Von Schweikert VR-4 Floorstanding Speakers Reviews

Price Paid:  $1250.00

Summary:
I was looking for a backup speaker for my Acoustat 1+1 Medallions. I haven't heard much that would make me replace them that was "reasonably" priced. Besides, most box speakers gave me the impression the sound was coming from "the boxes over there". Not like electrostats or planar speakers. Also, image height/width/depth was a consideration, along with all the other "audiophile" jargon that describe good sounding speakers. After auditioning them, I was mildly impressed until I put on McCoy Tyner does Coltrane CD. I took the speakers then and there. Got them home, hooked them up and become more impress. Especially in the transparency of them. They just disappear (as my Acoustat's). The sound between drivers is seamless. Soundstage just as the recording presents it. The low end far exceeds the Acoustat's with power and authority. I am very happy with the tonal quality and dynamic range of these speakers. A great buy! The came with Black Diamond Racing Isolation plates between the mid/tweets and woofers. Associated Equipment: Counterpoint SA 3 Pre Amp Counterpoint SA 22o Power Amp Counterpoint SA 2 Head Amp VPI/Koetsu analog Parasound CDP w/ART DI/O Dac And various Monster, MIT, Esoteric, Canare, Distech, Vampire, Home Depot wires and interconnects.

Strengths:
Seamless sound between drives. Tall wide and deep soundstage. Excellent tonal balance between drivers. Deep, extended bass. Easy to drive.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Acoustat 1+1's, Mirage M1's.

Price Paid:  $1400.00

Summary:
Well, since Von Schweikert went out of busines (but is now back), people were selling their VRs. I picked these up at a dealer for $1400, which might be a little bit more than you might pay in a private sale, but not much, and I saved the cost/hassle of shipping (had to pay sales tax so it was about even I guess.) Anyway, I don't think you can get anything comparable new in the same price range, and not much used either. These speakers are big, full range, and natural. They produce excellent mids and bass goes deep. They don't have a mid-bass hump (so if you are not used to full-range you may feel you are missing something, that is an artifical boost in the 80hz area that many speakers provide.) Another effect fullrange speakers have is they may sound slightly rolled off in the treble. That is just due to the speaker presenting a fuller tonal picture of the recording. That said, I do think the VR-4 is a little on the dark side. However, you can play with the rear-firing tweeter attenuators to get better response. You may want to turn them down all the way if the speakers are fairly close to the wall, for more clarity in the highs. They give you some flexibilty due to the attenuator. In summary, let me just highlight the strengths of the speaker: Very natural and balanced; full-range; sounds good even at low listening levels; detail;--in fact, they do almost eveything well. They may not be the best in any single area but they are an excellent complete package. Only drawback may be the size/weight, but if you are looking for true full-range speakers, the VR-4 is an excellent value on the used market.

Strengths:
Midrange, detail, bass, natural, etc.

Weaknesses:
A little bit on the dark side

Similar Products Used:
Paradigm, Vandersteen, etc.

Summary:
There is a God and his name is Albert Von Schweikert.

Strengths:
Makes my ears feel happy!

Summary:
try using black diamond racing #4 cones between the mt and the bass enclosures. Focus becomes much sharper, mid and highs a lot clearer. just becomes a bit difficult to align because the panels no longer dock

Strengths:
Terrific imaging, simply disaapears

Weaknesses:
A bit rolled off in the treble

Similar Products Used:
various dynaudios

Summary:
Initially was introduced to this speakers in 1996 by musician-friend who had first looked at the Vandersteens and then had his opinion swayed by this new-at-the-time line.
Model I acquired was the demo with plum finish (nice), and it didn't hurt that before I bought the pair, Albert Von Schweikert had dropped over to give a demo and tweaked them some more for show. What makes the earlier models different from the latter is a plasticene liner that gives the overall cabinet in my opinion, a much tighter and resonant-resistance effect. While playing a recording of Carmen on vinyl (Marilyn Horne), the children's choir was not only perceived in front and back of the speakers but could be visualized coming down perimeter stairs while singing and then disappear by walking behind the rest of the performers on center stage. I can't think of many speakers that could pull that off. Currently using two GTA SE-40 amps in monoblock with upgraded tubes and Audible Illusion 3A preamp. Head unit is VPI MKIII with JMW Memorial. I'll probably live happily with this system until Albert pulls another miracle out of his hat with another revolutionary design or idea. I'm willing to wait.

Strengths:
Great imaging and layering of music. competent full-range response. Macro and micro dynamics are on the money.

Weaknesses:
Best when bi-wired and given breathing room including front and back. Moderately-efficient. Unfortunately, Albert is not currently producing speakers because of the devastating floods of 1998.