanced sound. The big speakers Ive had dont come close to what the VR-2s do. One caveat concerning the Mac equipment; good NOS tubes make a big difference, particularly in the amp (mine has JAN 6550As). Another thing that made a huge difference was a Richard Gray power cord on the amp and a RGPC 400 conditioner. If you dont have a Von Schweikert dealer in your area, call or e-mail the company and they will give you the name of the national sales manager, a nice guy and very helpful.
