Who makes a "true" Transmission Line speaker?...

Alxg, although this will sound kind of like a copout, what was wrong with the VR4Jr speakers is very difficult for me to put my finger on. Most of our group of 15 or more felt the same way. One person even owns an older pair of Von Schweikert 4SE(?), which he seems to enjoy, and also felt these speakers to be horrendous. All through the day (and it was about a half day), people were talking about being shocked at how poor, "hi fi", and Best Buyish the speakers sounded.

I think that the overwhelming thing I can say was that they were all wrong. Particularly, in the tonal characteristics. But, also in the bass alignment, which stood out like a sore thumb. The treble, which I find to be a strong point of the VR1 was also weird.

In short, while most feel that the VR2 and VR4Jr are among the best speakers out there, I must say that I feel the hype surrounding them is far in excess with their performance. And, while some may think I am bashing the company, I would like to say that the VR DB99 we also heard during this listen were very, very good. And, the VR1 and VR2 are nice enough speakers at their price points. Maybe even among the best in their field, just not really for me.

Trelja, your response puzzles me. I went out and compared VR-2 to VR-4jr speakers. All I can tell you is that I was blown away with VR-4jr’s.

VR-4Jr’s were driven by the Gamut CD 1 CD Player, Rogue M-150 Monoblocks, and Ninety-Nine MAGNUM preamplifier.

I used Dave Brubeck - Quartet Time Out, Dinah Washington - the Diva Series, Monty Alexander Trio – Impressions in Blue, and Sheffield Lab James Newton Howard & Friends CD.

The first thing that shocked me is the sheer dynamics presented by the VR-4jr. It was like being at a live concert, where you fill the impact of the drums in your ribcage, the drums sounded real, musical and articulate. What I was not prepared for is to hear the resonance of the bass strings, I continued to shake my head in disbelieve of the juniors ability to resolve not only each note but also its true harmonics. I thought that VR-4jr had the help not from one but multiple subwoofers, but there were none in sight.

The second thing that shocked me is the seamless integration between all drivers. Not one frequency range was out of place. The soundstage was wider, and deeper and also imaged much better then VR-2.

What equipment was used to drive the VR-4jr?

Where these speaker using 50-pounds of lead, and where they on spikes?

What is speakers do you prefer?

Best regards,
Alex

Trelja-
Thanks for your info on the Ushers.
-Ken

Alxg, all I can say is that if the VR4Jrs impressed you this much, I heartily suggest you buy them! It is rare we fall in love with a component to this degree, and when we do, it is an obvious buy. I wish you well with them,
Joe

The Reynaud's I am familiar with are more line tunnels than transmission line, but I gather you have all been over these differences.

I haven't read the entire thread, but I heard the VSA 4 Juniors in the same room on the same day as the rest of PAAG. It was a small room, about 13 by 17, totally untreated, without a lot of speakers on display. The Ushers were close to the side walls. Both pairs were within about four feet of the wall behind them. I listened via the 30 wpc Granite Audio tube integrated and one of the Granite Audio CD source units.

The tonal balance and sound stage seemed way off to me. There may have been a hint of that snap others have alluded to. I cannot believe the 4 Juniors were sounding their best in this situation, but only based on hearing other VSA products in show settings.

Just for reference, the DB's in their larger room sounded better to me than the 4Jr, but not nearly good enough for 8k or whatever, imo. No deep bass in particular. (Others disagreed with this last judgement....)