Von Schweikert VR-4,Jr.

Bloated is definitely the front end. If anything they become more fluid and less choppy sounding with time. My own VSA got enriched more resolved bass when lead shot was added but they were never "bloated". I think your salesperson was probably going overboard with the capabilities of the front end. Bloat is probably from from pushing a tube amp too hard and is just distortion by another name. They had plenty of slam properly powered.

If all goes well my Vr 4jr's will be in my living room in two weeks. I appreciate the discussion thus far. It has given me much to consider and prepare for. I will be adding lead shot to the speakers and at least initially will not be biwiring (I run my speaker wire under our wood floor and at this point can only tolerate holes of a certain size through the floor -- I use Kimber 8TC). It is nice to know that I have an upgrade path that is not a major component change in my future though. I will be driving my 4 jr's with a McIntosh 6900 integrated and am expecting a Exemplar Audio modified Denon 2900. Making a front end and speaker change at one time will not allow for an objective comparison to my old system but I have long since done away with objectivity as a worthwhile audiophile sensibility. Thanks again for the thoughtful discussion,

I received my pair earlier this week. I have about 50 hours on them. I am blown away. Great refinement in the middle and upper ranges. Great bass. They sound awesome at low volume! And to know that they are hardly broken in yet and that things are only going to improve...well......I am one happy man. I am working on positioning still and have not filled them with shot yet. THey are connected to my MAC 6900 integrated. These are great speakers!

are going to enter a whole new level of performance. I'd suggest you fasten your seatbelt at the 200 hour break-in point. Add lead shot once placement is optimized.

Enjoy!

Jack