Von Schweikert VR-4,Jr.


Was anyone else as impressed by these speakers at HE 2004 as I was? I thought their performance was stupendous, and can only wonder what the bigger models sound like.
gladstone
I am expecting my pair in a few weeks. At least initially, I am not planning on bi-wiring. I'll have a single run o Kimber 8TC to each speaker and a pair of custom jumpers (made of 8TC) to replace the stamped metal plate jumpers they VSA supplies. Besides that I will use the supplied umbilical to connect the two sections of the speaker. I know biwiring is preferable, and bi-amping even more so. What are others doing?
I am biwiring, haven't compared it to single runs, but I think the most significant change in sound (and should be almost mandatory) is adding lead shot and of course, decoupling from the floor. I bent the supplied spikes all up, and bought more sturdy ones. But the difference was huge.

I have heard that biwiring makes a significant difference but haven't experienced it myself.

I am still trying to figure out the rear ambiance driver setting. I've been messing with it and it sounds good in different ways in different positions.
I added sand to the bass chamber of my VR-2's and will be adding lead shot to the bass chamber of the 4jr's when I get them. I believe this to be mandatory. It made a significant difference to my VR2's.
I have a pair of the Jr's on loan. Truth be told, these things took me completely by surprise. Having owned the Kharma Midi Exquisites--which cost many, many multiples of the Jr's asking price--I was shocked to discover that the Jr's outperformed the Kharmas in terms of dynamics and overall musicality (though the Kharmas were, not surprisingly, more refined). I'm not sure how Albert is able to pack this much performance into such a moderately sized, moderately priced (by high-end standards) package--outsourcing to China surely has more than a little to do with it--but he's done it. I'm on the list for a pair of the VR-9s, but I'm enjoying the hell out of the Jrs. while I wait. Frankly, part of me will be sad to see them go. They're that good. As many have stated here, adding lead shot to the bass cabinet improves performance considerably.
I ditto Hoopers response. I have the VR-4jr on loan too. These little guys are just super.