Albert Von Schweikert VR-4


Hello kindred spirits; I need some advice/impressions. I am considering a pristine (truly mint) pair of Von Schweikert VR-4, first edition. These have the optional rosewood end-caps and the upgraded silver wiring. I have an opportunity to buy them for $1,200. Cost in 1999 approx. $4,000.

I have enjoyed, but gotten rid of over the last few years, such goodies as the Meadowlark Shearwater "Hotrods", Apogee Duetta II (developing a slight rattle on bass notes) and a vintage pair or Yammy NS-1000 (I bought them for $40, believe it or not). I need a fitting replacement.

I auditioned the VR-4 in an audio showroom. The components included a Cambridge Audio Azur 740C CD player, a Musical Fidelity A3CR line-stage preamp, and a Boulder SS amp (model unknown). I really liked the VR-4; wide soundstage, very detailed imaging, and great mid-range for vocals & strings. Seemed a little rolled off on the treble, though. The bass is amazing, down to a true 20hz.

I'm not sure I can duplicate the sound in my listening room, however, and at 150 lbs. each its not practical to try them out. Online research indicates they were widely used as studio monitors in many recording and film studios (hard to believe given their size and weight), and the reviews seem universally good. Does anyone have any significant experience with these speakers??
klipschking

Showing 1 response by roscoeiii

Just got a pair of VR-4 Gen IIs and am loving them as well. Not fully appreciating how heavy each individual speaker was I arragnged an in home trial period (being worried about how they'd fare in a 13x15 room along the long wall). Even in a less than ideal room, these sound fabulous. Probably not taking full advantage of the rear tweeter but evn without that, the sound has never been better. I had been using monitors (the excellent waveguide SP Tech Minis) due to the room size, but amazingly the Vr-4s don't overload the room but still give me the sense of scale and impact that monitors cannot provide.