More on the VR4seIII

I've run in to the exact problem with my VR4 Gen III SE's. That is I have not been able to get that full, rich tonality. However, everything about this speaker makes me keep trying (I really love them).

One of my favorite amps to date on these speakers is the Levinson 334. I sold it for a pair of Electrocompaniet solid state mono blocks, that a dealer said would be great match. Well, like a dummy, I took his word and bought it (hook, line, sinker and all). Needless to say, it never worked out.

I then jumped into some tube amps. I purchased a pair of Quicksilver mono blocks. Beautiful midrange, top end, stage, etc...BUT NO BASS. Sold that one too!

I know have an Audio Aero Capitole stereo tube amplifier. Great amp, but I still don't have exactly what I'm looking for. However, it's brand new, so I'm going to give it about a month or so to break in, before I jump again.

Now, getting around to my point (finally)! A friend loaned me an Audio Research VT100 (Mk I vintage) to listen to until I received my current amp. It didn't do alot of those "audiophile things", but, and I do mean but, it made music. Big, rich, full bodied, tap your foot, get up and dance in a dark room alone kind of music. For some reason, I see a bunch of VT100 Mk III's for sale (I've been told they don't have that tubey richness that the Mk I did).

Needless to say I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a Mk II now.
I hope this gives you an idea. Go find one, and try it (Mk I or II).

Oh, by the way, I did try biamping with the Quicksilver on top, and a stereo Bryston on the bottom. Lots, and lots of bass...too much. Way too much.

Good luck.

Map1,

No doubt, the Jalo is a powerful, good sounding beast. When I went to CES this year this was one of the amps on my 'short' list to listen to. I was impressed, but again, I just didn't hear the shear musicality that I hear with the VT100.

Ok, so the VT100 doesn't exhibit the most ultimate highs, or the most accute transparency, or the tightest bass, or the fastest transients, or the utmost in accuracy, etc, etc. BUT, it is one killer of an amp. As I said earlier, it has balls, it boogies.

Full, rich, big bodied, textured, color, with air, air, and even more air presented in an absolute huge soundstage!! The VT100 just connected to me in a totally musically involving way. I found myself consumed in the experience (the goosebump kind), and for once not even giving a damn about all that audiophile stuff anymore. The VT100 gave me hot, wet kisses all night, and damnit, that's what I want!! Go find some reviews of the VT100 that the pros write, as they can probably explain it a whole hell of a lot better than I just did (or then again, maybe not).

After all, whatever it is that allows you to connect to the music is what this is all about. Don't get lost in the details, unless the details get you closer to the music, otherwise you've lost what it's all about.

Bottom line, I don't believe you have to biamp the VR4's to get them to do anything more than one great amp can. I know, I've heard one!