incredibly broad, even, and clear response across the entire frequency range (stunning bass, natural mids, etc.)

imaging is merely good

I got the VR4/5 upgrade (not the 4.5, that's different); send VSR $$ and a pair of VR4's, and they do wonderous things to them. This spot is the closest I could find to the 4/5 upgrade, so here I am! The upgrade is incredible, and takes some darn good speakers and makes them amazing. I absolutely love these things; if you get a chance to pick up a pair of used VR4s, do so and send them to Von Schweikert for the upgrade. Wow!!

The 4.5's are a very pleasing loudspeaker to listen to. Their smooth sound provides little fatigue, but during critical listening, they are a little warm and colored. Their Eton woofers seem accurate, but also seem to lack the delicate nuances of certain instruments/music. Overall, I was impressed with their sound quality, exceeding (at least to me) others like B&W 801's, Theil CS6, and Wilson Watt/Puppy. The Schweikert's did not have the resolution of the best I've heard, but were the easiest to listen to and enjoy music with.I don't like the non-removable grills with the upper enclosure, and the finishing quality could be better, but I like to focus on the speakers actual sound quality.

no question about it.thse speakers are
so hard to tell apart from
electrostats because theya re so
smooth

none.they are very large

having owned the vr4s(which are
excellent)and moving up to the 4.5s,is
like going from a good wine to a
crystal champagne.eveything the 4s did
the 4.5s a little better which adds
up to a big difference.speaker
placement is critical,and if you do
not have a large room you cannot give
these speakers
justice.soundstage,imaging is
superb.you will not need a sub with
these speakers as they have plenty of
bass.i have listened to a good deal of
speakers(some costing a good deal
more)and the von schweikert 4.5s can
give many high end speaker companies a
run for their money.if you can find a
pair(von schweikert is out of
bussiness) grab them.replacement parts
are available through a company in the
midwest.

Similar Products Used:

vr4s,vr 310s

I got these because they sounded magnificent on the wide variety of music I listen to. They are stunning on string quartets, powerful on symphonies, sweet on female voices, and play hard rock LOUD. Soundstaging excellent, without a pinpoint sweet spot. I upgraded from VR4s and found the 4.5s very worthwhile. I knew they cabinetry would look better, and the mid-bass weakness (esp. on rock) of the VR4 was fully addressed, but did not expect the improvement in midrange. They do need to break in for a while, and are somewhat sensitive to positioning -- these speakers do not belong in a small room or one where they have to be up against the walls. I'm driving them with an Adcom 5800 with no problems. I had a midrange blow after a couple weeks and the company was very responsive, getting me back up to 100% in a few days. After being a little unsatisfied with the VR4s, I am totally and completely satisfied with the 4.5.